Ordained to Love and Serve: A Carmelite Milestone
May 2, 2025, was a day of immense grace and profound joy for the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Discalced Carmelite Order, as four of its members — Deacon Prithesh Steeve Crasta (Vamanjoor), Deacon Pranay Pereira (Permannur), Deacon Avith Pais (Belthangady), and Deacon Stany Listan Pinto (Borimar) — were ordained Priests.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration, held at the sacred precincts of Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga. The liturgy of Ordination was witnessed by a host of clergy — numbering 79 — alongside religious sisters, the families of the ordinandi, and a large gathering of faithful, all of whom came together to offer thanks and praise to God.

This momentous event marked the culmination of several years of intense formation — spiritual, theological, pastoral, and human — undertaken by the ordinandi in preparation for their sacred ministry. In the last phase of their 13 years journey, they were accompanied and guided by Rev. Fr. Melvin D’Cunha, Superior of St. Joseph’s Monastery, and Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes, Master of Theology Students.
The celebration was further graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD, Provincial Superior of the Discalced Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province, and his Council members.

In his homily, Bishop Francis Serrao reflected with clarity and conviction on the sublime call to the priesthood — a call to self-giving, humble service, and fidelity. He urged the newly ordained to be compassionate shepherds and faithful stewards of God’s mysteries, ministering with zeal, humility, and prophetic courage. He eloquently underscored the role of the priest as both servant and dispenser of the divine Sacraments.

The four newly ordained priests belong to a batch of six. The remaining two deacons will be ordained in the coming days — one on May 19 at Infant Jesus Shrine, Mysuru, and the other on May 21 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Katpadi.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Melvin D’Cunha offered the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who made the day special. Fr. Provincial felicitated and honoured the Bishop with a bouquet and a token of appreciation.

The occasion also witnessed the release of two spiritually enriching books:
1. “Selah” – a collection of poetry composed by the newly ordained, Fr. Prithesh Steeve Crasta, released jointly by the Bishop, Fr. Prithesh, and his beloved parents. The title Selah — meaning Pause, Reflect, and Praise — invites readers to step into a moment of silence, meditate on the mysteries of God, and respond in heartfelt praise.

2. “Pray Without Ceasing” – a comprehensive Catholic prayer book compiled and edited by Fr. Rudolf V. D’Souza, OCD, includes daily prayers, novenas, various forms of the Rosary, the Angelus, litanies, Eucharistic devotions, and the Stations of the Cross.

The ceremony concluded with a felicitation programme compered by Fr. Siltan Noronha, during which Fr. Deep Fernandes offered a brief profile of all the four new priests and two deacons, who would be ordained shortly. Fr. Provincial extended thanks to the new priests, their families, and benefactors for their generous cooperation and unwavering support. The newly ordained priests were honoured with bouquets, shawls, and Mysore peta, in a gesture of love and celebration.

With hearts overflowing in gratitude, the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Discalced Carmelites rejoices and thanks God for the gift of these four new priests and commends them to the care of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, praying that their priestly mission may be abundantly fruitful in the vineyard of the Lord.