Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 15: In a solemn and graceful liturgical celebration held on October 15, at St Sebastian Church, Bendur, six seminarians—Br Prinston Dsouza (Katipalla), Br Loywin Rodrigues (Ammembal), Br Royston D’Souza (Kasargod), Br Rajath Lobo (Bajpe), Br Vinol Fernandes (Angelore), and Br Ajay D’Souza (Arva)—were ordained to the order of diaconate by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore.
The solemn Mass commenced with the traditional entrance rites, opening prayer, and the Liturgy of the Word, enhanced by the melodious singing of the Bendur parish choir which added joy to the liturgical celebration. Following the Gospel proclamation, Dr Rajesh Rosario, rector of St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, officially called forward and presented the candidates to the bishop.
Delivering the homily, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha reflected on the profound nature of servant leadership, stating, "Leadership is humbling oneself before God to serve the people of God." Explaining the liturgical vestments, he noted, "Dalmatics, the vestment of a deacon, presents the meaning of the servant's attitude," recalling how "Jesus in His last supper demonstrated the same model of servanthood." The bishop further emphasized the unique bridge of ministry, highlighting that while "a priest stands between the altar and cross, a deacon stands between the altar and market to carry the message of love and forgiveness to the people on the roads, families."
Following the homily, the candidates stood before the bishop to publicly state their resolve to fulfil the duties of the office, embrace celibacy, and offer respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors. To invoke God's grace, the candidates lay prostrate while the assembly devoutly sang the Litany of the Saints. Moving into the sacramental consecration, the candidates knelt in silence as the bishop laid his hands upon the head of each candidate, followed by the solemn prayer of ordination invoking the Holy Spirit.
In the subsequent investiture, the newly ordained deacons were vested in the diaconal stole and dalmatic, received the Book of the Gospels with the apostolic charge, and exchanged the fraternal kiss of peace with the bishop and the clergy present.
The liturgy of the Eucharist then continued, animated by Fr Rohith D'Costa, director of Mangalore Jyothi (DBCLC), during which the newly ordained deacons actively exercised their new ministry at the altar, assisting the bishop and distributing Communion.
The holy mass and ceremony were witnessed by Msgr Maxim L Noronha, vicar general; Dr Rajesh Rosario, rector; Fr Walter D'Souza, dean and parish priest of Bendur Church; alongside parish priests of the ordained deacons, diocesan priests, religious brothers and sisters, family members of the deacons, and a large gathering of parishioners and faithful.
After the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was held during which Fr Arun Lobo, principal of Padua College, introduced the deacons and their families, expressing warm words of felicitation.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha greeted the newly ordained with a bouquet of flowers and wished them well for their diaconal ministry. In his address, the bishop deeply appreciated and thanked the parents for their sacrifice, prayer, and willingness to offer their sons to the holy Church for the service of the Lord, while also expressing gratitude to their formators and vocation promoters. Finally, Dn Royston Dsouza expressed the words of gratitude on behalf of his batchmates.
The newly ordained deacons were commissioned to their respective parishes for their diaconal ministries:
• Dn Prinston D'Souza to Mogarnad
• Dn Loywin Rodrigues to Derebail
• Dn Royston D'Souza to Permannur
• Dn Rajath Lobo to Kokkada
• Dn Vinol Fernandes to Niddodi
• Dn Ajay D'Souza to Kulshekar - Cordel