Media Release

Chikkamagaluru, May 16: The Roman Catholic diocese of Chikmagalur is joyfully preparing to receive one more priest into the Lord’s vineyard. Deacon Joyal Vegas from St Anthony’s Church Mudigere will be ordained to the sacred priesthood on May 19 at 9:30 am by his excellency most rev Dr Thomasappa Anthony Swamy.

Deacon Joyal Vegas hails from a simple, humble, and devout Catholic family from Mudigere Parish. Born on May 21, 1997 to John Vegas and Leena Furtado, he has a younger sister, Josna Vegas, and a younger brother, Joyson Vegas.

He completed his primary education at Government Higher Primary School, Muttigepura; his Middle School & high school education at St Martha’s High School Mudigere; Pre-university studies at St Joseph’s PU College; and graduation at St Joseph’s First Grade College, Hassan.

Responding to God’s call, Joyal joined St Joseph’s Minor Seminary and later pursued his priestly formation at St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, where he completed three years of Philosophy and four years of Theology.

During his regency, he served at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Dasapura, under the guidance of Fr Shanthraj R. He later carried out his diaconate ministry at St Alphonsus Church, Alphonse Nagara and St Mary’s Church, Marianagara under the guidance of Fr Michael Marie J and Fr R Rajendra respectively.

Usually, priestly ordinations in the diocese are celebrated at the Cathedral. However, since there is only one candidate for ordination this year, the bishop of Chikmagalur joyfully agreed to hold the ordination ceremony at Mudigere parish, making it a special occasion of grace and celebration for the faithful of the parish and the entire diocese.

The faithful have been requested to keep Deacon Joyal Vegas in their prayers as he prepares to dedicate his life completely to the service of God and His people.

Hobbies and Priestly Vision

Deacon Joyal’s hobbies include playing musical instruments, reading books, singing, writing articles and devotional hymn lyrics, and composing devotional songs.

His priestly motto is “To create a space where everyone feels spiritually supported, included and valued in the community.”

His mission is “To provide pastoral care, supporting individuals in times of joy, struggle and loss, and to foster unity, peace and moral responsibility within the community.”

A Vocation Rooted in Grace

Reflecting on his vocation journey, Deacon Joyal shares, “Through prayer and life experiences, I realized I was being called by God to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him. I have experienced God’s grace and guidance in every stage of my life. In my lowest moments, He strengthened me and never allowed me to fall.”

He further recalls, “There were many moments when I felt weak, lost and unsure of myself. But in every one of those moments, God reached out to me. He lifted me up, gave me strength, and held me when I could not stand on my own. In those experiences, I found truth in the words: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13).”

Speaking about God’s continual presence in his life, he says, “When I look back, I do not just see struggles; I see His miracles. I see how He was always with me, gently guiding me, reminding me: ‘My presence will go with you and I will give you rest’ (Exodus 33:14).”

Inspired by the words of St Paul — “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10) — Br Joyal says his priesthood is a response of gratitude to God’s faithfulness:

“Becoming a priest is my way of saying: ‘Lord, You have given me everything… now I give myself completely to You.’ I want to serve Him with all my heart and help others experience the same love, strength and hope that carried me through my life.”

“This is my vocation — born from His grace, sustained by His presence, and lived each day in faith and love.”

About the diocese of Chikmagalur

The Roman Catholic diocese of Chikmagalur was founded on 16 November 1963. It extends over an area of 14,015 sq. km., with a total population of 31,61,660, of whom 40,123 are Catholics.

The diocese covers the districts of Chikkamagaluru and Hassan and is divided into three deaneries: Balehonnur, Chikmagalur, and Hassan.

There are 47 parishes, 37 substations, 2 mission stations, and 2 shrines in the diocese. At present, 71 priests are serving in the diocese, and after deacon Joyal’s ordination, the number will increase to 72. Over the past 63 years, 37 priests of the diocesehave gone to their eternal rest.

The diocese continues to serve the People of God faithfully, journeying together in the spirit of synodality as pilgrims of hope.

A historic occasion for Mudigere parish

The ordination is truly a joyful and historic occasion for St. Anthony’s Church Mudigere and the Diocese of Chikmagalur.

So far, Mudigere has been blessed with three priestly vocations:

Late Fr J B Prabhu, S J
Fr Prashant Fernandes, O F M
Deacon Joyal Vegas — the first vocation from St Anthony’s Church Mudigere to the diocese of Chikmagalur.

The parish community is joyfully preparing for the ordination ceremony under the leadership of Fr Sunil Rodrigues along with the entire parish team.

This will be only the second priestly ordination to take place in the parish itself. Earlier, the ordination of Fr Prashant Fernandes, OFM. was also celebrated there.

The occasion reflects the faith, unity, and spiritual dedication of the parish community and is a proud moment for all the faithful of Mudigere.