Called to Serve!
On the 9th of June 2022, 4 Carmelite Brothers, after 11 years of seminary formation, were ordained to the Order of Diaconate along with their seminary companions. The Carmelite brothers who were ordained Deacons were Br. Rakesh Pramar, Br. Kiran Lobo, Br. Melwin Lasrado and Br. Nikesh D’Souza. Rev. Fr. Ronald Serrao, the Rector of the Seminary, called out the candidates and presented them before the Bishop for ordination. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore, ordained the brothers as deacons during the solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan-Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru. In his preaching, the Bishop reminded the ordinandi that they are the ministers of the Word of God and that they are to express in action what they proclaim, and exhorted them to preach the Christian Good News to the entire humanity. The Mass was concelebrated by priests of various Dioceses and Religious Orders and Congregations. The celebration was attended by the parents, well-wishers, relatives and friends of the Deacons. Religious sisters and brothers too were present in significant numbers for the celebration.

A felicitation program was organised for the Carmelites at the Maria Jayanthi Mandir, in the Seminary premises. The Carmelite theologians appreciated their seniors with a felicitation song. Many Carmelite priests were present along with the family and friends of the deacons for the celebration.

The felicitation program took a personal colour at the Monastery of St. Joseph’s, Bikarnakatte when the deacons were commended in their own community. The deacons celebrated the event with the cutting of a cake, and Dn. Rakesh Parmar, voiced out words of thanksgiving on behalf of the entire batch. The graceful evening ended with the sharing of a fraternal meal; the grace being said by newly ordained Dn. Kiran Lobo. We congratulate our new Deacons and accompany them through our prayers.