For they are the royal priesthood, God’s chosen possession!
If the power of the living God has to be witnessed on this earth, one only needs to take a look at the hands of a priest. It is in his hands the unfathomable becomes manifest! The richness of the Catholic Church is not counted by the wealth it possesses or the mighty Cathedrals it builds. Rather it is seen in its priests who are the living masterpieces of God! The KG Province enriched itself further when the Lord chose two able men of the Order and granted them a place in His priesthood. They are Fr Ronald Minin Furtado and Fr Jason Francis Coutinho. The red lettered day was 11th May for Fr Ronald and 12th May for Fr Jason.

The ordination ceremony of Fr Ronald who chose the theme ‘Witness to love, faithful in service’ took place at his native parish Allanki, Honnavar during the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by His Excellency Most Rev. Derek Fernandes, the Bishop of Belgaum at 10:00 AM along with 44 concelebrants. The joy of ordination was exhibited so richly that even the rains couldn’t dampen the smiles and glee of the people gathered there. The entire parish took the initiative of animating the liturgy of the Ordination right from the choir up to the altar service. The ordinando was vested in priestly garments after the ceremony by the Parish priest. After the Ordination, a small felicitation was organized wherein Fr Juze D’Souza compered the event.

On the next day was the ordination of Fr Jason at Carmelite Monastery, Margao at 10:00 AM. The theme chosen by him was ‘Abide in my love.’ The entire liturgy was delicately animated by the Margao community who took great pride in hosting this event. His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman anointed the hands of Fr Jason and received him into the ranks of clergy. There were 40 priests who concelebrated at the mass. He was vested in the ministerial garb by Fr Alvito Fernandes. The commentary was read by Fr Silvestre D’Souza and the assistance for the ordination liturgy was provided by the theology brothers under the guidance of Br Malvino and Fr Macson. During the events, the ordinandi thanked all those who played a pivotal role in their formation and were wished by the respective Bishops and the provincial Rev Fr George Santhumayor who spoke on the occasions.

Both the ordination ceremonies beautifully displayed the zealous spirit of Frs Ronald and Jason who handled them gracefully! The ceremonies were attended by their families and friends and a great number of priests concelebrated in the Eucharist. Both the events were followed by celebratory lunch.

The KG Province is running short of praises to God who has been very generous in granting to the Order wonderful vocations to Priesthood. As it rejoices, it also prays for Fr Ronald and Fr Jason in their future ministry! May God bless them both and may the protective mantle of Our Lady of Mount Carmel shroud them from all dangers.

Fr. Ronald's Ordination Photographs

Fr. Jason's Ordination Photographs