Mangalore Diocese News

News : Fr Anil Fernandes, CCC
Pics : Fr Steeve OCD

Mangaluru, June 10 : Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore conferred the Sacred Ordination to the Diaconate to 18 brothers of St Joseph Seminary on June 9, 2022 at St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru.

Among the 18 ordained, 3 belonged to Mangalore Diocese, 2 Kannur, 2 Calicut, 2 Ranchi, 1 Baroda, 3 Ambikapur , 1 Jashpur dioceses and 4 Carmelites (OCD).

Bishop Presided over the Eucharistic celebration and instructed deacons about their ministry and the way of life. Addressing the deacons during the homily the bishop said, “The Lord, who came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life for the redemption of humanity is your model and guide. You have to imitate Him every day.”

Further the bishop said, “Diakonos,” a servant, a minister and a helper is called upon to resemble Christ. The deacons through their presence, words and deeds must make Christ known and loved. And this is the most beautiful thing that a deacon can do,” said the bishop.

Referring to the Synodal process in the Church, the bishop asked the deacons to listen to the Spirit to become more aware of the grace and to recognise their own vulnerability and weaknesses. He said, “By recognising our vulnerability, we become better people which helps us to listen to, helps us to be able to love and helps us to embrace others.”

Very Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao, Rector, St Joseph seminary presented the candidates to the bishop, to be conferred the Sacred Order of Diaconate. Bishop ordained these 18 brothers to the order of diaconate in the presence of priests, religious, laity, parents and the relatives.

Almost 300 people witnessed this solemn ceremony. Priests from the dioceses of Kannur, Calicut and Jasphur were present. After the Mass felicitation to the newly ordained deacons was held in groups.

The batch has 35 students, some were ordained during holidays and the rest will be ordained later.