Media Release
Karkala, May 2: In a spiritually uplifting ceremony steeped in tradition, the diocese of Udupi welcomed two new priests as deacons Oswald Vaz and Rohan Mascarenhas were ordained at St Lawrence Basilica, Attur, Karkala, on Thursday.
The ordination was solemnised by the bishop of Udupi diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, who conferred priesthood upon Fr Oswald Vaz, hailing from Hirgan, and Fr Rohan Mascarenhas, from Kelmbet-Bola.
Delivering his homily and blessing during the occasion, Bishop Dr Lobo reflected on the sacred calling of the priesthood, stating that a Christian priest is 'chosen by God, and beloved by both God and people'.
He explained that priests are selected from among the faithful to serve them, carrying the dual responsibility of spiritual guidance and proclaiming god’s word to the world. The bishop expressed gratitude to the families of the newly ordained for offering their sons to the Church and urged more Christian families to encourage vocations to priesthood.
During the festive Eucharistic celebration, the bishop and all gathered priests laid hands on the heads of the new priests in silent prayer, invoking the holy spirit. In accordance with Church tradition, the hands of the ordained were anointed with holy oils, marking their formal consecration to the service of the Church.
The ceremony was attended by several clergy and dignitaries, including chancellor Fr Steeven D’Souza, judicial vicar Dr Roshan D’Souza, rector of St Lawrence Basilica Fr Alban D’Souza, assistant parish priest Fr Larry Pinto, spiritual director Fr Roman Mascarenhas, Udupi deanery head Fr Charles Menezes, Shirva deanery head Fr Dr Leslie D’Souza, Kundapura deanery head Fr Paul Rego, diocesan PRO Fr Denis D’Sa, along with numerous priests, nuns, and members of the faithful.
The newly ordained priests were formally felicitated and congratulated on behalf of the diocese by vicar general Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves.
The ordination ceremony was prayerfully led and coordinated by Fr Wilson D’Souza, director of the Divya Jyothi Centre of the diocese.
Fr Rohan Edward Mascarenhas is the son of Robert and Evelyn Mascarenhas, parishioners of St John Bosco Church, Kelmbet-Bola, in Karkala taluk. Fr Oswald Vaz is the son of Abraham and Vera Vaz from Maria Goretti Church, Hirgan.