Pics : Ivan Mascarenhas
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
With inputs from Robin V D’Souza for Capuchins
Udupi, Apr 24: Five Capuchin deacons of the Holy Trinity Province – Karnataka were ordained to priesthood at Mount Rosary Church, Kallianpur, Udupi, by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi on Thursday April 23. The ordination ceremony was witnessed by a large number of priests and the faithful. The ceremony was conducted by Fr Naveen Santhosh D’Souza.
The bishop in his homily thanked God for these priests and called upon the new priests to be committed to their calling. He further urged them to remember always the great dignity of the holy priesthood that is conferred upon them and to live in a manner worthy of the call that they have received with humility, gentleness, and patience.
The five newly-ordained priests are:
Fr Preetham Rayan Mendonca – Our Lady of Fatima Church, Pernal – Udupi diocese
Fr Prakash Melwyn Colaco – St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar – Udupi diocese
Fr Praveen Stephen D’Souza – St Joseph’s Church, Belman – Udupi diocese
Fr Prashanth Walter D’Souza - St Peter Clever Church, Arva – Mangaluru diocese
Fr Ravi Rajesh Serrao – St Raphael Church, Badyar – Mangaluru diocese
After the Holy Eucharist, a short felicitation programme was organized to welcome the new priests to the Holy Trinity Capuchin Province of Karnataka. During the felicitation programme, Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais, the Provincial Minister of Holy Trinity Capuchin Province, Karnataka, said that the ordination is the culmination of several years of careful discernment, fervent prayer, hard work, and of course the generous outpouring of God’s Grace.
“The priesthood is a wonderful gift that Jesus gave to the Church because of His wisdom and love. Our faith tells us that the priesthood involves not just a different set of functions, but indeed a brand new identity. In this sacrament, a priest is forever and uniquely bound to Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest,” he said. The Provincial Minister also thanked the parents and the families who had offered their sons to the service of the Lord.
A special mention was made of the benefactors who contributed financially for the long years of studies. The programme was compered by Fr Chetan Lobo. Refreshments were served to all after this meaningful event.
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