THE PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF FR MOVIN DESMOND PEREIRA
On the auspicious morning of May 21st, 2025, the Carmelite family, along with the faithful of St Vincent De Paul Parish, Katpady gathered in profound joy for the priestly ordination of Fr Movin Desmond Pereira. The Eucharistic celebration commenced at 9:30 AM in the parish church, with the sacred rite of ordination conferred by Most Rev. Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop of Allahabad and grand uncle of the ordinandus.

The liturgy was gracefully animated under the guidance of Fr Deep Fernandes, who served as the commentator for the occasion. The celebration witnessed the prayerful participation of nearly 80 priests, making it a truly momentous gathering. The choir, trained by Fr Alwyn Sequeira OCD and rendered by the parishioners added a rich spiritual dimension through their harmonious and soulful music.

The homily was delivered by Fr Silvestre D’Souza OCD, the Provincial of the Karnataka-Goa Province. With pastoral depth, Fr Silvestre centered his reflections on the theme chosen by Fr Movin: “That they may all be one.” Using apt illustrations and theological deductions of priesthood, he exhorted the faithful and the newly ordained to embrace the unity of Christ’s body, the Church. The ordination rite unfolded with grace and by 11:30 AM, Fr Movin was joyfully welcomed into the presbyterate.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, due to an unexpected heavy downpour, the felicitation program was relocated to the parish hall of St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar. The event was meticulously compered by Fr Dennis D’Sa, who led the program with humour and warmth.

The dais was graced by Fr Movin Pereira himself, his parents Mr Mark and Mrs Monica Pereira, Bishop Louis Mascarenhas, his grandmother, Fr Silvestre D’Souza OCD, the parish priest, Fr Rajesh Pasanna CSC, his grand uncle priests, and his uncle. Heartfelt speeches were delivered by Bishop Louis, Fr Silvestre, and the parish priest of Katpady, who each expressed their joy and extended blessings to Fr Movin on this significant milestone.

The program featured touching moments of felicitations by numerous family members, friends, and community members, all of whom had played pivotal roles in Fr Movin’s journey to the priesthood. In his thanksgiving speech, Fr Movin expressed deep gratitude to God and to all who accompanied him, spiritually and personally, in his vocational discernment. He acknowledged each one who had been instrumental in his formation and growth.

Fr Movin Desmond Pereira, now a Carmelite priest, is the 24th religious vocation in his family, a legacy that stands as a powerful testament to their deep-rooted faith. Though he began his formation under the Salesians, he discerned and embraced his call to priesthood within the Carmelite Order. The elder child of Mark and Monica Pereira, he shares a close bond with his younger sister, Melisha Pereira. Fr Movin was the last to be ordained among his batch of six, with the previous ordinations having taken place on May 2nd and May 19th respectively.

The entire celebration was a profound testimony of God’s faithfulness and the joyful response of Fr Movin to the call of Christ. The Carmelite Order rejoices as she welcomes a new shepherd into the vineyard of the Lord.