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On Sunday, February 11 the Parish of Tortuga celebrated the 20th Ordination Anniversary of our beloved priest Fr Shijomon Abraham Zacharias MSFS fondly called ‘Fr Abraham’.
Fr Abraham’s journey into priesthood began after he graduated from secondary school. After which, he went on to complete his novitiate and on February 12, 2004, Fr Abraham was ordained a priest.
In honour of this special occasion, Holy Mass was celebrated. Fr Abraham was the chief celebrant. Fr Steve Ransome, Vicar for the Central Vicariate, delivered a beautiful and realistic homily. He described Fr Abraham as a man of deep prayer, with the desire and power to be a good priest to his parishioners.
He recalled that whenever Fr Abraham began a Mass, he would tell the congregation, “Welcome to a celebration of love.” Vicar General Fr Martin Sirju along with Frs Wilfred John, Trevor Nathasingh and Simon Peter Ango were also present at the celebration. They all endorsed the great love Fr Abraham had for his vocation.
As part of the celebration of love, each community in the parish gave tribute to Fr Abraham in the form of song, dance, instrumentals, and literature: performances which left everyone in attendance astounded by the talent presented.
Following the Mass, the Parish Men’s Group served dinner where toasts were raised, laughter exchanged, and a cake was cut to celebrate this milestone in Fr Abraham’s priesthood.
Fr Abraham has made a significant impact among his parishioners by strengthening the various ministries and opening doors to greater opportunities to serve. One of Fr Abraham’s visions is to encourage youth engagement. He will no doubt continue pursuing this mission in the parish of Tortuga.
The impact that Fr Shijomon Abraham has made on the parishioners and the communities within the Tortuga parish will forever be remembered. Ask any of the parishioners; they can attest to it.
Father came into the parish with a bang giving new ideas to better build the parish. According to the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Allister Hankey, Fr Abraham is a priest of the people, by the people and for the people.
God bless you, Father, and thank you for your unwavering service.
—Xiomara Pereira Castillo, Youth Member, Tortuga Parish Media Team
