Fr J J Cutinho, Capuchin
Mangaluru, Jan 10: Seven Capuchin deacons were ordained priests by Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese at Divine Mercy Retreat Center, St Anne’s Friary here on Monday, January 9.
The ordained deacons were Joel Lobo from the Holy Redeemer Church, Beltangady, Jason Pais from St Antony’s Church, Bannur, Jeevan Walter D’Souza from St Antony’s Church, Fermai, Joy from St Paul’s Church Balkunje, Avil Manoj Rosario from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Kuppepadav, Edwin Rakesh D’Souza from Sacred heart Church, Suratkal, Michael Menezes from Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi.
They were ordained during the Eucharistic celebration in which the bishop was the main celebrant along Fr Dolphy Pais, provincial minister of Karnataka Holy Trinity province, Fr Wilson, the parish priest of Bejai parish, Fr Melwyn D’Souza, the guardian of St Anne’s Friary, Fr Salvadore, the rector of Theology, Fr Alwyn Dais, Fr Peter Cyprian and other priests.
The bishop in his homily gave example of St Francis of Assisi who strived to build the church not of stones but of relationships. He invited the newly ordained priests to teach the people, pray for them and forgive. “This is the real and basic mission and duty of a priest," he said.
Later, a short programme was held where the parents and relatives of all the newly ordained priests were felicitated. Fr Darick was the coordinator of the liturgy, Fr Jawahar conducted the choir, Fr Darel compared the felicitation programme and the new priest Fr Joel Lobo proposed the vote of thanks.