Hey Buddy!

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).