Lovingly he
calls all of us, “Hey Buddy! How’s life?” And in return I like to call him the same. I
also call him a postmodernist. Why do I call Fr Tony D’Souza – A Postmodernist?
it’s because I feel, think, and see him as a postmodernist. Always “young at
heart,” especially when he’s speaking. Oh! Yes, the speaking makes me think of
him as a person who is not an orator, or a maestro, or as an extempore speaker
but I believe it is much more than these. A person who speaks not only from his
mind but also from his heart. I am simply mesmerized and encapsulated by his
sermons, good nights, a word in my ear or when I hear him call someone or me…”Hey
Buddy!!!”
I’ve heard the
staff and brothers speaking of Fr Tony as an experienced person with many years
(graces) lived by – be it – in Formation or Missions, in Position or Authority
and all this is very much true. His creativity and optimism is the key with which
he unlocks our (my) little minds in manner of putting things across to us (me).
This year in our
community we will be celebrating Fr Tony’s Golden Jubilee of Profession and I
acclaim here by saying that it is indeed a ‘Gift of Grace’ for us to have him
or rather for us to be a part of this community with his presence. An exemplary
Salesian, Priest and Religious to live with and to share a life of love and
moments filled with blessings.
The blend of his
fatherly concern and motherly care can be felt in the sacrament of
Reconciliation. The magnetic pull of his holiness can be felt whenever Fr Tony
is celebrating the holy Eucharist or is spending quality time with the Lord in
the chapel.
One of Fr Tony’s
famous quotation is: “Are you a Convinced or Conditioned Salesian/Religious ?”
A great
visionary and zealous missionary is a combo factor of his Salesian lived life.
This is what I
got back when I asked a few of my companions to say something about Fr Tony….
· Clarence – I like Fr Tony’s Humility
(being in position earlier, he is able to respect his superiors).
· Nelson – Fr Tony is great when it comes
to cracking jokes (right jokes at the right time) and how can one miss his one
liners.
· Bryce – I appreciate the quality of
Holiness in Fr Tony (homilies, confessions, and spiritual direction).
