Karkala: Deacon Royson Joel Fernandes of St Maria Goretti Church Hirgan was ordained as priest under the leadership of Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo at the Hirgan Church here on April 27.
The deacon was ordained during the Eucharistic Mass offered by the bishop, who was the main celebrant. The ordination ceremony was held in the presence of the near and dear ones of the newly-ordained priest along with the presence of hundreds of devotees. More than 40 priests were present on the occasion.
Deacon Royson Joel Fernandes is the youngest son of Richard and Jacintha Fernandes.
The bishop in his homily pointed out the status and responsibilities of a priest in the church. He said that a priest is the one chosen by God from among the people to serve them and lead them to Christ. He also highlighted the significance and challenges of the priestly ministry in the present world.
Later, the newly ordained priest concelebrated the Holy Eucharist with the bishop. Fr Stephen D’Souza, Diocesan Biblical and Catechetical Centre animated the Liturgy.
After the Eucharist on behalf of the diocese, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo felicitated the new priest along with Vicar General Msgr Baptist Menezes. The bishop greeted the new priest and thanked his parents for being generous to give their son to the diocese to serve as priest. He made an appeal to the people to promote vocations in their families.
Solemn church rituals were followed by a grand felicitation function. Students from Hirgan Church School performed the welcome dance.
Following the welcome address by Fr Henry Andrade, Fr Royson along with his parents and dignitaries on the dais inaugurated the programme by cutting the cake. Fr Philp Neri Aranha, Parish Priest of Mount Rosary Church Santhekatte Kallianpur, delivered the felicitation remarks highlighting the good qualities and talents of Fr Royson.
Fr Thomas Roshan D’Souza (parish priest of Hirgan Church) and Fr Michael Lobo (principal of Lourdes Central School Bejai) also congratulated the new priest.
In his Thanksgiving speech, Fr Royson Fernandes recalled the role of his parents in supporting him in his vocation. He recalled the help and support rendered to him right from his childhood till the day of his ordination and thanked his family members, relatives, teachers in school and professors in the college, teachers in seminary, friends, well-wishers and all those who had helped in organizing the ordination ceremony in the church and making the felicitation function a grand success.
Fr Vijay Rebello of Jemshedpur Diocese, Fr Wilfred D’Souza of Delhi Diocese Sr Nancy Salins, Superior of Hirgan convent and others were present on the dais. Fr Ivan compered the programme.
Congratulations Royson. Wishing you happiness and satisfaction in your ministry as you go out to toil in the vineyard of the Lord. Be a good priest. Best wishes and love..