A SYMPHONY OF GRATITUDE AND GRACE : Province Day and Jubilee Celebration at Sadbhavana
December 9, 2025 stands as a golden milestone in the annals of the KG Province, a day graced with reflection, renewal, and rejoicing. The celebrations commenced in the morning with the Superiors’ Meeting at 9:00 a.m., during which Dr. Tony Sam George, Professor at Christ University, Bengaluru, offered a profound and insightful input session entitled “Neglect to Nurture: Being Stewards of Our Emotional Lives.” Thereafter, the Superiors continued their deliberations, engaging in earnest discussions on the scheduled agenda for the betterment of the Province.

As dusk settled, the spirit of thanksgiving blossomed into a solemn celebration. At 6:00 p.m., the Province Day and Jubilee celebrations were inaugurated with the Holy Eucharist. The silver jubilarian, Fr. Stifan Perera, gracefully presided over the sacred liturgy, joined by the Provincial, his Council, Fr Charles Serrao and the Superiors of various communities. Fr. Praveen D’Souza delivered a deeply inspiring homily, stirring hearts and rekindling zeal within the assembly. The liturgy was animated by Fr. Jesvin Benoy, while the melodious choir, led by Frs. Richard Menezes and Ronald D’Souza, lifted every soul in praise and thanksgiving.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the friars gathered in the quadrangle of Sadbhavana, where a joyful felicitation programme unfolded. The evening was charmingly compered by Fr. Deepak Thomas, whose wit and gentle humour infused warmth and spontaneity into the gathering. Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, the Vicar Provincial, extended a heartfelt welcome, setting a tone of gratitude and fraternity.
The toast to the silver jubilarian, Fr. Stifan Perera, was eloquently proposed by Fr. Joy Francis, who beautifully highlighted his sterling qualities, visionary initiatives, his remarkable efforts in procuring burses for the Province, and his unwavering service rendered in diverse capacities over the past twenty-five years of consecrated life. Fr. Lancy Mendonca then raised a toast for the Province Day, expressing sincere appreciation to all the friars, nuns, and OCDS members whose silent sacrifices and generous contributions have shaped the steady growth of the Province. He offered special words of gratitude to the Provincial, who has shepherded the Province with wisdom and dedication for the last two and a half years.

In a dignified and traditional manner, Fr. Stifan Perera was felicitated and presented with a commemorative gift, as a token of love and esteem. The Provincial was also honoured by the entire Provincial Council in a moving gesture of respect and brotherhood. The evening was further enlivened by a melodious wishing song rendered by Frs. Richard Menezes, Clifford Rodrigues, and Melwin Lasrado, which echoed sentiments of joy and thanksgiving. Adding a playful sparkle to the celebration, Frs. Jesvin Benoy and Vinod Lobo conducted lively spot games, keeping the gathering animated and filled with laughter.

In a moment of deep humility and gratitude, Fr. Stifan Perera expressed his heartfelt thanks, acknowledging God’s gentle guidance and the unwavering support of his confreres. The Provincial, in turn, shared words of wisdom, lovingly recalling the selfless service of all those who have toiled for the growth of the Province. He invited everyone to continue fostering the spirit of fraternity, the cherished hallmark of the KG Province.

The celebrations drew to a warm and cordial close with a festive meal, lovingly prepared by Frs. Henry Moras and John Baptist Pinto. The Province Day and Jubilee Celebration thus became a sacred platform of thanksgiving, fellowship, and joy, where every friar rejoiced in the spirit of brotherhood within the serene portals of Sadbhavana.

With deep gratitude, the Province also remembered Rev. Frs. Ronald Sequeira and John Cyrus D’Souza, Silver Jubilarians of Religious Profession, and Fr. Deepak Tauro, Silver Jubilarian of Ordination, who are presently serving the mission abroad. Special prayers were offered for their intentions, and their valuable contributions to the Province, both in India and overseas, were lovingly acknowledged.

Thus, the day blossomed into a radiant hymn of praise — to God’s abiding fidelity and to the beauty of fraternity that continues to flourish in the heart of the KG Province.