Pics by: Rev. Steev OCD, News: Fr Anil Fernandes, CCC
MANGALUR, JUNE 10: Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore conferred the
Sacred Ordination to the Diaconate to 18 brothers of St Joseph Seminary on June 9, 2022 at St
Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore.
Among the 18 ordained, 3 belonged to Mangalore Diocese, 2 Kannur, 2 Calicut, 2 Ranchi, 1 Baroda,
3 Ambikapur , 1 Jashpur dioceses and 4 Carmelites (OCD) .
Bishop Presided over the Eucharistic celebration and instructed deacons about their ministry and the
way of life. Addressing the deacons during the homily the bishop said, “The Lord, who came not to be
served, but to serve and to give his life for the redemption of the humanity is your model and guide.
You have to imitate Him every day.”
Further the bishop said, “Diakonos,” a servant, a minister, s helper is called upon to resemble Christ.
The deacons through their presence, words and deeds must make Christ known and loved. And this
is the most beautiful thing that a deacon can do,” said the bishop.
Referring to the Synodal process in the Church, the bishop asked the deacons to listen to the Spirit
to become more aware of the grace and to recognise their own vulnerability and weaknesses. He
said, “By recognising our vulnerability, we become better people which helps us to listen to, helps us
to be able to love and helps us to embrace others.”
Very Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao, Rector, St Joseph seminary presented the candidates to the bishop, to
be conferred the Sacred Order of Diaconate. Bishop ordained these 18 brothers to the order of
diaconate in the presence of priests, religious, laity, parents and the relatives.
Almost 300 people witnessed this solemn ceremony. Priests from the dioceses of Kannur, Calicut and
Jasphur were present. After the Mass felicitation to the newly ordained deacons was held in groups
The batch has 35 students, some were ordained during holidays and the rest will be ordained later.
