Mangaluru: Four Discalced Carmelite deacons were ordained to the priesthood on May 14 at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, by Bishop Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha in a solemn ceremony attended by clergy, religious, family members, and faithful from various places.
The newly ordained priests are:
- Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Souza
- Rev. Fr. Loy Jackson Crasta
- Rev. Fr. Elston Monteiro
- Rev. Fr. Hilary Rodrigues
Bishop highlights sacrificial nature of priesthood
In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reminded the newly ordained priests that priesthood is a sacred call to imitate Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for the salvation of humanity.
He emphasised that a priest is called not only to serve as a minister but also as “priest and victim,” offering his life sacrificially in service to God’s people.
Referring to Saint Padre Pio, the Bishop said:
“For you I am a priest; with you I am a brother.”
He further noted that priests stand as self-offering servants at the altar and compassionate ministers in the confessional, called to serve with mercy, humility, and zeal for souls.
Inspired by Prophet Elijah
Addressing the newly ordained Carmelite priests, the Bishop encouraged them to imbibe the spirit of Prophet Elijah, the inspiration of the Carmelite Order, who proclaimed:
“I am filled with zeal for the glory of God.”
The Bishop also appreciated the Discalced Carmelites for their dedicated service to the Church and their innovative approaches to evangelization using modern means of communication and outreach.
Background of the newly ordained priests
Rev. Fr. Alwyn D’Souza
He belongs to St Thomas Church and is the son of Anthony D’Souza and Alice D’Souza. He has an elder brother.
Rev. Fr. Elston Monteiro
He hails from Holy Cross Church and is the son of Elias and Lilly Monteiro. He is the youngest among three sons.
Rev. Fr. Loy Jackson Crasta
Belonging to Infant Mary Church, he becomes the first priest from the parish. He is the youngest son of Marcel and Lucy Crasta.
Rev. Fr. Hilary Rodrigues
He belongs to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church in the Diocese of Karwar and is the son of the late Bodthol Rodrigues and Rosy Rodrigues. He is the youngest among two sons.
Large gathering attends ordination ceremony
The solemn ordination ceremony witnessed the presence of around 130 priests, religious sisters, family members, and faithful.
Rev. Fr. John Francis Sequeira, newly elected Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Discalced Carmelites, thanked Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha for ordaining the new priests and expressed gratitude to the parents for offering their sons in service to the Church.
Two more Carmelite deacons ordained elsewhere
Meanwhile, two other Carmelite deacons were ordained in their native parishes.
Rev. Fr. Ruban K.V.
He was ordained on May 10 by Bishop Henry D’Souza in his hometown parish. Fr. Ruban, son of the late Varghese K.A. and Arpuda Mary from Siddapur, completed his theological studies at Teresianum, Rome, and will return there for pastoral ministry.
Rev. Fr. Stin George
He was ordained on May 11 by Bishop Henry D’Souza in his native parish at Suntikoppa in the Diocese of Mysuru. Fr. Stin is the son of Robert M.G. and the late Josephine Rodrigues and the youngest among two children.
Felicitation programme held
A felicitation programme followed the ordination ceremony during which the newly ordained priests and their families were honoured.
The programme was compered by Rev. Fr. Pritesh Crasta, while Rev. Fr. Stifan Perera, Director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, proposed the vote of thanks.
Among those present were:
- Rev. Fr. Joseph Silvestre D’Souza, former Provincial Superior
- Rev. Fr. Rajesh Rosario, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary
- Rev. Fr. Naveen Pinto, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Mangalore
- Parish priests of the newly ordained priests
Conclusion
The ordination ceremony marked a joyful and spiritually significant occasion for the Discalced Carmelite community and the Diocese of Mangalore, celebrating the dedication of six new priests to the service of the Church and society.