Archdiocese of Calcutta Honours First Batch of Morning Star Seminary During Golden Jubilee Celebration

Kolkata, December 11, 2025: The Archdiocese of Calcutta marked a unique milestone on 9 December 2025 with a Jubilee celebration honouring the first batch (1975) of Morning Star Regional Seminary seminarians. The Church of Christ the King in Park Circus, Kolkata, hosted the event, where the surviving members of the pioneering group were felicitated.

The celebration recognised the Sacerdotal Golden Jubilees of eight surviving priests, including two bishops, in what became a grand reunion of distinguished clergy who have served the Church across India throughout their long and devoted ministries. Five Jubilarians were present: Bishop Cyprian Monis, Bishop John Thomas, Fr. M. Alphonse Raj, Fr. Gerald Machado and Fr. Soosai Manickam. The other Jubilarians — Msgr Leslie Shenoy, Fr. Babazino Fernandes and Fr. Albert Lobo — were unable to attend.

The occasion began with a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Cyprian, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Asansol. The church was filled with laity, religious and priests, and a special Jubilee Choir added solemnity through its melodic contribution. The other Jubilarians concelebrated alongside priests from across the region. Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta graced the event, as did Bishop Emeritus of Baruipur, Bp Salvador Lobo.

A short cultural programme followed the Mass, during which the Jubilarians were felicitated and presented with a “Jubilee Kit.” They later cut a commemorative cake, shared among all those gathered.

Archbishop Elias offered a brief but heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the priests’ unwavering fidelity to their vocation. “I want to thank you for being faithful to the Lord,” he said. Highlighting the profound challenge of priestly obedience, he added, “The biggest challenge for us priests is obedience, and it is even more difficult to follow than celibacy. These Jubilarians are here today as a testimony to the lives of obedience.” He further emphasised, “Being a priest is not a big deal – being a genuine priest is – to be faithful. It is in that obedience we are truly priests in the image of Christ... who was obedient until death.”

Speaking on behalf of the Jubilarians, Bishop John delivered a few words in his characteristic tongue-in-cheek style, delighting the audience.

The programme concluded with a celebratory dinner attended by clergy, provincials, religious sisters and members of the Parish Council. The event was conceived by Fr. Sunil Rosario, a senior priest and early Morning Star alumnus, and organised with the support of Revd Gregory Monterio, Pastor of Christ the King Church, and his Pastoral Council, who helped ensure a memorable tribute to the region’s distinguished clergy.

By Archdiocese of Calcutta

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