By Mr Lionel D’Souza for BISMumbai

On 18 June 2022, His Lordship Bishop Barthol Barretto formally inducted Fr Kenneth Mario Pereira as the Parish Priest of St Dominic Savio Parish, Wadala. The other members of the parish team – Frs. John Baptist, Gregory D’Cunha and John Samala – were all present for the Eucharist.

Bishop Barthol started by giving a brief about Fr Kenneth. Fr John Baptist, later read out the formal letter of appointment. The Bishop then called the vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Bernard Rodrigues, to verify the appointment letter. After an inspiring homily by the Bishop, Fr Kenneth was called upon to make his profession of faith, take the oath of office and sign it in the presence of the Bishop.

After communion, the Bishop led Fr Kenneth to the Tabernacle, the Baptistry, the Lectern and to the confessional, as a reminder to him of his pastoral duties. He then handed over the keys of the church to Fr Kenneth, thereby completing the induction of Fr Kenneth as the Parish Priest.

In conclusion, Bishop Barthol instructed Fr Kenneth on leading people to God with love. He told him to especially look after those at the fringe of society, the poor and those in need of help. The Bishop expressed his gratitude towards Fr Kenneth’s mother, who was present, and thanked her for giving her two sons to serve the Lord. Lastly, Fr Kenneth addressed the assembly, and expressed his gratitude for having such a wonderful parish team. He expressed the hope that with the support and cooperation of the many people of goodwill in the parish, it would become a vibrant parish.