Media Release
Mangaluru, May 2: A spirit of grace and joy filled the afternoon of Friday. May 2, as the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Discalced Carmelite Order celebrated the priestly ordination of four of its members — Dn Prithesh Steeve Crasta, Dn Pranay Pereira, Dn Avith Pais, and Dn Stany Pinto.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was held at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, and was presided over by the Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga.
This sacred occasion marked the culmination of several years of dedicated seminary formation, during which the four deacons underwent rigorous spiritual, theological, pastoral and human formation to prepare for the priestly life. The liturgical celebration was attended by a large gathering of clergy, religious, family members and the faithful.
The joy of the liturgy was deepened by the presence of Fr Silvestre D’Souza, provincial superior of the Discalced Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province, along with his councillors Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Fr Alphonse Britto, Fr Prakash D’Cunha, and Fr Joachim Rodrigues.
A number of diocesan clergy also concelebrated, including Fr Daniel Veigas OP, Episcopal vicar for religious; Fr Naveen Pinto, judicial vicar; and Fr Alex Kalarikal and Fr Rajesh Rosario from the seminary.
The newly ordained were also guided by Fr Melwin D’Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, and Fr Deep Fernandes, Master of Theology students.
In his homily, Bishop Francis Serrao spoke of the priestly vocation as one of humble service and total self-giving. He urged the newly ordained to be faithful stewards of god’s mysteries and to minister with compassion and fervour. With deep pastoral insight, he reflected on the priest’s role as both servant and minister of the divine sacraments.
The four newly ordained priests belong to a batch of six. The remaining two deacons from their cohort are scheduled to be ordained in the coming weeks — one on Monday, May 19 at Infant Jesus Shrine, Mysuru, and the other on Wednesday, May 21 at St Vincent de Paul Church, Katpadi.
The liturgical celebration concluded with expressions of gratitude, a felicitation ceremony, and the sharing of refreshments.
The Karnataka-Goa Province of the Discalced Carmelites rejoiced in the ordination of these four new priests and extended its heartfelt wishes and prayers for their future ministry.