“Make me a servant, humble and meek.”
October 5th was a red-letter day for the Carmelites as Br. Naveen Lobo was ordained deacon at Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte. He was raised to the ranks of the clergy by Rev Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore. The ceremony was held at 4:00 PM and was attended by many Carmelite priests, family, and friends of Dn Naveen. His parents and siblings came all the way from Somarpet, Kodagu – the place from which Dn Naveen hails. Along with the Bishop, Fr Deep Fernandes, Councillor for Spirituality, and Fr Charles Serrao, the Superior of St. Joseph’s Monastery, celebrated the mass in the presence of over 15 other priests. Fr Charles recommended Dn Naveen as an able candidate for the same and the Bishop duly respected and declared him the same. Fr Deep clad the deacon with the dalmatic after which he received the ministry of the diaconate from the hands of the Bishop to preach the Gospel. After the mass, the Bishop wished Dn Naveen strength for his ministry and Dn Naveen in turn thanked the Bishop and all those who played an important part in his formation. The Carmel Choir lent their voices for the melodious singing during the mass.

In the evening, a short felicitation event was held before the supper during which the deacon shared his joy by cutting the cake and expressing his sentiments. Fr Charles wished him success in his ministry. Dn Naveen then proceeded to bless the food and prayed grace over the meals. The KG Province congratulates Dn Naveen and accompanies him through their prayers.