Mangalore: A significant event unfolded at St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, as Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha ordained 23 seminarians to the diaconate, marking a pivotal step in their path to priesthood. Among the newly ordained, four deacons belong to the Diocese of Mangalore: Dn Marwin Praveen Lobo from Alangar Parish, Dn Jeevan Shailesh Lobo from Belvai Parish, Dn Vikas Pereira from Hosabettu Parish, and Dn Avith Pias from Maril Parish.
During the solemn Mass, Bishop Saldanha, in his homily, highlighted the role of deacons in serving the Church at three key tables: the Table of the Word, the Table of the Bread, and the Table of Charity. He called upon the new deacons to wholeheartedly embrace their roles in serving the Church and the people of God. The Bishop also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the parents of the deacons for their sacrifices, offering their sons to the service of the Lord.
The ordination ceremony was attended by a large congregation, including priests, religious, and faithful from across various dioceses. Among the concelebrants were Fr Ravi Kumar, Superior General of the MSIJ Congregation; Msgr Jenson Puthenveettil, Vicar General of the Diocese of Calicut; Msgr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore; Fr Archibald Gonsalves, OCD, Provincial Councillor of Karnataka-Goa Province; Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary; and Fr Melvin D’Cunha, OCD, Superior of St Joseph’s Monastery.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao expressed his gratitude to the Bishop, concelebrants, and all those who contributed to the success of the event. Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained, Deacon Jeevan Lobo offered thanks to the formators, priests, and all those who had supported their formation journey.
The 23 new deacons hail from various dioceses and congregations. Six deacons were ordained for the Carmelite Congregation, four for the Diocese of Mangalore, three for the Diocese of Calicut, two each for the dioceses of Itanagar and Trivandrum, two for the MSIJ Congregation, and one each for the dioceses of Jashpur, Neyyattinkara, Ambikapur, and Verapoly.
The ordination was followed by a celebratory meal, during which family members, well-wishers, and seminarians gathered to rejoice in the newly ordained deacons' commitment to their vocation.
