Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD and Verghese V Joseph –
In a poignant and uplifting ceremony, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, ordained 12 deacons as priests at the historic Se Cathedral in Old Goa on April 29-30. The occasion was marked by a powerful homily that emphasized the importance of service, humility, and unity with Jesus.
As the newly ordained priests took their vows, Cardinal Ferrão, who is also the president-elect of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC), reminded them that their service was not just a duty, but a privilege to continue the ministry of Jesus the Good Shepherd. He emphasised the need for humility and unity with Jesus, stressing that these virtues were essential for effective ministry.
The Cardinal also cautioned against expectations of priests, reminding the faithful that God does not change the human nature of the priest through the Sacrament of Priestly Ordination. He urged the faithful to pray for, help, cooperate with, and understand their priests, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with their role.
The ceremony was a testament to the dedication and commitment of the newly ordained priests, who have spent years studying and preparing for this moment. Most of them joined the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilern, for their initial formation, and completed their Philosophical and Theological studies at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol.
As they embarked on their new journey, the Cardinal handed over appointment letters (Portaria) to the newly ordained priests, marking the beginning of their service to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. The ceremony was attended by Fr Simião Fernandes, Director of Pastoral Institute and Bishop-elect (Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Goa and Daman), who welcomed the gathering and read out the appointments of the newly ordained.
While Fr Clive Diniz, Prefect of Discipline at Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne was the liturgical commentator, Fr Afonso Mendonça along with Rachol Seminarians animated the liturgy. Fr Simon D’Cunha, Chaplain at St Joaquim Chapel, Borda, led the liturgical singing with his Vakhann’nni choir. Fr Dezil Fernandes and Fr Joel Rodrigues expressed their sentiments of gratitude, as the Cardinal also felicitated the diocesan priests who celebrated their Sacerdotal Silver and Golden Jubilees.
This momentous occasion marks a new chapter in the lives of these 12 priests, who are now called to serve the faithful with humility, joy, and compassion. As they embark on their journey, they are reminded of the importance of service, unity, and humility, and are encouraged to continue the ministry of Jesus the Good Shepherd.
Let us pray for these newly ordained priests, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the example of Jesus, and that they may bring joy, hope, and love to all those they serve.
FR REUL CLYDE FERNANDES
Fr Ruel, who hails from Orel Assolna, is the elder of the two sons of Romaldo Fernandes and Maria D’Souza. After completing his VII Std at Perpetual Convent High School, Navelim, he joined the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne. He has a BA in English from IGNOU. His regency took place in the Parish of Nuvem and at St Xavier’s Academy, Old Goa. As a deacon at Holy Trinity Church, Nagoa (Bardez), he gained pastoral experience.
FR RAYAN D’SOUZA
Fr Rayan is the eldest child of Ligorio and Clarina D’souza from Pale Velsão. He has a sister. After completing his 8th Std in St Thomas High School, Cansaulim, joined the Seminary of Our Lady Saligão and completed his studies. He did his regency in Nuvem in Goa and Chisda, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Served the St Alex Church, Calangute as deacon.
FR PETER TYSON GONSALVES
Hailing from Escrivao Vaddo, Candolim, Fr Peter, is an eldest child of Custodio and Lilia Gonsalves. He has a sister. He passed SSC from People’s High School, Panaji and HSSC from St Theresa’s Higher Secondary School, Candolim. After Graduation from St Xavier’s College Mapusa he joined the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão- Pilerne. Had Pastoral experience at Ambaulim and Nuvem parishes. Did his dioconate ministry at St Theresa’s church, Canacona.
FR DEZIL FERNANDES
Fr Dezil is the youngest child of Mateus and Paulina Fernandes from Betiabhatt, Ambaulim. He has a sister. Completed his SSC from Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem, before joining the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne. Engaging in regency in the Parishes of Nuvem and Caranzalem, he served as a deacon in the Parish of St Anthony, Panchwadi.
FR CLIFFORD FERNANDES
Fr Clifford is the youngest in the family, born to Niquela Carvalho and Custodio Fernandes from Betiabhatt, Ambaulim. He has two sisters. He completed his SSC at Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem, and joined the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão- Pilerne. Had pastoral experiences in the Parishes of Nuvem and Caranzalem. Did his diaconate ministry at St Francis Xavier’s Church, Corgão.
FR WARREN BRITTO PEREIRA
Fr Warren, hailing from Gonsua-Betalbatim, is the eldest child of Minguel and Wanyk Pereira. Has a brother and a sister. Educated at St Jude’s High School and R.M.S Higher Secondary Margao, he pursued his BCA at Damodar College Margao. After graduation, he joined Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne. Had pastoral experience at Ambaulim and Batim parishes. As a deacon, he served at Our Lady of Hope, Candolim.
FR BORIS DIAS
Fr Boris, the eldest of two sons of Beatriz Severino and Benny Mount Dias from Panzorconim Cuncolim, pursued his education in Bandra and Thane. He graduated from St Andrew’s College Bandra and joined the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão- Pilerne. He earned an MCom from Rosary College Navelim during his formation and served in parishes like Ambaulim and Arambol. As a deacon, he contributed to St Michael’s Parish, Taleigão.
FR VENANCIO FERNANDES
Fr Venancio is the younger of two sons of Adelino ani Milagrina Fernandes from Socoilo Vaddo, Arambol. Joined the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne after passing VII Std from Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School, Arambol. Has pastoral experience at Mandur and Ambaulim. He served the Parish of Our Lady of Gloria, Varca as a deacon.
FR ANTHONY MELVYN GOMES
Fr Anthony Melvyn, the second child of Antonio Paixão and Maria Ivone Gomes from Dandeavaddo, Chinchinnim, completed his schooling at Loyola High School, Margao, and Shree Damodar Higher Secondary School, Margao. Has a brother and a sister. He pursued Engineering at Padre Conçessão College of Engineering, Verna, and earned an MBA from IGNOU. Following four years of professional work, he entered the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne. He gained pastoral experience in Candolim and Ambaulim before serving his diaconate ministry at Guardian Angel’s Church, Sanvordem.
FR CLIVE AGNELO DIAS
Fr Clive hails from Dandeavaddo-Chinchinnim and is eldest of three sons of Carlos Agapito and Olivia Dias. Did his schooling at Sarzora and Pilar and HSSC from Emirates English School, Dubai. Graduated from Fr Agnelo College Pilar. Heeding to God’s call, he joined the Society of Pilar and after his initial formation, completed his philosophy from Pilar Institute of Philosphy, Nagpur. Joined the Patriachal Seminary of Rachol. Had pastoral experience from the Parishes of Candolim and Benaulim (Holy Trinity). Did his diaconate ministry at Santo Estevam.
FR JOÃO GONSALVES
Born in Mascarenhas Vaddo, Goa Velha, Fr João is the youngest child of Constancio and Piedade Gonsalves. Has a brother and two sisters. He completed his schooling at Fr Agnel High Hr. Sec. School, Pilar, and pursued his graduation in Engineering at Padre Conçessão College of Engineering, Verna, followed by post-graduation at Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi. Additionally, he holds a post-graduate Diploma in Educational Technology. He joined the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne after post-graduation and an experience of few years of work. He gained pastoral experience in Nuvem parish and Caritas before serving as a deacon at St Anthony, Galgibaga.
FR JOEL RODRIGUES
Fr Joel is the youngest son of Guilherme Rodrigues and Rita Maria Fernandes from Zamcotto, Dramapur. Has two brothers. He passed SSC from Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim and HSSC from Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim. After completing a Post-Graduation in Commerce from Rosary Colege Navelim, he joined the Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne. He gained Pastoral experience in the parishes of Nuvem, Ambaulim, Chisda and also in Caritas. He served as a deacon in the Parish of Pomburpa.
Noticed that while some of these joined the seminary after post graduation others joined while still in school. It is important to encourage more mature vocations.
I also read a recent report that young priests are more inimical to Pope Francis’ reform agenda. That’s dangerous if true.
The entire system of vocation promotion and seminary formation requires a radical overhaul.