News by Fr John M Alfonso - pics: Piety Fernandes  
Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (RD/CN) 

Panaji, Feb 23:  The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrao, ordained Carmelite deacon Alvito Caitano Fernandes as priest in an ordination ceremony held recently at Goa-Velha parish.

“Our discipleship of Jesus is not by chance, but it is the fruit of the prayer of Jesus”, said Archbishop Ferrao.  He also appealed to the large gathering to give witness to the discipleship.  

Fr Mariano D'Costa and Fr Succoro Braganza, led the liturgy while Fr Antonio Albuquerque headed the choir. The Archbishop, Velha parish priest Fr Raul Colaco, Provincial Fr Archibald Gonsalves, and Fr Alvito expressed their gratitude for the priestly vocation.  

Fr Alvito is the fourth child of Martinho J Fernandes and Maria Rita of Margado, Goa-Velha. He has three brothers and a sister who is a religious nun belonging to the Missionary of Charity Sisters. 

Fr Alvito completed his SSLC at Fr Agnelo High School Pilar and higher secondary class (science) from Dhempe Higher Secondary School at Miramar–Panaji.  He spent some time at Belgaum for his post graduation after completing his B E at Goa College of Engineering, Famagudi, here.   He also worked as a lecturer at Fr Agnelo Polytechnic, Verna. 

Heeding the call of God, he joined the Carmelite Order and completed his novitiate at Kushalnagar in Karnataka and made his first profession in March 2003 at Mapusa.

He was a student of philosophy and theology at St Pius Seminary, Goregaon, Mumbai, from 2003-2008. He made his solemn profession on May 25, 2008, at Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangalore.  

Fr Alvito was ordained as deacon in October 2008 at Mira Road, Mumbai. He served as a deacon at St Joseph's Church, Mumbai, and Carmelite Monastery, Margao. Fr Alvito is also a member of the Karnataka-Goa province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.  Carmelites have three houses in Goa—Xellim, Margao, and Mapusa.