Avinash D’Souza ordained priest by Archbishop Machado

On : 2023-10-02

Deacon Avinash D’Souza was ordained a priest by Archbishop Peter Macahdo at St Joseph’s Boys High School oratory on September 30. The ceremony was witnessed by a congregation of Jesuits, religious, and close and extended family members and friends of Fr Avinash.

The solemn celebration commenced with eucharistic celebration led by the Archbishop. In his homily, Fr Leo Florance SJ articulated a priest's role as a shepherd, emphasising that this calling carries its own set of challenges. He also stressed the priest's vulnerability, contrasting it with the unwavering strength derived from an all-powerful God. The choir was led by the JFCT scholastics.

After the eucharistic celebration, Fr Avinash was felicitated. The toastmaster for the day, Fr Shantharaj T, went down memory lane to bring forth key moments in Fr Avinash D’Souza's transformative journey.

Archbishop Machado, in his message to the ordinandee, that while Fr Avinash is now set apart from the ordinary world, his life's purpose is to serve God through unwavering obedience. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, the Provincial of Karnataka province, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parents, parish priest, and all others who had played an important role in nurturing Fr Avinash on his spiritual journey.

- Larren Menezes SJ