Pics: Nithin Pereira
Brahmavar, Apr 30: In a spiritually uplifting ceremony, deacon Melroy Peter D’Silva was ordained as a Capuchin priest by the Bishop of Udupi, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, at the Holy Family Church, Brahmavar. The event was marked by great reverence and joy as parishioners, clergy, and family members gathered in large numbers to witness the ordination.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop, Diocese of Udupi conducted the ordination of new priest.
Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, in his congratulatory message, expressed deep joy and gratitude to God. “Let us pray to Almighty God that through His Son Jesus Christ, we have received another priest, Deacon Melroy. I congratulate his parents for sending him to the Capuchins. You have given your child to God, and He will reward you a hundredfold,” he said.
Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo also extended congratulations to the newly elected Karnataka State Provincial Minister, Fr Robin Victor D’Souza, and his councillors, and wished them success in their mission. He commended Fr John Fernandes and other priests for organizing the ordination ceremony flawlessly and praised the faithful of the parish for attending in large numbers to support their own.
A public felicitation program was also organized on the occasion. The program was attended by Fr Robin Victor D’Souza, OFM Cap, Provincial Minister of the Holy Trinity Capuchin Province, Karnataka; Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, vicar provincial and first councillor; Fr Naveen Santhosh D’Souza, second councillor; Fr John Fernandes, parish priest of Holy Family Church, Brahmavar; Fr John Alwyn Dias, former provincial minister; and Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, parish priest of Ajekar Parish and parents of Fr Melroy Peter D'Silva - Irene D'Silva and Maxim D'Silva were present on the dais.
Fr Charles Furtado, the third councillor for the Karnataka Provincial Ministry, in his toast praised Fr Melroy’s saying, “He is the 10th Capuchin priest from this parish. His choice to embrace the priesthood in a world where youth often seek careers and opportunities abroad is truly appreciated. He is talented in studies, theatre, compering, and arts, and also he chose the path of God’s mission. This is truly a blessed day,” he said.
Fr Robin Victor D’Souza, the newly appointed provincial minister, shared that “I too was ordained in the same parish. This parish has given us 10 Capuchin priests. Priesthood is both a gift and a mission, and today, Fr Melroy has received that mission. The guidance and blessings of his parents made this possible, and I thank them on behalf of the entire Capuchin fraternity,” he stated.
Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, parish priest of Ajekar parish, congratulated Fr Melroy and the new provincial ministers on behalf of the entire Ajekar parish community. “Fr Melroy was a deacon in our parish, and he was truly a jack of all trades. His dedication was admirable, and his sermons were so impactful that people wanted to hear them again. Two buses of parishioners from Ajekar came to attend his ordination because of the love they have towards him,” he noted.
In his first address as a newly ordained priest, Fr Melroy D’Silva said, “People ask how I became a priest, and even I don’t know. It was God’s grace. My youth group friends are still in shock. But this is a blessing to serve God. After 13 years of formation, receiving the priesthood is truly the work of divine grace. I thank my family and everyone who supported me in this journey.”
Fr Melroy D'Silva also felicitated his parents, D’Souza, OFM Cap, provincial minister; Fr John Alwyn Dias, former provincial minister; Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, vicar provincial and first councillor; Fr John Fernandes, parish priest, Brahmavar; Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, Parish priest of Ajekar Parish; Fr Naveen, vice rector; Fr Manoj D'Souza, vocational director; God parents Maxim D'Souza and Lidwyn D'Souza; benefactors, family members and all those who supported in organizing the event.
The ceremony also included the felicitation of Fr Melroy’s parents by the Diocese of Udupi and Holy Trinity Province Capuchin for their dedication and sacrifice. The newly appointed provincial ministers were also honored during the event.
Fr John Fernandes welcomed the gathering and Fr Lenson Lobo compered the event.
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