Fr Raymond D'Souza SJ (sixth from left) with priests on 88 years of age in Eden Gardens and Children Home, Khuzama on July 28.
Khuzama, July 28 (MExN): The pioneer of Jesuit missionaries (Reverend Fr Ligoury Castelino, Reverend Fr Stany Coelho and then Brother Raymond D’Souza, who arrived Nagaland in 1970, the survived Reverend Fr Raymond D’Souza SJ has attained 88 years and completed 70 years in the Society of Jesus (Jesuit).
A thanksgiving ceremony was held at Eden Gardens Children’s Home in Khuzama, Nagaland, to mark the milestone, stated a press release received here.
Speaking at the event, Fr Jerome SJ, Parish Priest of Liyai in the Archdiocese of Manipur, said that Fr Raymond had vision for the love of children in Eden Gardens reflects God’s grace triumphing over the world. Like a mustard seed sown in Calicut (Kerala), Fr Raymond’s Jesuit mission blossomed in Nagaland and beyond, bearing fruit through his selfless service, Fr Jerome added. He described Fr D’Souza as a man of prayer whose smile radiated generosity.
The Jesuit sowed the seed of Catholic faith in Kidima (Nagaland) on November 22, 1970. Altogether six members of Kidima community under the patronage of St Francis Xavier were baptised and became the “first established church in North East India by the Society of Jesus.”
In the 55 years of journey, the Society of Kohima Region is serving in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland.
The faithful leaders, priests, nuns and children joined in the occasion ceremony. Fr Pravin Solaski, SJ Rector cum Principal of Loyola Higher Secondary School, Jakhama officiated the sacred programme. Felicitation programme was organised after the holy service, the release added.
