Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi
Udupi, May 5: Two deacons were ordained as priests for Udupi diocese by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese on Thursday, May 4 at St Francis Xavier’s Church, near here.
Fr Jensil Alva of St John’s Evangelist’s Church Pangala, Shankarapura, son of John Baptist Alva and Eliza Mabel Alva and brother of Joyal Alva and Fr Roy Lobo of St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, son of Mark Lobo and Lavina Lobo, brother of Joy Lobo are the newly ordained priests.
Deacons along with their parents, large number of priests, Vicar General Monsignor Baptist Menezes and the Bishop came in procession from the school before entering the church. The Bishop commenced the Eucharistic celebration along with large priests and the two deacons.
Fr Joseph Martis, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangaluru explained about the preparations done to train the deacons as priests.
In his homily, Bishop highlighted the importance of priesthood. He said that a priest is the one chosen by God from among the people to serve them and lead them to Christ. The Bishop gave examples from the Old and New Testaments to show how God chose humble persons to be His messengers on earth.
Bishop called upon to be ordained priests to be men of prayer and representatives to serve the people under their care. Priest is a person as mediator between God and people.
Bishop after the homily put forward questions to the deacons which they answered in affirmative. Later Bishop took a vow of obedience from the two deacons. Both the deacons lay prostrated in front of the main Alter when choir sang the Litany of the Saints. Following the Litany Bishop laid hands on the head of each deacon followed by other priests.
The Bishop recited the prayer prior to the anointing and consecration of the new priests. Dr Leslie D’Souza, parish priest of Pangala Church and Fr Clement Mascarenhas of Moodubelle church helped the new priests to wear the priestly vestments.
Bishop Gerald anointed and consecrated the hands of deacon Roy Lobo and deacon Jensil Alva with Holy Oil as they individually knelt before him. The Bishop thereafter handed over the Chalice to them individually signifying the authority granted to them to offer Mass and administer the Holy Sacraments.
Bishop Gerald embraced both the newly ordained priests Fr Roy Lobo and Fr Jensil Alva and later all the priests kissed the consecrated hands of these two new priests and embraced them by one and one.
Later, the new priests accepted the offerings from their parents and siblings and along with Bishop, the new priests joined on the celebrations of Holy Eucharist.
Fr Stephen D’Souza, diocesan biblical and catechetical centre animated the liturgy of the Ordination ceremony.
After the ordination Mass, a brief felicitation programme was held at Church campus by the Diocese. Dr Lawrence D’Souza secretary of priests’ senate and secretary of the CESU gave introductory remarks on both new priests to the diocese.
On behalf of diocese, Dr Roque D’Souza parish priest of Udyavar Church who also the host convener was welcomed the gatherings. Bishop Gerald presided over the felicitation programme. Msgr Baptist Menezes, parents of Fr Jensil and Fr Roy were present on the dais.
Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo honoured the parents of the newly ordained priests by offering them shawls and Msgr Baptist Menezes felicitated the newly ordained priests by offering them Jasmine garlands.
In his address, Bishop welcomed the two newly ordained priests Fr Roy and Fr Jensil to the diocese to serve the people. He said that there is acute shortage of priests these days. He offered gave gratitude and compliments to the parents for offering their sons to the service of God. Bishop called upon the people to help in order to send their sons to the diocese for priestly services.
Fr Jensil Alva on behalf of both newly ordained priests proposed the vote of thanks.