Udupi: Two Jesuit Priests Ordained in Barkur

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 31: A unique festive mood was in evidence during the Christmas Season at Barkur in the district, on the morning of Tuesday December 28, 2010. As the Bishop of Shimoga diocese, Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo, climbed the holy altar of the historical Church of St Peter the Apostle, the giant bells were quick to herald the beginning of the ceremony of ordaining two youth of the parish – Jason, the proud son of William and Celine Furtado of Hosala, and Anil, son of the late Peter and the late Veronica D’Almeida of Halekody. Both of them were escorted by the family members to offer them to Almighty’s altar to serve Him and His men.

The church was full to its capacity, with extended arrangements having been made to accommodate the faithful, who attended the ceremony in large numbers. Almost 100 priests, and the religious sisters, who outnumbered the priests, probably for the first time in Barkur, were witness to the great event that followed.

Barkur Choir was at its best, to sing the praises of Lord as the ceremony began at 9.30 am, and the High Mass was concelebrated by the Bishop with Jesuit Provincial of Karnataka, Fr Francis Serrao, and the local parish priest, Fr Remigious Arannha.

At about 10.15 am, the Bishop anointed both Jason and Anil as young priests, in the vineyard of Jesus to spread, propagate, lead and preach the Christen values to the society.

In his touching homily, Bishop Lobo narrated, what is priesthood, duties and challenges ahead…….’yes they are selected from amongst you, to serve you but chosen by Almighty Himself ……’

After the holy ceremony, it was a grand reception and honour to the newly ordained priests, who graced with the Bishop to the illuminated dais, with parents of Fr Furtado, and the elder sister of Fr Anil, Victoria D’Souza, and elder brother, Charles D’Almeida, accompanying the newly ordained priests.

The lawns of Mary Knoll High School were decorated with a huge pandal, to welcome two of its proud students with a gathering of almost 2,000 guests. Parish priest of Manipal, Fr Francis Lewis, was at his best in presenting the proceedings, laced with wit and humor. Vicar of Barkur, Fr Remigious Aranha welcomed the gathering, and Fr Prashanth Madtha, who raised the toast in honour of the new priests, also introduced them in short – Fr Jason, SJ, who holds MCom degree, and who happens to be the third to be the priest from William Furtado’s eight children, (other two priest brothers being Fr Nelson of Pilar and Fr Johnson of SVD). In his reply, Fr Jason recalled his early childhood days, the divine call, and the life in seminary studies and thanked everyone who supported him in his way to the altar of God.

Fr Anil D’Almeida hails from a huge family of eleven children and a first rank holder MA in Sanskrit from Karnataka University Dharwad. In his address, he remembered all his teachers and family members, who made his life worthwhile, and could not control his emotions while mentioning the role of his parents in moulding him to be a Jesuit priest today. He said this was the result of the sacrifices, love and upbringing by his parents, which had sown the seeds of love for the fellow brethren.

The Provincial Fr Francis expressed his happiness for sending two Jesuits and thanked all those who were responsible in making this happen. The Bishop of Shimoga congratulated the newly ordained priests, and stressed for the need for more and more young men to join in the service of God and its people.

Elder brother of Fr Anil, Johnson D’Almeida, proposed vote of thanks on behalf of the families of both the priests.