First Carmelite of Chikmagalur diocese ordained
Media Release
Hassan, Apr 17: The tiny village of Mathihalli, in Hassan district rose on Tuesday April 16 to the strains of music amid an atmosphere of jubilation. Deacon Richard Menezes, who grew up and nurtured his vocation in this Christian community, was ordained to priesthood by Thomasappa Anthonyswamy, the Bishop of Chikmagalur during a solemn Eucharist, concelebrated by over 40 priests.
The mission of Belur, to which the sub-station of Mathihalli belongs, was entrusted to the Discalced Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province in 1982. The present parish priest, Fr Cyril Menezes, OCD, who has served the parish for 14 years was brimming with joy, seeing a son of the soil commit himself to serving the Lord through Sacred Orders. He is the first Carmelite vocation – a veritable fruit of the presence of the Carmelites in Belur for the past 31 years.
Deacon Richard Menezes is the son of and Sevrine and John Menezes. He has one brother. Fr Archibald Gonsalves, OCD, the Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province of Discalced Carmelites raised a fitting toast to the new priest who is gifted with numerous virtues of heart and mind.
The benefactors, who contributed to the formation of Deacon Richard spiritually and materially, were honoured on the occasion.
Fr Richard Menezes, expressed his sentiments of thanks poetically, remembering all those who had helped him reach this important day in his life.