Udupi: The Mount Rosary Church Santhekatte rejoiced and wore a spiritual and festive look as Five Capuchin Deacons were ready to serve the Lord through the Sacred Order of Priesthood on Thursday, April 23.
The deacons were ordained during the Eucharistic Mass offered by the bishop of Udupi diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, who was the main celebrant. The ordination ceremony was held in the presence of the near and dear ones of the newly-ordained priests along with the presence of hundreds of devotees. More than 50 priests were present on the occasion.
The newly ordained priests are: Fr Walter Prashant D’Souza who hails from St Peter Claver Church Arva, Praveen Stephen D’Souza from St Joseph ChurchBelman, Preetham Rayan Mendonca from Our Lady of Fatima Church Pernal,Prakash Melwyn Colaco from St Francis Xavier Church Udyavar and Ravi Rajesh Serrao from St Raphael Church Badyar.
In his homily, Bishop Gerald 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. “God has chosen to carry on his mission in church, which is to preach the people the word of God.” He asked Him to uplift the downtrodden and thus help them achieve good status in society.
He further added that the duty of a priest is to preach people and transform their life in a positive way. “This is your mission as a priest. God will always shower his blessings and guidance for this good work of yours,” he said.
The solemn church rituals were followed by a grand felicitation function organized in the parish hall. Students from Mount Rosary English School performed the welcome dance. Fr Naveen compered the liturgy.
Fr Joseph Dolphy Pais (Provincial of Holy Trinity Province), Fr Jossy Moras (Rector), Fr Roshan Menezes (Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Udupi Diocese), Fr Philip Neri Aranha (parish priest of Mount Rosary Church Santhekatte) and others were present. Fr Chethan Lobo compered the felicitation programme.
