The Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee and 76th birthday of Rev. Dr. N.S. Marie Joseph will be celebrated by the Parishioners of St. Peter’s Church on Sept. 27 at the Church premises in Bogadi at 5 pm. The Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist will be followed by a felicitation function in the presence of Most Rev. Dr. K. A. William, the Bishop of Mysuru; Most Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Vazhapilly, the Bishop Emeritus, Mysuru and Most Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Swamy, the Bishop of Chikkamagalur. To mark the solemn occasion, here we publish a brief write-up on the Jubilarian Monsignor N.S. Marie Joseph on his 50 Golden Years of Service.—Ed

Monsignor Dr. N.S. Marie Joseph was born to late Shanthappa and late Chauramma on Sept.27, 1942. Having had his primary education in Ganjam, Srirangapatna Taluk, he completed his Secondary Schooling at St. Philomena’s High School, Mysuru and obtained BA degree from the University of Dharwad.

His early Priestly formation and theological studies for Priesthood commenced at St. Mary’s Seminary, Mysuru and later proceeded to St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru, to complete Bachelor in Theology. He was ordained as Priest on April 13, 1967.

Identifying him to be an extraordinary student, the then Bishop of Mysuru late Mathias Fernandes sent him for higher studies to obtain a Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures (S.S.L) from the Biblical Institute of Rome. Further, he obtained a Doctorate in Biblical Theology (S.T.D) at the Gregorian University, Rome. He also obtained a Diploma in Special Biblical Studies from Hebrew University, Jerusalem.

His Doctoral thesis in Biblical Theology was awarded “Summa Cum Laude,”  an academic level of distinction used by educational institutions to signify an academic degree received “with highest honour.”

Monsignor Dr. N.S. Marie Joseph has served as Assistant Parish Priest at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Mysuru; St. Theresa’s Church, Mysuru South; St. Paul the Hermit Church, Jampanahalli and later was elevated to become the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Marthalli; St. Anne’s Church, Sandanapalya; St. Joseph’s Church, P.G.Palya; Virgin of the Poor Church, Mysuru; Sacred Heart Church, Yadavagiri, Mysuru; St. Joseph’s Church, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysuru; St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Mysuru; Holy Family Church, Hinkal, Mysuru and St. Peter’s Church, Bogadi, Mysuru. In all, he has served as Assistant Parish Priest for 3 years and Parish Priest for 40 years excluding his studies abroad for 7 years.

In these 50 long years, Monsignor Marie Joseph has also served as the Secretary of Mysore Diocesan Education Society (MDES); Lecturer and Head, Department of Christianity, University of Mysore – 20 years; Chairperson for over  5 years ; Director – Propagation of Faith for 2 years; Director, Biblical Apostolate & Mobile Mission, Catholic Centre – 5 years; Vicar General of Mysore Diocese for over 16 years during the tenure of late Bishop Joseph Roy and Emeritus Bishop Thomas Vazhapilly; and Executive Member on the Board of Inter-Confessional Translational Committee, Bible Society of India, Bengaluru. Presently, he is the Administrator of St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru, since the last four years.

A lover of music

A lover of music with a melodious voice, Monsignor Marie Joseph has Composed and Published hundreds of devotional songs in 6 Hymnals namely Pooja Bhajane; Aradhana Bhajane; Kirthana Bhajane; Gayana Pooja Bhajane; Madhuramaya and Mruthara Smaranageethegalu. He is also the proud Composer and Producer of six Kannada cassettes of devotional songs: Matheya Smarane; O Shanthi; Vandana; Christmas Geetheguccha; Madhuramaya and Aradhana Bhajane.

The Parish Council Members and well-wishers of Rt. Rev. Monsignor Dr. N.S. Marie Joseph join the multitude to pray for his good health, happiness and many more years of faithful service to God and His people.  

Here is wishing the Jubilarian Ad multos annos. Many Happy Returns!