Priestly Ordinations at Bengaluru and Mangaluru
“He has made them the vicars of His love!” These words of St. Ambrose resonated loud and clear amidst shouts of joy and jubilation in the Discalced Carmelite Province of Karnataka Goa as four deacons were anointed with the holy oil and raised to the order of the presbyterate. Fr. Anthony Stephen was ordained as a priest in his native parish, i.e., St. John the Baptist Church, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru, by Most Rev. Henry D’Souza, the Bishop of Bellary, on January 21, 2024. Fr. Richard Menezes was the commentator for the liturgy. Fr. Anthony is the first vocation born in the parish administered by the Carmelites for the past 25 years, and hence, during the ordination mass, a large number of faithful gathered was a witness to this fact. In his homily, Bishop stressed on the vocation of priesthood and the priceless value attached to it! After the mass, a short felicitation was organized, which was conducted by Fr. Prasanna. The parents of Fr. Anthony, Bishop Henry D'Souza, and Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, the Provincial, were honored by Fr. Anthony. In turn, he too was honored by them. After celebratory speeches and well wishes, all partook in the sumptuous lunch. After lunch, the Carmelites, benefactors, and friends marched to Mangalore to witness another ordination ceremony on the 23rd of January.

Fathers Clifford Rodrigues, Pranam Fernandes, and Santhosh Menezes became ‘Alter Christus’ when Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore, ordained them during the ordination mass at 3:30 PM held at Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangalore. In his homily, the bishop stressed on the vocation of both marital as well as priestly state of life and how they complement each other. He also challenged the newly ordained priests to practice what they preach. Fr Stifen Perera served as the liturgist for the mass. After the mass, the four newly ordained priests were felicitated on the shrine premises. Fr Jocy compered the event and Fr Rayan Pinto raised the toast. The provincial also congratulated the priests and exclaimed his joy and happiness at having still more priests in the Order. Certificates of appreciation were distributed to the benefactors and snacks and refreshments were provided for all.

Both the ordination ceremonies witnessed a large participation of priests from the province and also the well-wishers of the priests. Frs Anthony and Santhosh thanked everyone who played pivotal roles in the journey to priesthood! Thus, the KG Province boasts of having four more priests in its ranks of clergy and is revitalized with young blood full of energy and zeal, ever ready to participate in the mission of Christ!

We thank Our Lady of Mount Carmel for nurturing these vocations and the intercessions of all the saints of Carmel. We pray that these young priests of ours bloom ever radiant in the garden of Carmel and further the mission of the Church!