Br Oswald Vaz from Hirgan Church and Br Rohan Mascarenhas from Kelmbet Church were ordained as Deacons by Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo at Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine, Kalmady, on 30th May 2024.
The ordination ceremony took place in the presence of V. Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph Seminary, Mangalore; V. Rev. Fr Baptist Menezes, Rector of Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine; relatives; friends; and hundreds of devotees. More than 20 priests were present on the occasion.
During his homily, the bishop emphasized the status and responsibilities of a Deacon in the Church. He stated that a Deacon is chosen by God from among the people to serve them and lead them to Christ.
Rev. Fr Stephen D'Souza, Former Director of the Diocesan Biblical and Catechetical Centre, animated the Liturgy. V. Rev. Fr Baptist Menezes thanked everyone on behalf of Kalmady parish. Br Rohan thanked everyone on behalf of Dn Oswald and himself. Most Rev. Dr Gerald Lobo thanked everyone on behalf of the Udupi Diocese. After the Mass, a short felicitation program was held at the church premises.
