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Old Goa, May 1 : Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman ordained eight deacons of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman as priests during the Eucharistic celebrations held at Se Cathedral, Old Goa on 30th April 2025.

Fr José Remedios Fernandes, Vicar General, Fr Candido Fernandes, Director of Pastoral Institute, Fr Donato Rodrigues, Rector of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol Fr Henry Falcão Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone, Fr Kenneth Teles,Episcopal Vicar for the South zone, Fr Joaquim Fernandes SVD Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Fr Rosario Oliveira Parish Priest of Se Cathedral Old Goa and several other priests concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.

Delivering the homily on the theme “Shepherds Unto Jesus, Signs of Hope”, Bishop Simião Fernandes exhorted the newly ordained priests to deepen their relationship with the Lord through prayer and Eucharistic adoration to become living signs of hope.

Reflecting on the life and witness of Pope Francis, Bishop Simião recalled instances in the life of Pope Francis. “Like Pope Francis, who allowed the heart of Christ to guide his every step, we too are called to be shepherds who radiate hope,” he said.

Emphasizing the mission of priesthood, the Bishop said, “Our call is to reach out to the marginalized, the poor, the sick, the elderly, the youth, the disabled, and all those on the peripheries.”

“Prayer is essential in the life of a priest. Without it, we cannot truly be signs of hope”, he added.

“We need to treasure the vocation to priesthood given to us by God” said Bishop.

Bishop Simião underlined the need for communion in the priestly life, stating, “We are called to build communion as per the mind of Jesus.”

Concluding his homily, he prayed that the newly ordained may truly become “shepherds after the heart of Jesus and living signs of hope”. He also gave thanks to God for the gift of priesthood, particularly acknowledging those celebrating their golden and silver jubilees this year.

Bishop Simião congratulated the newly ordained priests and their parents and family.

The newly ordained priests included Fr Jason Keith Fernades ( Caranzalem), Fr. Sheldon Michael D’Souza ( Salvador do Mundo), Fr Malcom Palmer Colaco ( Navelim), Fr. Jason Cajetan Travasso ( Nagoa-Bardez), Fr Valfern Barbosa (Raia), Fr Frazer Xavier Vaz ( Vasco), Fr Benny Fernandes ( Siroda) and Fr Slater Alemao ( Chinchinnim).

They began their initial formation at the Seminary of Our Lady in Saligão-Pilern, pursued philosophical studies at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, and completed their theological studies at the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, also based at the Rachol Seminary. But Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes completed all his priestly studies at Pontifical Beda College in Rome. Fr Candido Fernandes, Director of the Pastoral Institute, Old Goa, warmly welcomed everyone and conveyed the message sent by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, who is currently in Rome to participate in the Conclave.

Norbert D’Silva, Spiritual Director at Seminary Niwas, Duler, served as the liturgical commentator, while Fr. Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Liturgical Centre, animated the liturgy. The liturgical singing was led by the Santa Cecilia Choir of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, under the direction of Fr. Mathew Rebelo. Newly ordained priest, Fr. Slater Alemão, expressed his heartfelt sentiments of gratitude on behalf of the newly ordained priests at the conclusion of the celebration.

On this occasion, the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman felicitated the diocesan priests celebrating their Silver and Golden Jubilees this year.

A Closer Look at the Newly Ordained Priests

1. Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes, from Caranzalem, is the elder son of José Manuel ( Amor) and Philomena Lydia Fernandes, with two brothers. He studied at Sharada Mandir High School and Dhempe Higher Secondary School, completed his law degree at the National Law School of India University, and earned a Master’s from the International Institute for the Sociology of Law in Spain. He worked in environmental education and development with the Jesuits and later taught in Bangalore. He completed a PhD from ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon. Responding to God’s call, he joined the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and undertook his seminary formation at the Pontifical Beda college in Rome. He did his regency and diaconate ministry at St. Thomas Church, Aldona, and Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Fatorda. Ordination theme: “Non Clamor Sed Amor” – “Not Noise, But Love.”

2. Fr. Sheldon Michael D’Souza, from Salvador-Do-Mundo, is the eldest child of Urban and Jessie Olinda D’Souza, with one sister. He studied at St. Elizabeth School, Pomburpa. After Std VII, he joined the seminary and completed his 12th Std at St. Xavier HSS, Mapusa. He later earned a degree in Philosophy from IGNOU. His regency was at Curpavaddo Chapel and Candolim Parish; He was assigned to St. Michael’s Church, Taleigão for his diaconate ministry. Ordination theme: “Jesus, make my heart like unto Thine.”

3. Fr. Malcolm Palmer Colaco, from Navelim, is the eldest son of Miguel Rafael and Preciosa Colaco, with two sisters. He studied at Perpetual Succour Convent and Rosary HSS, Navelim, and graduated from Chowgule College. He joined the seminary and earned a Master's in Sociology from IGNOU during formation. He did his regency in the parishes of Ambaulim, Mandur, Morjim, and at Caritas-Goa; his diaconate ministry was at Holy Trinity Church, Nagoa. Ordination theme: “All to all for the glory of God…”

4. Fr. Jason Cajetan Travasso, from Nagoa (Bardez), is the second child of Pedro João and Agnes Travasso, with one sister, Sr. Janice Travasso, MSA. He studied at St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Dubai, and holds a BBA from Heriot-Watt University. He joined the seminary and had his pastoral experience at the parishes of Calangute, Sancoale, Sanvordem, and Curpavaddo Chapel. He served St. Thomas Church, Aldona as a deacon. Ordination theme: “…to seek and save the lost.”

5. Fr. Valfern Barbosa, from Raia, is the eldest son of Agostinho and the late Natalina Vaz, with one sister. He studied at Fr. Angel Multipurpose School, and Fr. Agnel Multipurpose Higher Secondary Verna, and joined the seminary. He pursued his graduation through IGNOU during formation. His regency included the parishes of Arambol, Ambaulim, Caranzalem, and Caritas-Goa; He ministered as a deacon at St. Alex Church, Calangute. Ordination theme: “Tend My Sheep.”

6. Fr. Frazer Xavier Vaz, from Vasco, is the elder son of Francisco and Rita Vaz, with one younger brother. He studied at Deepvihar High School and M.E.S. HSS, Vasco, and earned an engineering degree from Padre Conceição College of Engineering, Verna. Heeding God’s call, he joined the seminary. His regency was at Nuvem Parish, St. Xavier’s Academy, Caritas, and Paroda Parish; his diaconate ministry was at Mother of God Church, Pomburpa. Ordination theme: “We are just the jars of clay; God has put His treasure in it.” (2 Cor. 4:7)

7. Fr. Benny Fernandes, from Siroda, is the youngest of three children of the late Sebostião and Martinha Fernandes. He studied at St. Joseph High School, Siroda, joined the seminary after Std VIII, and completed his higher secondary at St. Francis Xavier HSS, Mapusa. He earned a BA in Philosophy from IGNOU. His regency was at the parishes of Benaulim and Tivim; He exercised his diaconate ministry at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Morjim. Ordination theme: “Saved by Love, Sent to Love.”

8. Fr. Slater Alemão, from Chinchinim, is the eldest son of Sebastian and Fiona Alemão, with one younger brother. He studied at Perpetual Succour Convent and Rosary HSS, Navelim, and pursued Nautical Science at the International Maritime Academy, Chennai. He then joined the seminary and earned a BA in Literature from IGNOU. His regency was at Caritas-Goa and the parish of Ambaulim. He served the Parish of Varca as deacon. Ordination theme: “Anchored in Christ, Proclaiming Hope to Life.”