Events
Golden Jubilee Of Fr. Anthaiah Celebrated Joyfully

BALLARI, JAN. 17: Sacerdotal golden jubilee celebration of Rev. Fr. Anthiah celebrated joyfully at St. Antony’s Cathedral, Ballari, on January 17.

The thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was the climax of the celebrations. The joy was enhanced by the graceful presence of Bishop Henry D' Souza.

Fr. Anthiah, the jubilarian himself broke the Word of God by highlighting the prophetic mission of a priest and his own enriched experience in the vineyard of the Lord. He thanked and praised God for his prolonged priestly ministry.

He thanked Bishop Henry D’Souza and gratefully he recalled the former prelates and all the missionaries of Bellary Mission.

The celebration was meaningful with the joyful singing by the choir led by Fr Nathan and prayerful participation of clergy, religious and lay people from various parishes of the Diocese.

A felicitation programme followed at St. Antony’s Center.

While proposing toast Fr. Thomas Michael elucidated the yeomen service of the jubilarian, particularly at the St. Antony's Community Center.

Bishop Henry D'Souza lauded the services of Fr. Anthiah both at the Diocesan and Karnataka levels. He appreciated the jubilarian’s exemplary prayerful and disciplined life.

Mr. Lucas Vallathura IAS (retired) also felicitated the jubilarian appreciating his simple life style.

Fr. Anthiah hailed from Manampathy Kandigai, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. He was ordained on 18.12.1969.

Fr. Anthiah, a priest with a simple life style, he always visited the Mission stations in his humble bicycle and a small cloth bag containing his Breviary and Holy Scripture. Shine or shower never interrupted his missionary journeys to the remote villages.

The golden jubilarian Fr. Anthiah served the Diocese in different positions such as Secretary to Bishop, Parish Priest of Manvi, Hospet, Maski, Gangavthi, Hutti, St. Antony’s Cathedral, Harapanahalli, Kampli, Fort and Burma Camp.

He was the first Director of St. Antony's Community Center and for two years Spiritual Director in St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore.

He was been member of College of Consulters, member of Senate of Priests, and member of Diocesan Finance Council.

He retired from his active ministry on 1 May, 2015. Now he is residing at Bethany Senior Priests’ Home.

Fr. O. Vincent, Diocesan Finance Officer compeered the felicitation program. Fr. Jai Prakash thanked all those present. The entire program was organized by Fr. Ivan D'Souza, Director of St. Antony's Community Center and PRO, Diocese of Bellary.

A large number of Priests, Religious and Lay people including family members of the Jubiliarian participated in the program. All those present participated in the jubilee meal.