It was a time for celebration for South East India Province as it had the great celebration of the 450th Birth Anniversary of our Patron St. Francis De Sales and the Silver Jubilee of the ordination of the two of our conferrers namely Fr. A. Lawrence, Msfs and Fr. S. Alexander, Msfs. The celebration commenced with the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by two of our Jubilarians and Rev. Fr. Provincial and the Parish priest of Nagamangalam, who was also in his silver Jubilee year. The holy mass began at 10.00 am with a welcome prayer dance by SFS School, Pudukkottai, followed by the procession to the altar. MSFS fathers from our province, fathers from in and around, sisters and brothers were part of the Eucharistic celebration. During the mass, the word of God was broken by Fr. Thomas Msfs from Pune province, highlighting sublime virtues of our patron on the occasion of 450th Birth Anniversary of our Patron.
After the holy Eucharist, there was a felicitation ceremony. The felicitation ceremony was colorful with the presence of Most. Rev. Dr. Antony Devotta, the Bishop of Trichy. The Silver Jubilarians were honored for their 25 years of service as priests and then Fr. Selvaraj, Msfs gave words of appreciation on Fr. Lawrence and Fr. Sebastianraj Msfs gave words on Fr. Alexander. They spoke about their service to the congregation and to the church. Most. Rev. Bishop shared his thoughts and congratulated the heroes of the day. Fr. Provincial expressed his joy to everyone and thanked all for their participation. Then the Jubilarians cut the cake and expressed their happiness to all. It was followed by a meal. It was a great day colorful and memorable one to all of us.
I. Bio-Data of Fr. S. Alexander
Father Alexander was born on 10 May 1963 at Karungal as the first son in the family. He has 7 brothers and a sister. The head of the family are Mr. A. Singarayan and Mrs. G. Victoria. In fact, among the children, there is one more is Msfs Priest. In the year 1981, Fr. Alexander joined the Fransalians at Tanuku. He did his Minor Seminary in SFS Minor Seminary at Nidadavole in 1982-1983. He entered the novitiate at Salesianum in 1983 and made his first profession on 15th Dec, 1984. He did his Post Novitiate in 1985. He did his philosophical studies from 1985 to 1988. He was ordained a priest on 21st June, 1993 at his home parish Karungal. He has specialized himself in B.A, M.A, B.ED and M. Phil
Places of Ministry: At first, he did his ministry as the Assistant Parish priest at Itaga, Tanzania (1993-1994). He was the Vice Rector and Vocation Promoter at Minor Seminary, Morogoro Cum Secretary to the Regional Superior, Africa Region (1994-1996). He was the procurator at SFS, Study House, Janampet (1996- 1998). He was the first parish priest of Holy Trinity Church, Adanur (1999-2001). He was parish priest at St. Antony’s church, Ammapatty (2001-2002) and Sacred Heart Church, Kadayal (2002-2005). He was the Principal at SFS School, Alangayam (2005-2007). He did his pastoral ministry at Germany (2007-2008). He was the Admonitor of the province from 2005 to 2008. He was appointed as procurator of SFS School, Virudhunagar (2008-2010). He was appointed as Superior of Msfs Provincialate, Trichy (2010-2012). He was doing his ministry at Divine Center, Chalakudy (2012-2014). He was appointed as parish priest of Nalattinputhur (2014-2017). Right now he is appointed as mission preacher cum in-charge of land at Manakudy. He holds the authorship for 3 books and Released 3 CDs.
II. Bio- Data of Fr. A. Lawrence
Fr. A. Lawrence was born on 27th May 1965 at Valayampaty as the first son among the 4 children. He has 2 brothers and a sister. His Parents are Late. Mr. Amal Raj and Mrs. Veda Mary. He did his minor seminary at Ettumanoor, Kerala. He entered the novitiate at Salesianum in 1984 and made his first profession on 15th Dec, 1985. After completing his philosophical studies in Suvidya, Bangalore, he was sent to Vaniyambadi Parish for his Regency. He did his Theology in Pune. He was ordained a priest on 12th October 1993. He has specialized himself in B.A, M.A, B.ED and M. Phil
Places of Ministry: His first years as priest were spent at Sacred Heart Parish at Kadayal (1993-1994) and at Msfs minor seminary as the Vocation Promoter and Dean of Studies (1994-1998). From 1998 to 2004, he was the Principal and Correspondent of SFS School, Parachur, Andhra Pradesh. After that, he was in SFS School at Pudukkottai, as principal (2004-2005). Chennai region was born on 24th January 2005. He took charge as the first Regional Superior and subsequently as the first Provincial of South- East India Province in 2008 – 2011. After having completed his office, he was appointed as the Rector of the MSFS minor seminary, Pudukkottai (1911-1914). He was appointed as the parish priest of Sendurai (2014-2017). Right now, he is appointed as the Principal of SFS School, Pudukkottai.
Bro. S. Jerald