Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Diocese of Udupi, ordained two deacons Manoj Alban Furtado and Vivin Deepak Noronha from the Society of the Missionaries of St Francis Xavier Congregation (Pilar Fathers) as priests at St John the Evangelist Church, Pangla on 5th August, 2020.
The ordination ceremony was held in the presence of the parents of the newly ordained priests and a few other priests from Udupi Diocese. During the ceremony, all safety norms issued by the government and local administration were strictly followed.
Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the new priests. Rev. Fr John Bennet, Superior of Father Agnel Minor Seminary, Kallianpur; Rev. Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Parish Priest of Pangla and other priests were the co-celebrants.
In his homily, the bishop of Udupi diocese said, “A priest is chosen from the people to serve them. The ordained priests will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. They will celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. They will forgive the sins of the people in the name of Christ. They will pray for us and will unite us with their love and mission. Jesus gave His life to the people and I urge all the priests to be the life of the people. You all shall preach the word of God and live according to the life and morals of Christ. May Christ be an example to you all and may you serve the people with all your will.”
In his message, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, said, “Priest is a person of God and his mission is to preach the people and be a servant of God. Their mission starts today. They have been waiting for this day for a long time, they have strived hard for this day. I congratulate their parents who encouraged them to serve God and be a soldier of Christ. May God bless you a hundred folds for the sacrifices you have done towards your children. Today they have become priests but we need to keep them in our prayers and pray for their mission in coming days. May they walk in the footsteps of Christ.”
After the Eucharistic celebration, a short felicitation programme was held.