Six Carmelites ordained as Deacons
Mangalore, October 2, 2024 – A significant event unfolded at St
Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, as Bishop Peter Paul
Saldanha ordained 23 seminarians to the diaconate, marking a pivotal
step in their path to priesthood during the mass held on 2nd October
2024 at 11:15 am. Among the newly ordained, six deacons belong to
the Order of Discalced Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province: Dns.
Avith Pais, Jesvin Tom Benoy, Movin Pereira, Pranay Pereira,
Prithesh Steeve Crasta and Stany Listan Pinto.
During the solemn Mass, Bishop Saldanha, in his homily, highlighted
the role of deacons in serving the Church at three key tables: the
Table of the Word, the Table of the Bread, and the Table of Charity.
He called upon the new deacons to wholeheartedly embrace their roles
in serving the Church and the people of God. The Bishop also
extended his heartfelt appreciation to the parents of the deacons
for their sacrifices, offering their sons to the service of the
Lord.
The ordination ceremony was attended by a large congregation,
including priests, religious, and faithful from across various
dioceses. Among the concelebrants were Fr Ravi Kumar, Superior
General of the MSIJ Congregation; Msgr Jenson Puthenveettil, Vicar
General of the Diocese of Calicut; Msgr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General
of the Diocese of Mangalore; Fr Archibald Gonsalves, OCD, Vicar
Provincial of Karnataka-Goa Province; Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, Rector
of St Joseph’s Seminary; and Fr Melvin D’Cunha, OCD, Superior of St
Joseph’s Monastery.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao
expressed his gratitude to the Bishop, concelebrants, and all those
who contributed to the success of the event. Speaking on behalf of
the newly ordained, Deacon Jeevan Lobo offered thanks to the
formators, priests, and all those who had supported their formation
journey.
The ordination was followed by a celebratory meal, during which
family members, well-wishers, and seminarians gathered to rejoice in
the newly ordained deacons' commitment to their vocation.
The Province celebrates this momentous occasion, praying for the new
deacons as they embark on their ministry of service and prepare for
their future ordination to the priesthood.
