Bantwal: Archbishop of Bhopal ordains four deacons to priesthood

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (NM)
Pics: Pinky Studio, Siddakatte

Bantwal, May 3: Four deacons belonging to the congregation of Divine Word Missionaries, also called SVD Fathers, were conferred the priestly ordination by Archbishop of Bhopal Dr Leo Cornelio at St Patrick Church, Siddakatte, on Friday May 3.

The newly-ordained priests are Fr Naveen Prashanth Pinto, son of Leena and Paul Pinto of Bantwal, Fr Niran Veigas, son of Richard and Irene Veigas of Thokur, Fr Lloyd Fernandes, son of Cyril and Jecintha Fernandes of Shirva, and Fr Franklin Machado, son of late Vincent Leo and Theresa of Mudarangadi.

Archbishop Cornelio was welcomed at the church entrance gate with a music band and flowers along with other dignitaries including the four deacons.

After bestowing priesthood on the deacons, Archbishop Cornelio said, “There is a steep decline among the youth taking up the religious vocation. However, the steps taken by these four to follow a religious way of life is much appreciated. The modern developments have been said to be an issue for the fall of such interests,” he said and added, “The parents of these four priests should be thanked for their rich sacrifice”.

Fr Paul Vattatara, provincial of Indo-Mumbai Province–SVD, vice provincial Fr Jockim Fernandes, SVD seminary rector Fr Thomas Sequeira, about 75 priests, 50 religious nuns, and deacons as well as thousands of people witnessed the grand ceremony.