Media Release

Chikmagalur, May 5: It was indeed a joyful celebration for the Capuchin friars of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka and for the parents and loved ones of Fr Joel Preetham Rego, OFM Cap, as he was ordained by Dr Anthony Swamy, bishop of Chikmaglur diocese, at St Lawrence Church, Mallanduru, Chikmagalur, on Thursday May 4.

The campus of St Lawrence Church was filled with the presence of priests, religious and lay people to witness the solemn and holy rite of the ordination ceremony. In his homily bishop Anthony Swamy said, “It’s great to celebrate something so important in our lives and the life of the Church, especially priestly ordination.” He emphasized the hallmarks of priesthood and exhorted, “The strength of a priest depends on his relationship with Christ, his closeness to Christ must translate into closeness to the people he serves,” he added.

The ordination ceremony was followed by a short felicitation function. Speaking on the occasion, the provincial minister of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, Fr John Alwyn Dias, thanked the parents of the newly ordained priest for their sacrifice and generosity in offering their son to the service of God. “It is only because of the seeds of faith sowed in our Catholic families by the parents that young men respond generously to the call to serve God. The Capuchin Order needs capuchins as missionaries to serve in the different parts of the world and we are blessed with one from Mallanduru parish in Chikmagalur diocese” said Fr Dias.

Fr Fredrick Pais, the parish priest with his parishioners congratulated the new priest and his parents and said, “Priesthood is a special gift, only God can give. We pray and continue to encourage many more young people and we hope that a few more vocations come from our parish in the coming years.”

“I am thankful for everyone who has had an influence, been kind or prayed and supported me in any way during my years of formation to become a Capuchin priest. I praise and glorify God, for this greatest gift of priesthood, though I am not worthy” said Fr Preetham, who palpably became emotional.

Fr William Prabhu, Capuchin, animated the ordination ceremony. The music and singing of the parish choir gave a spiritual uplifting to the liturgy and to the rite of ordination solemnity, dignity and beauty. Fr Prasanna Kumar, Capuchin, compered the felicitation programme and created an ambience of joy. A delicious meal was served to all to augment the celebration.

The Capuchin friars of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka have a rich history and spiritual legacy since 1930 when the French Capuchin missionaries arrived at Monte Mariano, Farangipet, Mangaluru. The Capuchin Franciscan friars live evangelical life in fraternity. Their life is of prayer, contemplation, evangelization and brotherhood. St Francis of Assisi is the founder of the brotherhood. Their inspiration comes from the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, Sacred Scriptures and the founder and patron St Francis of Assisi who is popularly known as ‘alter Christus,’ the community reported.