Richard D'Souza, Kallianpur
Udupi, Dec 17: Deacon Jason Pinto SDB of Udyavar Church was ordained as priest by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur here on Thursday, December 17.
Deacon Jason Pinto is the son of Joseph Mathew Pinto and Helen Periera of Udyavara parish. He was ordained during the Eucharistic celebration in which the bishop was the main celebrant along with Fr Ian Figueiredo, SDB, Silesian provincial superior of Konkan Provincialate, Fr Stany B Lobo, rector of Milagres Cathedral, Fr Reginald Pinto, director of 'Sampada' and around 25 other priests.
The bishop during in his homily pointed out the status and responsibilities of a priest in the church. He said the priest’s job is to serve the Holy Church. "Priest is the person of God who is selected from the people and supported from the people. He is the person between God and the people who pray and serve people for God. The priest should be the person of prayer. If he would be a person of prayer then he shall be a leader of people."
Fr Stephen D’souza Diocesan Biblical and Catechetical Centre animated the Ordination Eucharistic mass liturgy which included the laying of hands, prostration during the singing of the all saints litany and the anointing of the hands with chrism oil. The newly ordained priest concelebrated the Eucharistic mass along with the Bishop and priests at large.
Fr Ian Figueiredo at the end of ordination ceremony expressed his gratitude to Bishop and all concerned for the successful ordination programme.
After the Eucharistic celebration, a brief get-together of relatives, friends and well wisher’s was held at Milagres Tri-centenary Hall, Kallianpur. Along with the parents of Fr Jason Pinto, Fr Ian Figueiredo, Fr Simon Fernandes Assistant Provincial of Konkan Provincialate were present on the dais.
Joseph Pinto welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by new priest Fr Jason Pinto. Later ordination cake was cut by the Fr Jason Pinto along with his parents, sister and others.
Fr Jason Pinto delivered gratitude of thanks to all concerned for the successful programme. Fr Reginald Pinto compered the reception programme.