Media Release

Belgaum, Apr 20: The first ever Carmelite from the diocese of Belgaum was raised to the Sacred Order of Priesthood by Dr Peter Machado, bishop of Belgaum on Wednesday April 18 at Holy Family Church, Londa.

As many as 40 Carmelites as well as diocesan clergy witnessed the Sacerdotal Consecration. Bishop in his homily invited the priests to be simple and humble after the heart of Jesus. He congratulated the parents of the new ordinandi for sacrificing two of their sons to the service of the church. At the same time he had a word of appreciation for the Caremlites for the yeomen service in the diocese.

A small felicitation programme was held after the consecration for which Dr Anthony Alwyn Fernandes Bareto, bishop of Sindhudurg, Dr Rosario Roch, provincial of Jesuits of Goa province, Dr Archibald Gonsalves, provincial of the Carmelites were present.

Fr Joe D’Souza was born on May 1, 1982 to Cyril and Milargin D’Souza at Londa. He joined the Carmelite order after completing his SSLC. He pursued his philosophical studies at Pushpashrama, Mysore and then theology at St Joseph’s seminary, Jeppu, Manglaore. Fr Joe’s younger brother Raul D'Souza has joined the Jesuits and is pursuing his philosophy at De Nobli, Poona.