A New Priest in the Order of Melchizedek
The Shrine of Infant Jesus, Pushpashrama, took immense joy in the celebration of the Sacrament of Priestly Ordination of Deacon Naveen Lobo OCD, on 12 April 2023 at 10 - 00 am from the hands of His Grace, Most Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore and Apostolic Administrator to the Diocese of Mysore. Fr. Naveen Lobo is the second son of Mr. Lawrence Lobo and Mrs. Dora Lobo and hails from St. Antony’s Church Gopalapura, Shanivarasanthe, North Coorg, Karnataka. Fr. Naveen completed his Philosophical studies at Pushpashrama Institute of Philosophy, at Mysore and Theological studies at St. Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary at Mangalore.

What made the Priestly Ordination a moment of immense celebration was that it was the first time in the Annals of Pushpashrama a Deacon was ordained to the status of the priesthood. Hence there was excitement everywhere. It was heartening to see a huge gathering of priests, both religious and diocesan marching out for the ordination. There was a huge gathering of laity too which added a festive mood to the celebrations.

A small felicitation programme was held at the shrine itself to felicitate the Newly Ordained priest. While Congratulating Fr. Naveen, the Rector of Pushpashrama, Institute of Philosophy Fr. John Sequeira reminded the Ordinandi of the dignity and greatness of priesthood. It is a privilege bestowed on the priest by Jesus himself to be His other self, in persona Christi, alter Christus. Thanking the parents for their generosity and sacrifice, the Rector said, “By offering your son to the church and to Carmel you have shown your immense faith in God and your deep love for the Church. God will never remain indebted to us. Today onwards, every sacrament your Son offers and every blessing your Son imparts, in turn, will become a blessing for you and for your family.” Rev. Fr George Santhumayor, Provincial Superior expressed his sentiments of gratitude to the Archbishop and felicitated the new priest on behalf of the Province. Fr. Naveen thanked everyone for their role in helping him to climb the altar of the Lord. He showered upon the Carmelite Order his immense gratefulness and indebtedness. Fr. Richard Menezes was the MC for the whole event. The celebrations were brought to their climate with a grand dinner for the whole community of people.