By BIS correspondent

Mumbai, July 6 - Fr. Felix Almeida SDB, who hails from the parish of St Dominic Savio, Wadala East, Mumbai was ordained a priest on June 21 this year, in Mexico, at the hands of Cardinal Angel Artime Fernandez. Just two weeks later, he was back in his home parish of Wadala East, to celebrate his first Mass in India and in his home province of Mumbai.

On the morning of July 6 (Sunday), Fr Almeida spent an hour interacting with the Sunday school children, sharing with them his vocation story and wowing them with his many interesting experiences in the Mexican mission.

About an hour later, he celebrated his first Mass in his home parish before a congregation of about 250 persons. 28 Salesian priests, deacons and brothers also joined in the Eucharist.

Many were taken up by the warm hearted personality that Fr Almeida exuded as he spoke to them from the altar, but even more, when at the end of the Mass they came up to him to kiss his anointed hands.

At the felicitation that was held in the church soon after the Mass, the entire congregation sang 'Congratulations' to Fr Almeida while extending their hand of blessing towards him. Fr. Savio Silveira (Provincial) spoke in appreciation of Fr Almeida's generosity and enthusiasm in offering himself to the Salesian World Missions. A neighbour, Mrs. Philomena Barretto, who has known Felix since his childhood, came up to share (in Konkani) her memories of Felix's childhood years. Gifts were also presented to Fr Almeida by the FWA and by the Parish Vocation team.

At the end, as the people got out of the church, the laity were treated to a hot cup of tea or coffee, a slice of cake and a box of snacks, while the Salesians and the immediate family of Fr Almeida enjoyed a festive meal in the rectory.

The day was one of pride for the parish of St Dominic Savio. Fr Almeida is the latest in a steady line of priests that the parish has given to the Salesian congregation and to the Church. God bless Fr Almeida! May many more youngsters be inspired to follow in his footsteps!