Jasmine Sarita Vas

Mangaluru, May 6: It was an auspicious day for the Pallottine fathers of the ABVM Province Bengaluru and a historical event for he Angeloreans, as it was the first ordination ceremony since the past 80 years in the parish. At this ceremony, five Pallotine deacons were raised to the altar of God as priests at Guardian Angel Church, Angelore on Thursday, May 5 by Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shivamogga.

Fr Pedro Camilo Simoes SAC, provincial of the ABVM Province Bengaluru and Fr Matthew Vas, the parish priest of Angelore Parish were also present along with 75 other priests and a large number of religious sisters, brothers and faithful laity to pray for the newly ordained priests. The bishop in his homily expressed the expected qualities of a priest, beautifully through a poem and gave an inspiring message through various quotes and anecdotes. The ordination ceremony was conducted by Fr Manohar Noronha SAC.

The five newly ordained priests are:

Fr Joel Vas, S/o Joseph and Juliana Vas, Guardian Angels Church, Angelore– Mangaluru diocese

Fr Melwyn Menezes, S/o Fredrick and Jacintha Menezes, Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva – Udupi diocese

Fr Jason D’Souza, S/o Valerian and Veronica D’Souza– St Thomas the Apostle Church, Ammembal - Mangaluru diocese

Fr Andrew Roshan Alva, S/o Gabriel and Late Regina Alva – Our Lady of Vailankanni church, Farla, – Mangaluru diocese

Fr William Richard D’Cunha, S/o Sylvester Late Theresa D’Cunha – Most Holy Redeemer church – Mangaluru diocese.

After the ordination ceremony there was a short felicitation programme. At the programme, the bishop congratulated the new priests and asked them to be priests of the people and expressed his joy for being invited for the ceremony. The bishop also thanked the parents and the families who had offered their sons to the service of the Lord. The bishop was honoured by the new priests.

Fr Pedro Camilo Simoes SAC, was felicitated by the new priests on the occasion of his sacerdotal priestly ordination. Fr Charles Fernandes raised the toast and wished the very best to the new priests. Fr Matthew Vas, was also honoured and felicitated for his generosity for taking the active role in organizing the event.

The programme was compered by Fr Cyril Lobo. A meal sponsored by Jeruel family and prepared by the Angelore parishioners was served to all after the meaningful event.