Media Release

Udupi, May 7: With joy, the Capuchin province of Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, sings the glory of God and thanks Him for the gifts of 7 new priests this year. Among these seven, two are from Mizoram, a mission land of the Capuchins of Karnataka. These two Capuchin deacons, Br Regis Lalbiakhlua and Br Leo Khiangte were ordained priests on Saturday May 4, by Dr Stephen Rotluanga CSC, DD bishop of Aizawl.

The ordination ceremony took place at St Francis of Assisi Church, Mamit, a mission station of the Capuchin friars of Karnataka, in the presence of Dr Joachim Walder, the auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Aizawl, Fr Alwyn Dias, the provincial minister and his councillors, Fr Stany Roshan D’Souza, Mission delegate, priests, religious, lay faithful and beloved family members of the new priests.

The two new priests are tangible and living witnesses to the growth of mission and evangelization in the North East regions like Mizoram, Tripura, and Silchar (Barak Valley). At the beginning of the Eucharist, the two deacons soon to be ordained to the priesthood were led to the altar of the Lord, with a traditional dance accompanied by beautiful congregational singing and the rhythmic beats of Mizo-drum. Incidentally, the capuchin friars are celebrating the silver jubilee of their missionary presence in Mizoram this year.

The felicitation programme for the newly ordained was held in the parish hall. The melodious choir from different groups made the celebration truly joyful, happy, and memorable. The bishop of Aizawl, appreciated the generosity and sacrifice of the capuchin friars in the mission land. Fr Alwyn Dias, provincial minister, thanked the parents of the new priests for offering their sons to the church and to the Capuchin order, in particular. He invited the new priests to pursue more and more in prayer life, discernment and deepen their spirit of apostolate and evangelization.

The entire event and the ceremony of the ordination was well organized and executed by Fr Raymond Lalramthlenga, the parish priest, Fr Joseph S Deihginand the vibrant parish community.

The other 5 new Capuchin priests are from Mysuru, Bengaluru and Karwar.

Fr Anthony Melvin Pradeep and Fr Jeson Roy were ordained by Dr Bernard Moras, archbishop emeritus of Bangalore archdiocese and apostolic administrator of Mysore diocese in their native parish at Sacred Heart Church, Naganahalli, Mysuru, on April 22.

Fr Michael Dass A, was ordained by Dr Henry D’Souza, bishop of Bellary diocese in his native parish at Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Akashnagar, Bengaluru on April 24.

Deacons Br Stanis Lopes and Br Milton Fernandes were ordained to the priesthood by Dr Duming Dias, the new bishop of Karwar diocese at St Joseph Church, Lower Kasargod on April 28. Fr Stanis Lopes hails from Lower Kasargod and Fr Milton belongs to Upper Kasargod parish in Karwar.