The silver jubilee of the appointment of Franciscan OFM Cap Father Francis Dondu to the priesthood was celebrated magnificently on Saturday morning, December 9, 2023, at Mersin St. Anthony Church.
After Father Roshan’s welcome speech, daily readings were held and Father Jawahar read words from St. Mark’s Gospel.
Father Carmine then gave a sermon and talked about the life of Father Francis.
After the service was over, Father Cordeiro took the floor. He said: “Dear Father Francis, I would like to express my wishes for a silver jubilee celebration of the 25th anniversary of your fatherly services in Türkiye for many years. I think you have to put in sweat and effort every day and every moment to reach this peak. “Your commitment to spreading the message of love, compassion and faith has touched the lives of countless people and made a significant impact on society.”
A portrait painting from Father Francis was given to him as a gift.
The honored priest thanked everyone in his short speech and then cut a cake with all the participants.
(SAT-7 TÜRK/Nathalie Ritzmann–İzmir)
