Fr Paul Melwyn D'Souza, OFM, Cap
Mangaluru, May 3: Four Franciscan Capuchin deacons were ordained priests by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore diocese at St Anne’s Friary Chapel, Kodialbail, Mangaluru, on Wednesday, May 3.
The deacons who conferred to the grace of ordination were Roshan Sequeira – Our Lady of Rosary Church, Goregaon West, Mumbai;Clement Paul D’Souza – St Francis Xavier Church, Kenha, Mudarangadi;Joywin Dias – Sacred Heart Church, Surathkal; and Devasya EL – St Thomas Syro-Malankara Church, Ichalampadi,
Calling the ordination of four new priests “a wonderful day of blessing for the Church and Capuchin Order” Bishop of Mangalore, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, preached in his homily about the style and ways of being a priest that the news priests should remember.
He also urged the priests “to proclaim the good news of the Risen Lord Jesus and the homilies should be well prepared.”
“We celebrate the faith and commitment of these new Capuchin priests as they begin their priestly ministry as missionary disciples. The Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka is blessed to have a group of dedicated ordinands in service to God’s people,” said Fr Alwyn Dias, the provincial minister of Karnataka.
He exhorted them “to deepen in their lives the spirit of St Francis, grow in holiness and live in poverty.”
After the mass, a short felicitation programme was held at St Anne’s Mini Hall where the new priests, their parents and relatives were felicitated.
The Capuchin friars remain grateful to the benefactors who have been regularly a great source of support in the formation of the new priests and Capuchin mission in general.
Fr Ravi Rajesh Serrao was the coordinator of the liturgy, Fr Joel Lopes led the choir, Fr Dancy Martis was the compere for the felicitation programme and the new priest Fr Clement D’Souza expressed thanks with gratitude to God and all.
The Capuchin priests of the Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka are actively involved in the work of evangelization in North-East, Madhya Pradesh, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Japan, Middle East-Gulf, Italy, Turkey, New York, Guam, Canada, Jerusalem and in various districts of Karnataka.