Delhi Archbishop celebrates 50 years of priesthood

(December 05, 2011) Indian Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi celebrated 50 years of priesthood on Sunday along with three of his companions. The jubilee celebrations, consisting of a concelebrated Eucharist, cultural programme and felicitations, were held at the St Columba’s School Grounds, adjacent to Delhi’s Sacred Heart Cathedral. The archbishop’s companions, Frs. Victor D’Souza, Paul Serrao and Joe Thomas concelebrated Mass with Archbishop Concessao. More than 5,000 people from different walks of life along with 20 prelates, 280 priests and scores of nuns attended the celebration. Archbishop Concessao who was born in Mangalore was ordained priest on Dec 4, 1961. Thereafter he served the Catholic community of Delhi and Agra as pastoral, social worker and bishop. He was director of Chetanalya, the archdiocesan social service centre, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop before being appointed Archbishop of Agra. He was transferred to the national capital as Archbishop in 2000 following the death of Archbishop Alan de Lastic. At Sunday’s felicitation ceremony, Union Minister of Civil Supplies and Food K.V. Thomas described Archbishop Concessao as a committed crusader against corruption and a champion of the poor. Looking back at the 50 years of his priesthood, the archbishop said it was marked by the power of faith. “In many difficult situations when there seemed to be no solution I trusted in the Lord and he came to my rescue,” he said. Archbishop Concessao is currently in charge of the Indian Catholic bishops’ Office for Health, President of the All India Council of Religions for Peace and of the Foundation for Religious Harmony and Universal Peace. He is a strong advocate for the rights of Dalit Christians.