Report by : Fr Anil Fernandes
Photos by : Vivek Studio, Bejai
Mangaluru , May 11 : “I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have called you and you are mine”. These words expressed to Prophet Jeremiah have become true in the lives of five deacons who were ordained priests on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. The ordination ceremony took place at the Rosario Cathedral in the presence of few priests and lay faithful with a meaningful celebration, strictly complying to the Covid-19 protocols.
Fr Ivan Ashwin D’Souza (Maril), Fr Kevin Lawrence D’Souza (Kirem), Fr Suraj Joseph Lobo (Uppinangady), Fr Ronson Pinto (Cordel), and Fr Jovin Vishwas Sequeira (Nithyadar Nagar) were the newly ordained priests. The Diocese of Mangalore (DOM) rejoiced with happiness for the gift of Priesthood and thanked the Lord for anointing these five newly ordained priests.
The ordination ceremony was planned for Thursday, April 22, 2021. Due to the announcement of the Janata Curfew the ceremony was preponed to April 21 to avoid any inconveniences. Hence, only a few priests and close relatives witnessed this graceful event.
In his homily Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha invited the five ordained ministers to become good shepherds after the great model of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Quoting the Gospel of John (10:11) Bishop said, “A priest is called to lay down his life for others. Being a good shepherd to those under his care, a priest saves the souls of many from the dangerous evil and helps them to reach heaven.”
Rev. Kevin, one among the ordained said, “I am extremely glad to witness this great day of my life. I have been waiting and preparing for this day. A trillion thanks to God Almighty who made it possible. Being ordained during these difficult days of pandemic, it reminds me of my calling to serve the suffering humanity and my responsibility towards the poor and needy.”
A short felicitation program honouring and congratulating the newly ordained priests was held after the mass. Very Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Coordinator, Diocesan Pastoral Plan introduced the new priests. While felicitating the new priests Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha thanked their parents, parish priests, formators, ministry guides and all those involved in their formation.
V. Rev. Victor George DSouza, Chancellor, Very Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, Rector of the Seminary and few priests were present. Choir was led by Fr Flavian Lobo, Angelore. Rev. Fr Vijay Machado, Director, DBCLC, Bajjodi animated the ordination ceremony. Rev. Fr Alfred J Pinto, Rector of the Cathedral welcomed the gathering and Rev. Fr Vijay V. Lobo, Procurator and Priest PRO of the DOM compered the felicitation program.
Introducing the New Priests:
Fr Ronson Pinto was born on May 20, 1993. He is the son of Richard Pinto and Irene Pinto from Holy Cross Church, Cordel. He has an older sister and a younger brother. He did his Primary School at St Joseph Higher Primary School, Kulshekar; High School at St Raymond’s High School, Vamanjoor; P.U.C. at Padua P.U. College, and B. Com, at St Raymond’s College Vamanjoor. He completed his priestly formation at St Joseph Seminary. He did his Regency at St Philomena College Puttur and diaconal ministry at Holy Redeemer Church Belthangady. Fr Ronson is specially gifted for music and singing, and is interested in Youth ministry. His priestly motto: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16).
Fr Jovin Vishwas Sequeira was born on April 2, 1993. He is the son of Valerian Sequeira and Juliet Cardoza from our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Nithyadar Nagar. He has a younger sister. He had his Primary and High School at Govt School, Permannur; P.U.C. at St Sebastian PU College, Permannur, and B.Sc St Aloysius College, Mangalore. He also has obtained a PG diploma in Konkani Language. He completed his priestly formation at St Joseph Seminary. He did his Regency at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Miyapadavu and diaconal ministry at Sacred Heart Church, Maril. Fr Jovin has shown special talents for writing poems and articles in Konkani. He is also interested in family ministry. His desired motto: “Behold, My servant, whom I have chosen” (Mt 12:18).
Fr Ivan Ashwin D’Souza was born on October 22, 1992. He is the only son of Paul D’Souza and Monthi Mary D’Souza, from Sacred Heart Church, Maril. He had his Primary School at Little Flower Higher Primary School, Puttur; High School at St Philomena High School; P.U.C., at Rosario PU College, and B.A. at St Philomena College, Puttur. He completed his priestly formation at St Joseph Seminary. He did his Regency at St Joseph’s Agricultural Colony at Belve (Udupi Diocese) and diaconal ministry at Holy Cross Church, Cordel. He has talents for reading books, articles, and for singing. He has a special interest to serve the poor and work in the villages. His chosen motto: “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48).
Fr Kevin Lawrence D’Souza was born on October 18, 1992. He is the son of Gregory D’Souza and Mary D’Souza from Our Lady of Remedies Church, Kirem. He has an older and a younger sister. He had his Primary schooling at Pompei Hr Primary School, Kirem; High School at Pompei High School, Talipady; P.U.C. at Padua College, Mangalore, and B. Com at Pompei College, Kirem. He completed his priestly formation at St Joseph Seminary. He did his Regency at St Antony Church, Naravi and diaconal ministry at St Antony Church, Kulur. He has special talents for preaching. He shows great interest in the ministry towards the sick and needy and work in the area of Small Christian Communities. His inspirational motto: “Your hand shall lead me” (Psalm 139:10).
Fr Suraj Joseph Lobo, was born on May 25, 1992. He is the son of late Jossy Lobo and Irene Lobo from the Church of our Lady Virgin of the Poor, Uppinangady. He is the fourth child having two older brothers and a sister. He had his Primary School at St Philomena School, Uppinangady; High School at Jnanodaya Bethany School, Nellyady; P.U.C. at St Philomena College, Puttur, and B.Sc. at St Philomena Degree College, Puttur. He completed his priestly formation at St Joseph Seminary. He did his Regency at the Pastoral Institute, Bajjodi and diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Panir. He is specially gifted for singing, composing songs, hymns and playing musical instruments. He wishes to work for the youth and children. His inspiring motto: “Out of the abundance of the heart” (Mt 12:34).
