Secular Franciscan Order of St. Lawrence Parish Moodubelle, Celebrates Platinum Jubilee

Moodubelle, October 10, 2026: The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on Saturday, marking 75 years of faith, prayer, fraternity and service. The milestone celebration brought together clergy, Franciscan members, religious sisters, parish representatives, former office-bearers and well-wishers to honour the fraternity’s rich legacy and renew its commitment to Gospel values.
The celebration commenced with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Parish Priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, and Dean of Udupi Deanery, who was also the chief guest. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle; Rev. Fr. Manohar D’Souza, Spiritual Director of SFO, Udupi Deanery; Rev. Fr. Stephen Rodrigues, Assistant Parish Priest of Moodubelle; Rev. Fr. Leo Lobo, Rector of Assisi Nilaya; and Rev. Fr. Jerald Veigas of Assisi Nilaya.

In his homily, Fr. Denis D’Sa reflected on the challenges of the contemporary world and emphasised the importance of humility, prayer and obedience, drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. He urged the members to remain faithful to their Franciscan vocation and uphold Gospel values in their daily lives, particularly in a world confronted by numerous challenges.
Following the Holy Mass, a formal programme was held in the church hall, compered by Mrs. Reshma D’Souza. The programme began with a prayer dance presented by the members of Stree Sanghattan, invoking God’s blessings on the gathering.

The dignitaries present included Fr. Denis D’Sa, Fr. George D’Souza, Fr. Manohar D’Souza, Fr. Stephen Rodrigues, Fr. Leo Lobo and Fr. Jerald Veigas; Mr. Prithesh D’Sa, Vice-President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Sr. Irene Lasrado, National Secretary of SFO; Sr. Delphin D’Souza, Udupi Regional SFO President; Mrs. Jyothi D’Souza, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs. Monica D’Souza, Coordinator of the 20 Commissions; and Sr. Sobhina Martis, President of SFO, Moodubelle.

Sr. Sobhina Martis welcomed the gathering and expressed her joy and gratitude on the historic occasion. The dignitaries jointly cut the jubilee cake, symbolising the unity and fellowship of the fraternity. Cake and juice were distributed to those present, while the brothers of Assisi Nilaya rendered a peace song, adding a special Franciscan touch to the celebration.

Sr. Lilly Lobo, Secretary of SFO, Moodubelle, presented the jubilee report, tracing the fraternity’s origins, growth, achievements and contributions over the decades. The fraternity was established at St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle, on October 30, 1951, during the tenure of the then Parish Priest, the late Rev. Fr. Jerome Pinto, and Assistant Parish Priest, the late Rev. Fr. Vincent Lobo. The report highlighted the dedication of generations of members who have upheld the Franciscan spirit and contributed to the Church and society.

An emotional highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of senior members aged 75 and above. They were honoured by Fr. Manohar D’Souza in recognition of their longstanding association and valuable contributions to the fraternity. In his address, he encouraged members to continue embracing the Franciscan way of life with humility, dedication and faith.

Former presidents of SFO, Moodubelle, were felicitated by Fr. George D’Souza in appreciation of their leadership and service, while former secretaries were honoured by Fr. Stephen Rodrigues for their commitment and contributions. Mr. Prithesh D’Sa conveyed his greetings and congratulated the fraternity on reaching the significant milestone.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Fr. Denis D’Sa highlighted the ongoing conflicts across the world and the challenges confronting young people. He stressed the need for peace, understanding, compassion and responsible living, urging the members to follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi and become instruments of peace through their words and actions.

Dr. Eugene D’Souza, reporter of Bellevision, was felicitated by Fr. Manohar D’Souza in recognition of his contribution to media and reporting. Incidentally, his mother late Severine DSouza was the founder member of the SFO who passed away on 11 September 2024 at the age of 97.

Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa was also felicitated by Fr. George D’Souza in appreciation of his presence as chief guest. Congratulating the fraternity, Fr. George encouraged its members to carry forward their mission with renewed faith, unity and enthusiasm.

Donors who generously supported the jubilee celebration were honoured by Fr. Jerald Veigas. The prayer dancers were felicitated by Mrs. Jyothi D’Souza, while the brothers of Assisi Nilaya were honoured by Mrs. Monica D’Souza, Sr. Irene Lasrado and Sr. Delphin D’Souza for their meaningful participation.

Sr. Helen D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the priests, religious, dignitaries, former office-bearers, senior members, donors, performers, volunteers and well-wishers who contributed to the success of the celebration.

The programme concluded with Fr. Leo Lobo leading the prayer before the meal, invoking God’s blessings on the food and all those present. A fellowship lunch followed, bringing the jubilee celebrations to a warm and joyful close.

The Platinum Jubilee was not merely a commemoration of 75 years of history but also an occasion to renew the fraternity’s commitment to its mission. Inspired by the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, the members reaffirmed their dedication to prayer, humility, obedience, fraternity, peace and service to the poor and needy.

As SFO, Moodubelle, looks towards the future, it carries forward a legacy built on faith and selfless service, with a renewed resolve to live the Gospel in everyday life and become instruments of peace and love in the Church and society.