Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 2: Three deacons of the Karnataka-Goa province of Discalced Carmelites were ordained to the priesthood on Wednesday, February 1, at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Bikarnakatte. Fr Melwin Lasrado (Nirkan parish), Fr Nikesh D'Souza (Paneer parish), and Fr Kiran Lobo (Beltangady parish) were ordained as priests during the Pontifical Mass by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru.

After a demanding but sincere 13-year formation, the elders of the province, with the approval of the local bishop, deemed them suitable candidates for the priesthood, and so they were ordained. The shrine was packed with the deacons’ family, friends, and well-wishers. In the presence of 86 priests from the province, diocese and other congregations, the bishop anointed them with the holy oil.

During the homily, the bishop emphasized the priest's specific role and how his life is modelled after the supreme high priest, Jesus Christ. The newly ordained priests blessed the congregation.

Fr Pius James D'Souza, general definitor of the Carmelite order, and Fr George Santhumayor, provincial superior along with Fr Charles Serrao, superior of St Joseph's Monastery, greeted the priests. Fr Rudolph Pinto guided the liturgy of the day and the Carmel choir led the congregation in singing praises to the Lord.