Mangaluru: Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha Bishop of the Mangalore diocese, conferred the sacred ordination to the Diaconate to eight candidates who were found eligible during their formation in the seminary on August 6 at the St Joseph Seminary in Jeppu. During the ceremony, the government’s guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19 were followed strictly.
The newly ordained Deacons are Dn Suraj Joseph Lobo, Uppinangaday Parish for Mangalore Diocese, Dn Ivan Ashwin D Souza Maril Parish, for Mangalore Diocese, Dn Jovin Vishwas Sequiera Nithyadharnagar Parish, for Mangalore Diocese, Dn Ronson Pinto, Cordel Parish, for Mangalore Diocese, Dn Kevin Lawerence D Souza Kirem Parish, for Mangalore Diocese, Dn Adarsh Pedru Rodrigues OCD, Carmelite Order, Dn Vishan Venu Monis OCD, Carmelite Order, and Dn Ashwath D’Souza OCD, Carmelite Order.
The Bishop, who was the main celebrant of the Eucharistic celebration, explained the ministry and the relevance of a Deacon in the Church. “They are called to be servants or helpers to the Church with the specific mission of preaching the Word of God and at Service of the Church,” he said.
Very Rev Ronald Serrao, Rector of the St Joseph Seminary, presented the candidates to the Bishop to be conferred to the sacred order of the Diaconate. In the presence of several priests, religious, the laity and relatives, the Bishop ordained the brothers to the Order of Diaconate.
On the occasion, the Bishop was felicitated by Rev Pius D’Souza, the new Provincial of OCD Karnataka – Goa Province.
Fr Vijay Machado Director, DBCLC, compered the liturgical ceremony. The Bishop congratulated the newly ordained deacons.
The number of participants in the ceremony was restricted due to the government regulations. Only close relatives of the Deacons were invited for the ceremony.
Bishop Emeritus Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Msgr Maxim L Noronha Vicar General, Very Rev Pius D’Souza OCD Provincial Karnataka – Goa Province, Fr Victor Vijay Lobo PRO and Procurator of the Diocese were present at the occasion.
