The Society of St Paul, Pune, celebrated the 90th birthday of Fr Anselm on 21 April 2024, as well as the Diamond Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination which actually falls on 30 June 2024, but which was anticipated by about two months to combine it with the Navathi. Celebrating 90th birthday and Diamond Jubilee of Priestly Ordination are significant milestones in one’s life, marking a lifetime of experiences and memories. It is a momentous occasion to recall the person's journey through nine decades of life and six decades of priestly ministry. Fr Joseph Tirkey, SSP, in his welcome note quoted great Sanskrit Poet Kalidasa and said, dear Fr Anselm, “Look to this Day! For it is Life, the very Life of Life. In its brief course lie all the Verities and Realities of your Existence; The Bliss of Growth, The Glory of Action, The Splendour of Beauty…”
Fr Sajith Cyriac, Provincial Councillor introduced Fr Anselm to the gathering by saying, “After his studies and Ordination in Rome and on returning to India in 1966 he was Novice Master from 1967 to 1970 and at the same time also teacher of Latin and Philosophy. From 1970 to 1976 he was superior of the house of Allahabad and from 1976 to 1978 Master of Juniors for Brotherhood. From 1978 to 1986 he was Provincial Superior, from 1986 to 1998 Provincial Bursar and from 1998 to 2002 Provincial Superior.”
The celebration included Holy Eucharist which was presided over by Fr Joby Mathew, SSP, Provincial Superior of India-Great Britain and Ireland Province and was concelebrated by many Pauline priests who came from Mumbai communities and attended by Pauline brothers, religious sisters from various communities of Pune, relatives and friends. There were around 75 people present for the function. Fr Joby in his homily highlighted the qualities of a good shepard, and explained how Fr Anselm has been a good shepherd.
After the Holy Eucharist Fr Anselm was honoured with a shawl by Fr Joby Mathew, SSP, and was felicitated by the gathering. The event ended with an agape.