Together 80 years of priest: jubilee fair and Indian festival in Großpetersdorf

Together 80 years of priest: jubilee fair and Indian festival in Großpetersdorf

A very special day was the past Sunday in Großpetersdorf when two priestly anniversary were honored. Dechant Sebastian Edakarottu and Dr. Erich Seifner invited to the parish church to initiate a total of 80 years of priesthood. While Sebastian celebrated his 30th anniversary, his fellow brother Erich looked back on a proud 50 years.

The anniversary fair was visited by numerous believers, and the motto "Together we are 80 years of priest" ran through the celebrations like a thread. Pastor Edakarottu, who has his roots in Kerala Indian, preached the service to people in his sermon. His gratitude for the appeal to the priest was clearly expressed, and he emphasized that "the holiness is not to do exceptional things, but to make God work", a quote from Pope Francis that underlines the apprenticeship as a priest.

A look at the anniversaries

Pastor Edakarottu, born on August 15, 1967, was ordained a priest in 1994. Growing up in Kerala, he brings a rich cultural heritage that is also shown in his work. After completing his studies, he begins his service in the Eisenstadt diocese, where he now acts as a dean and is committed to the community.

dr. Erich Seifner, born on July 2, 1947 in Dörfl in Burgenland, has had an impressive career. After his ordination in 1974, he took on various tasks in the diocese, including the management of the parish association Eberau-Gaas and the parish service in Oberwart. His doctorate as a doctor of theology shows his deep connection with Catholic teaching and the desire to conduct and inspire the community. Seifner has been working as a temporary priest in the pastoral room "via Pacis" since September 2023.

celebrations and special projects

After the fair, a sociable get -together in the parish center followed. The chefs Edakarottu and his team spoiled the guests with Indian delicacies, which caused a fantastic atmosphere. Numerous congratulations from the pastoral room "Via Pacis" took a positive record of the celebrations and exchanged memories and congratulations.

A highlight of the anniversary celebration was the presentation of the new calendar for 2025, the proceeds of which benefit an important project in Kerala. In this calendar you can see photos of Sebastian's last trip to India, which are supposed to show the beauty and culture of his home country. "With this calendar I would like to invite everyone to explore my home with me," explained Edakarottu and established the connection between charity and the purchase of the calendar.

The celebration was not only a festive occasion, but also a sign of the community and solidarity together, which connects across cultural borders. The jubilees emphasized that the service to people and the support of projects such as "We Care" are of great importance in order to improve the lives more complicit in their homeland and to practice charity. This shows once again how important the cohesion of the community is, also across geographical borders.

The commitment of the two priests and the lively participation in the celebrations are a nice example of how lived faith can form and strengthen community. Details on the solemn occasions and the versatile projects that support the two priests are in the report of www.meinbezirk.at read.