Media Release

Mangaluru, May 2: Four deacons were ordained as priests for Mangaluru diocese by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru on Thursday, May 2 at Rosario Cathedral Church in the city.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration led by the bishop along with other co-celebrant priests including Msgr Maxim L Noronha, Vicar General of the diocese, Fr Victor George D'Souza, chancellor of the diocese and Fr Joseph Martis, rector of St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu. In his homily and instructions to the new priests, the bishop emphasized the importance of priesthood and their ministry to the church which is missionary in nature.

After rites and rituals, Rite of Ordination, the promise of obedience to the Bishop, prostrating and seeking help of the saints, laying on of hands invoking the Holy Spirit, anointing of the hands, receiving the chalice and finally the Kiss of Peace given by bishop in the presence of priests, religious and faithful, the Holy Eucharist continued with four new priests along with bishop at the altar.

The four new priest, who were ordained are Fr Larry Franklin Pinto, Ferar parish, Fr Pramodh Crasta, Kasargod parish, Fr Nelson Peris, Farla parish and Fr Ozmond Roshan D’Souza Shivamogga parish.

A short felicitation programme was organized by the diocese to honor and congratulate the newly ordained priests and their family members. Fr J B Crasta, Rector of Cathedral welcomed the gathering. Msgr Maxim Norohna, vicar general of the diocese greeted the new priests with the words of felicitation.

Fr Larry Pinto expressed his deep sentiments of gratitude on behalf of all the new priests. Fr Rohan Lobo compered the felicitation programme. Fr Vijay Machado, director of Mangalajyothi, compered the liturgical ceremony.