Team Herald
MARGAO: There was a heart-warming and largely-attended 100th birthday function of Fr Rosario Menezes at the Clergy Home, here, on Friday.
His Eminence Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao presided over the special Eucharistic celebration dedicated to Fr Menezes which was attended by his family, friends, well-wishers and priests and get-together thereafter.
Cardinal Ferrao also joined the crowd in singing for Fr Menezes as he cut his birthday cake while musicians serenaded the audience too.
Earlier, during the Eucharistic celebration, the Cardinal showered Fr Menezes with praises and hailed his rich contributions across the State and for spreading the word of God, while helping unite communities.
Cardinal Ferrao recalled what Pope Francis had recently said about the need for priests being grounded with their flock and that Fr Menezes has been an example of that and a role model to the younger generation of priests.
“A priest must be a shepherd who has the smell of his sheep,” said the Cardinal.
He further recalled the work Fr Menezes had done in various churches and chapels in the villages of Varca, Quelossim, Velim, Sirlim, Navelim, Majorda etc.
The Cardinal also expressed his gratitude to God for giving Fr Menezes 100 years. He also spoke with fondness about how Fr Menezes is still so active and conversive at his senior age.
“I wish to offer my thanks to God for allowing me to live for so long. I also ask all of you to pray for me so that I have strength to live my future years with peace and good health,” said Fr Menezes.
While his family members also recalled moments they shared with Fr Menezes, it was his godson Fr Dylon D’Costa who thanked the gathering and all those who had prayed for Fr Menezes and asked them to continue to pray for him.
He added that this is a momentous and joyous occasion and he was very happy for Fr Menezes who got to share century anniversary with people who care for him and wish him well.
Past parishioners at the churches Fr Menezes rendered service also paid rich tributes to the him at the function.
