Mangaluru: After 8 years of formation and ecclesiastical studies and 6 months of Diaconate Ministry Dn Rohan Dias, Taccode, Dn Roopesh Tauro, Allipade, Dn Ashwin Crasta, Kumbla, Dn Flavian Lobo, Thodambila, Dn Thrishan D’Souza, Permannur were ordained to the Priesthood by His Excellency Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore during the Solemn High Mass at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Cathedral on April 17 at 3.30 pm.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop along with 130 co-celebrant priests including Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General of the diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Henry Sequeira, Chancellor of the diocese and Fr. Joseph Martis, Rector of St. Joseph Seminary Jeppu. In his homily and instructions to the new priests, the Bishop emphasised the importance of Priesthood and their ministry to the church which is Missionary in nature.
This was followed with the Rite of Ordination with the deacons (now new priests) coming forward and making their promise of Obedience to the Bishop, Prostrating and seeking help of the saints, laying on of hands invoking the Holy Spirit, anointing of the Hands, receiving the chalice and finally the Kiss of Peace given by the Bishop and followed by all the priests present.
Ordination is the sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop and enabled to minister in Christ’s name and that of the Church. There are three ordinations in the Sacrament of Holy Orders: diaconate; priesthood; and episcopal. The ordination ceremony includes various rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, sign of peace.Having received their Diaconate Ordination in June, 2017 the Deacons were eagerly waiting for the day of Priestly Ordination.
Soon after the mass, a short felicitation program was organized by the diocese to honor and congratulate the newly ordained priests and their family members. Very Rev. Fr. J B Crasta, Rector of the Cathedral, welcomed the gathering. Very Rev. Fr. Henry Sequeira, Chancellor of the Diocese, greeted the new priests. Rev. Fr. Flavian Lobo expressed his deep sentiments of gratitude on behalf of all the new priests. Rev. Fr. Vijal V Lobo compered the felicitation program. Fr. Vijay Machado, Director of Mangalajyothi, compered the liturgical ceremony.
