Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Nov 14: Deacon Ivan Joy Martis from Kattingeri, Moodubelle was ordained as a priest of diocese of Udupi on Tuesday, November 12 by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi at St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle.

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the Eucharistic celebrations, while Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop, Mangaluru diocese, Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi, Fr Stany B Lobo, chancellor, diocese of Udupi, Fr Clement Mascarenhas, parish priest, Jithesh Castelino, assistant parish priest and other priests from the diocese were present on the celebrations.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, in his homily, explained in detail the status and responsibilities of a priest in the church. He said that a priest is the one chosen by God from among the people to serve them and lead them to Christ. He also highlighted the significance and challenges of the priestly ministry in the present world.

Fr Stephen D’Souza, director of diocesan Biblical and Catechetical Centre animated the Liturgy in the felicitation programme.

Fr Ivan Joy Martis is the son of Michael Martis and Irene Martis, Moodubelle and brother of Renita Martis.

Fr Ivan had his early education until grade 10 from St Lawrence Junior College, Moodubelle. He completed his PUC from Rosario P U College, Mangaluru, and then completed B Com from St Mary’s College, Shirva.

He had joined the Minor Seminary in 2004 and then continued his priestly education after joining the Major Seminary in 2009.

After completing Philosophical studies from St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru, Fr Ivan was sent to Rome for the advanced studies and he completed B Th and M C L from Urbaniana University in Rome.