Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 22: A spirit of gratitude and celebration marked the Thanksgiving Mass of Fr Chris Colaco, the sixth priest ordained for the Jesus Youth Movement and incardinated into the diocese of Northampton, United Kingdom, at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, Mangalore, on Tuesday, July 21.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration witnessed the participation of a large gathering of priests, religious sisters, Jesus Youth leaders, family members, and lay faithful from across Mangaluru and neighbouring regions, who came together to thank God for the gift of Fr Chris’ priestly vocation. Fr Chris was ordained to the sacred priesthood on June 20, marking a significant milestone for both the diocese of Northampton and the global Jesus Youth Movement.
Introducing the celebration, the congregation was reminded of Fr Chris’ inspiring vocational journey — from his roots in Mangaluru and upbringing in London to his active involvement in the Jesus Youth Movement, missionary service in Uganda, priestly formation in India and the United Kingdom, and the successful completion of his theological studies at St Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham. His life was presented as a testimony of God’s faithful call and a generous response to discipleship.
A journey of calling and surrender
During his homily, Fr Chris Colaco reflected on his personal vocation story, sharing how he gradually discerned the Lord’s call to the priesthood. He spoke about the transformative role played by prayer, the sacraments, the Jesus Youth Movement, and missionary experiences in deepening his relationship with Christ. Encouraging the faithful, especially young people, to remain open to God’s plan, he reminded them that true joy is found in generously responding to God’s call with faith and trust.
Felicitation programme
Following the Holy Mass, a brief felicitation programme was held to honour Fr Chris and celebrate this joyful occasion.
Fr Basil Vas, parish priest and rector of St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, welcomed the gathering and expressed gratitude to everyone who had assembled to share in the celebration.
Fr Kenneth Crasta, assistant director of SJEC, Vamanjoor, and chaplain of Jesus Youth, Mangaluru, congratulated Fr Chris on behalf of the gathered faithful. He appreciated Fr Chris’ commitment to Christ and prayed that his priestly ministry would bear abundant spiritual fruit.
Addressing the gathering, Sunny Gudino, coordinator of Jesus Youth India, highlighted the missionary vision and evangelising mission of the Jesus Youth Movement across the world. He noted that Fr Chris’ ordination is a moment of great joy and encouragement for the movement, inspiring many young people to courageously discern God’s call in their lives.
Priests present
The celebration was enriched by the presence of several priests who concelebrated the Holy Eucharist, including:
• Fr Basil Vas, parish priest and rector, St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel
• Fr Kenneth Crasta, assistant director, SJEC, Vamanjoor, and chaplain, Jesus Youth Mangaluru
• Fr Paul Sequeira, parish priest, St Antony Church, Kumta
• Fr Vineesh Augustine, parish priest, St Alphonsa Church, Kankanady
• Fr Royston Martha, SJ, St Aloysius University, Mangaluru
• Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest, Permannur
• Fr Biju Alappat, Betharam
• Fr Anisio Mota, SDB
• Fr Praveen D’Souza, youth director, diocese of Mangaluru
The presence of Fr Chris’ parents, family members, Jesus Youth National and regional leaders, religious sisters, and numerous well-wishers made the occasion a memorable celebration of faith, vocation, and missionary discipleship.
The programme concluded with a fellowship dinner, providing an opportunity for the gathered community to personally greet Fr Chris and celebrate this joyous milestone together.
The Thanksgiving Mass served as a profound reminder that God continues to call young people to serve His Church. Fr Chris Colaco’s priestly vocation stands as an inspiring witness to the fruits of the Jesus Youth Movement and the enduring power of faithful discipleship, missionary zeal, and wholehearted surrender to God’s will.