Mangaluru: A felicitation ceremony was organized on at the premises of St Jude Church and Shrine, Pakshikere, to honor the selfless and loving service of Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza.

This was witnessed by people from all walks of life. The students of the school performed a prayer dance as well as a welcome dance which enthralled the gathering. Duganna Savanturu, the Arasu of Mulki Seeme presided over the occasion. The newly welcomed parish priest, Fr Melwyn Noronha spoke words of gratitude and blessing.

Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas and PMA Mohammed Ashraf Raaz Azadi spoke on the achievements Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza achieved from his youth till date and his service for the past seven years at Pakshikere, a shrine for thousands of pilgrims who come for counseling and pay their respect to God as well as the 'the Saint of the Hopeless’.

They said, “Fr Andrew is a very simple person, who works for the people and with the people, who fights against all odds as he has only this motto in his heart, mind and soul - if someone hurts you, love them and forgive them, let love change the world, if you have enemies, treat them only with love, because love is the only virtue that survives in the world."

They also added that Fr Andrew’s heart melted for the poor and the downtrodden and always wanted to bring a revolution with the four letter word, ‘Love’.

Dhananjay P Shettygar wished Fr Andrew all the best in life, as his service speaks at length of the love he had towards the people. He also added that Fr Andrew is always ready to do anything for the upliftment of the poor.

Seetharam K Shetty, Nagesh Anchan, Mohan Das were the chief guests at the occasion.

The dais was also graced by the presence of Fr Clifford Pinto, Ramesh Rathod (PDO of Kemral grama panchayat), Katherine (PDO of Padupanambur grama panchayat), Sr Mariama (new headmistress of St Jude English Medium School), Josphine Barness (headmistress of St Jude Kannada Medium School), Jackson Saldana (vice president Of The Parish Pastoral Committee) and Carol Cutinho (secretary Of The Parish Pastoral Committee). Vinayaka Mithra Mandaly auto rickshaw association Pakshikere also felicitated Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza.

The event was compered by Arpitha Shetty, vote of thanks was delivered by Fr Clifford Pinto.

The entire programme concluded with a grand lunch.

The event was well organized by the members of St Jude Church and Shrine, St Jude educational institutions and the honoring committee Pakshikere.