TRIPLE CELEBRATION AT ST. EDMUND’S PARISH, VANCOUVER - CANADA
On Sunday, October 15, 2015 we had a triple celebration; we celebrated the Feast of St. Edmund of Abingdon, our beloved Pastor’s (Fr. Jerald D’Souza) 25th Anniversary of his Religious Profession and his birthday. It started with the 11:00am Mass; Father Tim McCarthy and Father James Comey (retired priests from North Shore deanery) concelebrated with Father Jerry, who did not know they were coming, he said this was the nicest surprise. Our Grand Knight and an Honour Guard were there to process in with the priests and many of our altar servers; who were excited and honoured to be part of this celebration. At the Mass the children from Children’s Liturgy presented Father with a basket of cards and a beautiful little replica of our church which they painted. The church was full to capacity with parishioners and many lay Carmelites of the lower mainland to show their love and dedication to our beloved Pastor.

After Mass everyone went to the parish hall for a reception, the hall was beautifully decorated with posters of past events of St. Edmund’s parish and recent posters of events with Father Jerry. Peter Nation, a parishioner, was our MC and read some excerpts from letters sent to Father Jerry from Archbishop Michael Miller, Provincial Father Charles Serrao and all the Canadian Carmelite friars. All these letters were put in an album, which was presented to Father Jerry as a keepsake. The principal of the school and some students did a small presentation to Father. The presidents of the lower mainland lay Carmelites presented Father Jerry with cards and Molly Diaz said a few words and gave him flowers. Father Jerry was deeply touched and thanked everyone for who helped to organize with this wonderful celebration. He also thanked everyone for coming and making him feel so loved and special. Father Jerry cut the cake and everyone then enjoyed the scrumptious luncheon the CWL ladies had made and so beautiful presented. The atmosphere was wonderful and uplifting and everyone enjoyed themselves. We are so blessed to have Father Jerry as our shepherd.