Forty Years in the Vineyard: A Ruby Jubilee of Grace and Service for Rev. Fr. William Menezes
The Holy Family Church in Omzoor was filled with a palpable sense of divine gratitude and community spirit on May 1, 2026, as parishioners gathered to celebrate the Ruby Jubilee of our Parish Priest, Fr. William Menezes. Marking 40 years since his ordination on April 29, 1986, Fr. William has lived out his calling under the guiding motto, “I have become all things to all men” (I Cor. 9:22). The celebration began with a solemn and grace-filled Thanksgiving Mass, where Fr. William served as the main celebrant, accompanied by the Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Diocese, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul Dsouza, and a large assembly of fellow priests. During the soul-stirring sermon, Fr. Antony Prakash Monteiro stressed the sacred mission of a priest, describing it as a life of total dedication within the “vineyard of the Lord,” where one must nurture the faith of the flock with patience and tireless love. The sanctuary was a beautiful sight of unity, as Fr. William was joined by his family members, well-wishers, and the faithful of Omzoor to offer thanks for four decades of spiritual leadership.
The festivities transitioned to the church grounds for a grand felicitation program, expertly steered by the Master of Ceremonies, Fr. Victor Dsouza. The evening opened with a graceful prayer dance, followed by a warm welcome from Mr. Arthur Dsouza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council. To symbolize the sweetness of the milestone, a jubilee cake was cut amidst joyful cheers. Fr. Francis Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Adyapadi, a noted writer and a former Raknno Editor, raised a poignant toast, reflecting on Fr. William’s impactful journey. In a reciprocal gesture of honor, the community also felicitated Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul Dsouza for completing 30 years of his episcopal ordination; in his address, the Bishop Emeritus praised Fr. William’s pastoral works and offered his apostolic blessings for the years ahead. Fr. Victor Dsouza, Vicar Vaar of Bantwal Deanery, praised Fr. William’s exemplary service to the Deanery. Mrs. Daffny Lewis, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, read the felicitation address on behalf of the parishioners and joined the dignitaries on the dais in felicitating the Parish Priest.
The program continued with heartfelt tributes, including a melodious wishing song by the church choir and a touching speech by Fr. William’s sister, Mrs. Emilda Pinto, followed by a special felicitation from his family. Deeply moved, Fr. William shared the “words of his heart,” expressing his profound joy in serving the Lord and his people. The event drew significant dignitaries, including MLA Mr. J.R. Lobo, MLC Mr. Ivan Dsouza, Diocesan PRO Mr. Roy Castelino, and Mr. Melwyn Prakash Noronha, a leading practising advocate from Mangalore, all of whom joined the Parish Pastoral Council, various church associations, parishioners, and loved ones in honoring the jubilarian. The evening reached a crescendo with a wishing song performed by all the Gurkars of the parish, representing the grassroots love of the community. After a sincere vote of thanks by Mr. Elroy Saldhana, the celebration concluded with a sumptuous meal, leaving the attendees—including Fr. Denis Saldhana, Sr. Luciana, and many religious and lay leaders—with memories of a milestone truly blessed by God.