Bangalore: Seven deacons, two priests ordained by Archbishop Moras
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, May 3: Seven deacons and two priests for the Archdiocese of Bangalore were ordained by Archbishop Bernard Moras at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on Tuesday.
More than 125 priests, besides big number of nuns and religious brothers and sisters were present during the ordination ceremony along with near and dear ones of the newly-ordained and hundreds of faithful.
Archbishop said it was indeed a great privilege, joy and an abundant blessing for the Archdiocese to have two new Priests and seven deacons this year of faith and Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese.
''We thank God for these two priests and seven deacons. While congratulating them he wished them fruitful ministries in the Archdiocese. May they continue to sustain the same zeal and dedication in the years to come,” he said.
The Archbishop requested the faithful to pray for the new deacons and priests that they may do their ministry well and thus prepare themselves worthily for their priesthood.
He called upon the candidates of priesthood and diaconate to remain faithful to their commitment to follow Christ and serve his people in the church and remain faithful to the commitment of Obedience, not only in words but in action in all that they do paying due respect to the authorities when they are carrying out their mission.
He reminded the advice given by the Holy Father Pope Francis to the Cardinals to radiate Christ and give Christ in all that we do. We have one mission and that is to give Christ to others.
The newly ordained priests are Frs Francis Xavier from St Anthony’s Church TC Palya Parish and MacDonald Fernandez from Our Lady of Lourdes Church Thirthahalli.
Later, the newly ordained priests concelebrated the Holy Eucharist with the Archbishop. Fr Alphonse Bhaskar, the Joint Secretary of the Liturgy Commission of the Archdiocese compered the liturgy session.
After the Eucharist a short felicitation programme was organized, to welcome the new priests to the
Archdiocesan Presbyterian with seven deacons and wished them the best for their future ministry. Archbishop garlanded new priests and deacons.
Msgr Jayanathan and Msgr C Francis the Vicars General and Very Rev Fr Anthony Swamy chancellor of the Archdiocese were present on the dais.
Fr Francis Xavier, one of the new priests, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the newly ordained priests and deacons.
During this ceremony, Archbishop released the portrait of the Holy Father Pope Francis, drawn by A B Uppar, an artist, who teaches drawing at Vidya Mandir High School at Nesargi Bailahongala Taluk, Belgaum District. Archbishop appreciated the great work done by the artist and honoured him.