John Valder
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Apr 30: Infant Jesus Church, Vamadapadavu rejoiced and wore a festive look as for the first time in the history of the church. Dominican deacon Cyril Franclin Valder, son of Henry Valder and Florine D’Costa of Holy Cross ward was raised to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on Saturday April 28.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the bishop of Mangalore presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration that began at 10 am.

In his homily he dwelt on the various aspects of priesthood and encouraged the families to build up faith in their young children so that they inherit a desire to serve the Lord. He also congratulated the parish for already having as many as 13 priests and 10 nuns in a span of 18 years in different congregations.

Fr Joseph K C, the provincial of the Dominicans, Fr Sylvester D’Costa, the parish priest and around 35 priests belonging to Dominicans and Montfort Fathers along with the diocesan clergy concelebrated.

Fr Boniface Pinto, the director of Mangala Jyothi compeered the liturgy.

There was a felicitation programme organized by the family at the end of the holy Mass. It was compeered by Fr Robert D’Souza, assistant parish priest of Ujire parish. Alphonse Valder while felicitating the new priest on behalf the family encouraged him to walk in the footsteps of the Lord.