Six Seminarians Ordained Deacons at Bendur Church
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha Calls Them to a Life of Servant Leadership
In a solemn and spiritually enriching celebration at Saint Sebastian Church, Bendur, six seminarians were ordained to the Order of Deacons by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, on October 15, 2026. The sacred ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the newly ordained, who have dedicated themselves to the service of God and His people.
The six seminarians ordained were Br Prinston Dsouza of Katipalla, Br Loywin Rodrigues of Ammembal, Br Royston Dsouza of Kasaragod, Br Rajath Lobo of Bajpe, Br Vinol Fernandes of Angelore, and Br Ajay Dsouza of Arva.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration began with the traditional entrance rites and opening prayer, followed by the Liturgy of the Word. The melodious hymns rendered by the Bendur parish choir added solemnity and joy to the occasion. Following the proclamation of the Gospel, Very Rev. Dr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of Saint Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, presented the candidates to the Bishop for ordination.
Bishop Highlights the Call to Servant Leadership:
In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reflected on the true meaning of Christian leadership, emphasising humility, selfless service and a deep commitment to the people of God.
“Leadership is humbling oneself before God to serve the people of God,” he said, reminding the candidates that ordained ministry is not a position of power but a vocation rooted in humility and service.
Explaining the significance of the diaconal vestments, the Bishop noted that the dalmatic symbolises the attitude of a servant. He recalled how Jesus demonstrated the same spirit of servanthood at the Last Supper.
Highlighting the distinctive role of a deacon, he observed that while a Priest stands between the altar and the cross, a deacon stands between the altar and the marketplace, carrying the message of love and forgiveness into people’s lives, homes and communities.
Solemn Rite of Ordination:
Following the homily, the candidates publicly expressed their willingness to undertake the responsibilities of the diaconate, embrace celibacy, and pledge respect and obedience to the Bishop and his successors.
The congregation then invoked the intercession of the saints through the Litany of the Saints as the candidates lay prostrate before the altar in a profound gesture of surrender and dedication to God.
The central moment of the ordination followed, as the Bishop laid his hands on each candidate and recited the solemn Prayer of Ordination, invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit upon them.
The newly ordained deacons were then vested with the diaconal stole and dalmatic, signifying their new ministry. They received the Book of the Gospels from the Bishop, along with the apostolic charge to proclaim the Gospel faithfully, and exchanged the fraternal kiss of peace with the Bishop and the clergy present.
During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, animated by Rev. Fr Rohith Dcosta, Director of Mangala Jyothi (DBCLC), the newly ordained deacons actively exercised their ministry at the altar, assisting the Bishop and distributing Holy Communion.
Clergy, Families and Faithful Witness the Celebration:
The sacred celebration was attended by Very Rev. Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General; Very Rev. Dr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of Saint Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary; and Very Rev. Fr Walter Dsouza, Dean and Parish Priest of Saint Sebastian Church, Bendur.
Parish Priests from the newly ordained deacons’ respective Parishes, diocesan Priests, religious brothers and sisters, family members, Parishioners and a large gathering of the faithful also participated in the celebration, offering their prayers and support to the new deacons.
Felicitation and Gratitude:
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was organised in honour of the newly ordained deacons. Rev. Fr Arun Lobo, Principal of Padua College, introduced the deacons and their families and conveyed words of appreciation and congratulations.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha felicitated the newly ordained deacons with bouquets of flowers and extended his blessings and best wishes for their ministry. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to their parents for their sacrifices, prayers and generosity in offering their sons to the Church for the service of the Lord. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of their formators and vocation promoters in guiding the young men on their spiritual journey.
On behalf of his fellow ordinands, Dn Royston Dsouza expressed gratitude to the Bishop, formators, clergy, parents and all those who had supported them throughout their vocation journey.
Deacons Assigned to Their Respective Parishes:
The newly ordained deacons have been assigned to the following parishes to begin their diaconal ministry:
- Dn Prinston Dsouza – Mogarnad
- Dn Loywin Rodrigues – Derebail
- Dn Royston Dsouza – Permannur
- Dn Rajath Lobo – Kokkada
- Dn Vinol Fernandes – Niddodi
- Dn Ajay Dsouza – Kulshekar–Cordel
The ordination ceremony concluded as a memorable occasion of faith, gratitude and renewed commitment, celebrating the six young men’s response to God’s call and their readiness to serve the Church and the wider community with humility, compassion and dedication.
News and Photos by
Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes
Director, Canara Communication Centre, Diocese of Mangalore.
