Faith enabled me work with confidence: Delhi Archbishop

"Faith enabled me to do what I could with confidence because I could always count on God's love," said Archbishop Vincent Concessao, as he recalled his 50 years of ministry.

The head of the Catholic Church in Delhi, Archbishop Concessao on Sunday celebrated 50 years of priesthood, in a function held at St Columba's School Grounds, adjacent to the Delhi's Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Some 25 bishops, hundreds of priests, religious and thousands of parishioners participated in the programme.

"These 50 years have gone by very fast. I have enjoyed my ministry and learnt a great deal, particularly the power of faith. In many difficult situations when there seemed to be no solution I trusted in the Lord and he came to my rescue," the Archbishop said.

Born in Puttur, Mangalore, Archbishop Concessao was ordained a priest after his seminary studies in 1961. From 1962, he served the Catholic community of Delhi and Agra as pastoral, social worker and bishop.

He was director of Chetanalya, the archdiocesan social service centre, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop before being appointed Archbishop of Agra. Later he was transferred to the national capital as the Archbishop of Delhi.

Earlier, Archbishop Concessao described the Church's ministry as communicating "God's unconditional love" to the people.

God wants us to reflect his goodness in our love and commitment to the poor particularly to those whom the society does not respect and give them their due, he said.

During a public function to felicitate him, Union Minister of Civil Supplies and Food KV Thomas lauded the dedicated ministry of Archbishop Concessao to the church, society and to the people. He described Archbishop Vincent as a committed crusader against corruption and a champion of the poor.

Archbishop Concessao is a strong advocate for the rights of Dalit Christians.