Mangalore: Five Deacons Ordained Priests
Report and Pics: Fr Victor Vijay Lobo
Mangalore, May 3: Five deacons were ordained priests for the diocese of Mangalore on Tuesday May 3 by bishop of Gulbarga diocese Robert Michael Miranda. The ordination ceremony was held at Our Lady of Miracles Church here in the presence of near and dear ones of the newly-ordained and hundreds of devotees. More than 125 priests, nuns and religious brothers and sisters were present on the occasion.
The bishop in his homily highlighted the significance and challenges of priestly ministry in today's world. Enumerating the kingdom of earth and the kingdom of heaven with examples, he said a priest is called upon to build the kingdom of God.
Later, the newly-ordained priests concelebrated the holy eucharist with the bishop. Fr Boniface Pinto, director of Mangala Jyothi, Diocesan Biblical and Catechetical Centre animated the Liturgy.
After the holy eucharist a short felicitation programme was organised by the diocese. Fr Henry Sequeira, chancellor of the diocese introduced the newly-ordained priests and wished them well. Fr Joseph Martis, rector of St Joseph's Seminary greeted the new priests on behalf of the seminary. Dr Robert Miranda , bishop of Gulbarga was present on the dais and greeted the new priests. Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar genereal of the diocese presided over the felicitation programme. He wished the newly-ordained priests on behalf of the bishop and the diocese of Mangalore. Fr George Vijay Kumar Crasta, one of the new priests, expressed gratitude on behalf of the newly-ordained priests.
Fr Walter D'Mello, parish priest of Milagres Church welcomed the gathering. Fr Alfred Rayan D'Souza, vice-rector of Gladsom Home, Minor Seminary of Mangalore diocese compered the programme.
Newly-ordained Priests:
1. Fr Clifford Simon Pinto, S/o William and Helen Pinto, Niddodi parish
2. Fr Wilson D'Souza, S/o Paul and Remidia D'Souza, Nakre parish
3. George Vijay Kumar Crasta (Johnny) S/o David and Piad Crasta, Bela parish.
4. Fr Sunil Praveen Pinto, S/o Maxim and Jessy Pais, Uppinangady parish.
5. Fr Vishal Melwyn Monis, S/o Thomas and Celestine Monis, Arva parish.