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Udupi : Two Deacons of Udupi diocese were ordained as a priests by Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese on Thursday, 4^th May, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier’s Church, near here.

Two Deacons ordained were Deacon Jensil Alva of St John’s Evangelist’s Church Pangala, Shankerpura, son of John Baptist Alva and Eliza Mabel Alva and brother of Joyal Alva and Deacon Roy Lobo of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, son of Mark Lobo and Lavina Lobo, brother of Joy Lobo.

Deacons along with their parents, large number of priests, Vecar General Mosgr Dr. Baptist Menezes and the Bishop came in procession from the School and entered to the church. The Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo commenced the Eucharistic celebration along with large priests and the two deacons.

Prior to the homily, Rev Fr. Joseph Martis, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangaluru vouching to the Bishop for deacons complete needed training to be ordained as priest.

In his homily, Bishop highlighted the importance of priesthood. He said that a priest is the one chosen by God from among the people to serve them and lead them to Christ. God has selected them to serve the God to continue the mission Christ. The Bishop gave examples from the Old and New Testaments to show how God chose humble persons to be His messengers on earth.

Bishop called upon to be ordained priests to be men of prayer and representatives to serve the people under their care. Priest is a person as mediator between God and People. The priest’s calling by the God to serve the people which call given by God to unite with Him with prayers.

Bishop after the homily put forward certain questions to the deacons’ which they answered in affirmative. Later Bishop took a vow of obedience from the two Deacons. Both the Deacons lay prostrated in front of the main alter when choir sang the Litany of the Saints. Following the Litany Bishop laid their hands on the head of each Deacons followed by other priests.

The Bishop recited the prayer prior to the anointing and consecration of the new priests. Rev Dr. Leslie D’Souza Parish priest of Pangala Church and Rev Fr, Clement Mascarehnas of Moodubelle church helped to wear the priestly vestments respectively.

Bishop Gerald anointed and consecrated the hands of Deacon Roy Lobo and Deacon Jensil Alva with Holy Oil as they individually knelt before him. The Bishop thereafter handed over the Chalice to them individually signifying the authority granted to them to offer mass and administer the Holy Sacraments.

Bishop Gerald embraced both the newly ordained priests Fr. Roy Lobo and Fr. Jensil Alva and later all the priests kissed the consecrated hands of these two new priests and embraced them by one and one.

Later, the new priests accepted the offerings from their parents and siblings and along with Bishop new priests joined on the celebrations of Holy Eucharist.

At the end of the mass after the blessing from the Bishop, followed by newly ordained priests also gave blessings. Rev Fr. Stephen D’Souza, Diocesan Biblical and Catechetical Centre animated the Liturgy of the Ordination ceremony.

After the Ordination mass, a brief felicitation programme was held at Church campus by the Diocese. Rev Dr. Lawrence D’Souza Secretary of priests’ senate and Secretary of the CESU gave introductory remarks on both new priests to the diocese which will be 77^th priests in Udupi Diocesan service.

On behalf of Diocese, Rev Dr. Roque D’Souza Parish Priest of Udyavar Church who also the host convener was welcomed the gatherings. Bishop Gerald presided over the felicitation programme. Msgr. Baptist Menezes Vicar General of Udupi diocese, Parents of Fr. Jensil and Fr Roy were present on the dais.

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo honoured the parents of the newly ordained priests by offering them shawls and Msgr Baptist Menezes felicitated the newly ordained priests by offering them Jasmine garlands.

In his presiding over address, Bishop welcomed the two newly ordained priests Fr. Roy and Fr. Jensil to the diocese to serve the people. He said we have acute shortage of priests in the diocese in 57 parishes. He gave gratitude and compliments to the parents for offering their sons to the service of God. Bishop called upon the people to help in order to send their son’s to the diocese for priestly services.

Rev Fr. Jensil Alva on behalf of both newly ordained priests proposed the vote of thanks. Refreshments were served to all the participants of the ordination ceremony.