Five Brothers Ordained Deacons for the Diocese of Mangalore

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha Calls Them to Serve with Love and Humility

A spirit of faith and joy filled the Chapel of Saint Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, on Tuesday, October 14, as five brothers were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons for the Diocese of Mangalore. The solemn Eucharistic celebration began at 3:30 p.m., with Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, as the main celebrant and ordaining prelate.

The Newly Ordained Deacons. The five brothers who received the diaconate are:

Rev. Dn. Jeevan Dsouza (Bela Parish)

Rev. Dn. Loyd Rohan Dsouza (Madanthyar Parish)

Rev. Dn. Joel Monteiro (Cordel Parish)

Rev. Dn. Denzil Rodrigues (Nainad Parish)

Rev. Dn. Avil Santhumayor (Shirva Parish)

They were supported in prayer and joy by their families, friends, and Parishioners who filled the chapel to capacity for this sacred occasion.

In his inspiring homily, Bishop Saldanha reflected on the mission and responsibilities of a deacon as a minister of the Word, the Altar and Charity. “Your service is a service of love,” he said, “modelled on Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. Be close to the people, especially the poor and the suffering and be faithful servants of God’s mysteries.” He reminded the newly ordained that their calling is not one of privilege but of deep commitment — to bring the Gospel to life through humble and loving service.

Heartfelt Congratulations to Our Newly Ordained Deacons

May the Lord bless Rev. Dn. Jeevan Dsouza, Rev. Dn. Loyd Rohan Dsouza, Rev. Dn. Joel Monteiro, Rev. Dn. Denzil Rodrigues and Rev. Dn. Avil Santhumayor abundantly as they embark on this sacred journey of service.

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reminded them that the deacon’s ministry is a service of love, modelled on Christ Himself, who came not to be served but to serve. “May you always remain close to the people, especially the poor and the suffering, bringing comfort, hope, and the light of the Gospel to all you meet,” he said.

May your hands at the Altar, your words in the pulpit, and your deeds in charity reflect the faithfulness, humility and selfless love that Christ calls His servants to embody. May God grant you strength, wisdom and perseverance to faithfully serve His Church and His people, walking always in His grace.

We rejoice with you and pray that your life as deacons be marked by joyful service, unwavering faith and deep love for God and His flock.

A Celebration of Faith and Commitment

The Liturgy of Ordination, which included the Prostration, the Laying on of Hands and the Solemn Prayer of Ordination, was marked by deep reverence and devotion. The ceremony was animated by Rev. Fr Rohit Dcosta, Director of Mangala Jyothi. A large number of priests concelebrated the Mass, including Msgr.  Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General; Rev. Dr.Rajesh Rosario, Rector of Saint Joseph Seminary and Rev. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, Director of the Pastoral Centre, along with the seminary staff.

Felicitation and Gratitude

After the Ordination Mass, a brief felicitation program was held in honour of the newly ordained deacons. Rev. Fr Johnson Sequeira, Principal of Lourdes Central School, delivered words of appreciation on behalf of the diocese. Bishop Saldanha expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parents and families of the deacons for their generous offering of their sons to God’s service. He also commended the vocation promoters and seminary formators for their tireless dedication in nurturing the future priests of the Church.

Journey Toward Priesthood

The diaconal ordination marks the final step before priesthood for these five men. They will now serve in various parishes of the diocese, assisting in liturgical functions, preaching the Word and engaging in pastoral and charitable ministries as they continue their formation toward Priestly ordination.