Four Jesuit Deacons Ordained as Priests at Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru

On : 2024-10-12

In a solemn Eucharistic celebration held on October 12, 2024, at the Divine Mercy Church of Fatima Retreat House, four Jesuit deacons were ordained to priesthood by Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. The ceremony, themed "His Work, My Hands," was witnessed by hundreds of Jesuits, clergy, religious members, and the families of the newly ordained priests.

The ordained priests come from various parishes across three dioceses: Fr. Maxim D’Souza, SJ, from Mudubelle in the Udupi Diocese; Fr. Joswin Pereira, SJ, from Naravi, and Fr. Wilson Saldanha, SJ, from Gurupura, both of the Mangalore Diocese; and Fr. Kiran Leema, SJ, from Mundgod in the Karwar Diocese.

In his homily, Bishop Saldanha emphasized the sacred privilege of becoming ambassadors of Christ through ordination. He reminded the new priests that God is always by their side, revealing His mysteries to them. He urged them to recognize both the honour and the responsibility that comes with the ministerial priesthood, calling them to represent Christ by sharing His message, administering sacraments, and leading lives deeply connected to Jesus.

Fr. Dionysius Vaz, SJ, Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province, expressed his gratitude to the Bishop and all attendees, particularly the parents of the newly ordained priests, for their sacrifices and dedication. He acknowledged the crucial role their prayers and support played in their sons' journeys to priesthood.

After the Mass, the newly ordained priests and their families were honoured. Fr. Maxim D’Souza, SJ, spoke on behalf of the new priests, thanking all those who had supported them throughout their formation.

The ordination ceremony was marked by a beautifully prepared liturgy, coordinated by Fr. Leston Lobo, SJ, and Sch. Vivian Saldanha, SJ with pre novices from Loyola Pre-Novitiate. Fr. Vishwas Misquith, SJ, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

Reported by – Fr Leston Lobo, SJ.