In our Vijayawada community, this year the celebration of the feast of our founder Blessed James Alberione on November 26, 2024, became doubly colourful and memorable, as it was coupled with the celebration of the sacerdotal silver jubilee of Fr Wilson Thekkenath. The whole community geared itself well in advance, to make the day’s programme an ecstatic experience for all the participants. The spiritual preparations began with the insightful novena. The students put in their best efforts to keep the house and the surroundings clean and elegant with colourful decorations. As a culmination of all that, the day’s programme was meticulously planned and effectively implemented. Almost all the invitees positively responded and blessed us with their gracious presence and active participation. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by our beloved bishop of Vijayawada, Rev. T. Joseph Raja Rao. Rev. Fr M. Prasad, VG of the diocese and around 30 priests from various parishes and religious communities joined as concelebrants. The presence of our members from the Eluru community, Daughters of St Paul from Secunderabad, Sister Disciples from Nellore, sisters and brothers from various religious communities, and our Pauline collaborators enhanced the joy of being together. Rev. Fr Varghese, the Superior of the Community welcomed all the participants. Franciscan sisters from Thullur elevated everyone’s spirit into a heavenly realm with their melodious singing. Everyone appreciated our beloved Bishop’s thought-provoking homily and meaningful Eucharistic celebration. Fr Vincent Carmel Bhavan assisted by Br Arul, Br Leo and Fr Philip took care to see that the whole programme went on well. Fr Wilson proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was concluded with a short felicitation programme to honour Fr Wilson and the dignitaries, followed by the delicious fellowship meal. 
