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Udupi : The historical day in the life of deacon Alfred D’Souza of Sacred Heart Church, Kolalgiri of Udupi diocese was ordained by the His Lordship Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese at Sacred Heart Church Kolalgiri near here on Thursday, 20^th November, 2014.

The Kolalgiri church and the campus decorated with flowers which prepared for the ordination ceremony. At the stroke of 10am in the morning of Thursday Deacon Alfred D’Souza accompanied by his mother Felcy D’Souza and brothers along with large number of priests and Bishop walked towards main entrance of the church with the procession led by beautiful local brass band.

At the first stage of ordination master of ceremonies explained the significance of the ceremony. The Holy Gospel was read by Deacon Alfred D’Souza. The second stage of the ordination began with Deacon Alfred D’souza ascending the alter from the congregation. Rev Fr. Robert Mathais Vice Provincial of the Eastern Province of India where Deacon Alfred undergone training of priesthood presented him to the Bishop saying that Deacon Alfred D’Souza had fulfilled all the conditions necessary to be ordained.

Accepting the candidacy of Deacon Alfred D’Souza of the Holy Cross Community to be ordained the priest, Bishop pointed out the relation between the God and Priest. The priest to be man of God selected from the people. Priest is the  Holy man selected from the people for the God as well. He is the mediator between God and the people. Priest is called by the God which selected from him. God will selects to those stay along with him. Bishop also pointed out the life of the priest with the examples of Holy Testament.

Bishop asked few important questions to Deacon Alfred which the latter answered. Following the preliminaries Deacon Alfred prostrated in front of main Alter of the church as choir sang the “Liturgy of All Saints”. After the litany Bishop placed his palms on the head of Deacon Alfred, and prayed for the grace of Holy Spirit on him. All the participants priests one by one placed their palms on the head of Deacon Alfred and prayed for the same.

Followed by as the symbol of priesthood Deacon Alfred wore the priestly vestments with the help of Rev Fr. Joseph Lobo Vocational Director. Bishop later anointed the hands of Alfred D’Souza and thereafter handed over to him the paten on which the host is kept and the chalice symbolizing the priestly responsibility to offer the Eucharistic Mass.

After the ordination Fr. Alfred D’Souza joined the celebration of Eucharistic mass along with the Bishop and other priests and first receiving offertory gifts from his mother and relatives. Fr. Alfred assisting Bishop during the celebration of Eucharistic Mass and at the end gave his maiden priestly blessings to the congregation. Holy Cross community felicitated for Bishop with the shawl, garland etc., and later Bishop spoke and thankful to the parents of the newly ordained priest for their sacrificing son to serve the Jesus. Bishop also garlanded the mother of Fr. Alfred D’souza at the end.

The ordination entire ceremony took exactly two hours which witnessed by jam packed church. Later Fr. Alfred D’souza along with Bishop, Mother and large priests gave pose to photographers and the media as well. The choir was really superb and extraordinary. The ordination ceremony ended with great festive atmosphere in Kolalgiri church.

After the ordination get together held at parish Hall. Rev Fr. Wilfred Frank Parish Priest of Kolalgiri church, Rev Fr. Robert Mathais  Vice Provincial of Eastern Province, Sr. Hildguard Sister Superior of SRA Convent, Rev Fr. Ronald Fernandes of St. Louis Church Mumbai, Rev Fr. Lawrence D’Almeida Parish Priest of Katapady Church, Vice President and Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council and Fr. Alfred D’Souza and his mother Felcy D’Souza were present on the dais.

Prior to the start of stage program welcome dance held by the school children. Sr. Roopa SRA Aunt of Fr. Alfred welcomed the gatherings. Fr. Ronald Fernandes raised the toast in relation to Fr. Alfred who knew him very close.

Felicitations to Fr. Alfred by the parishioners, and felicitation program held during the occasion. Rev  Fr. Wilfred Frank and Rev Fr. Robert Mathais spoke during the occasion.

Fr. Alfred D’souza was quite emotional while he recalled the role of his mother, brothers and sister in supporting his vocation. He also recalled priests, nuns, teachers, relatives and others for their support. He gave thanks to all concerned during the celebrations of his ordination which will be grand.