Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX –
The Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, commonly known as “Society of Pilar” is blessed with a bountiful harvest of 19 new priests who were ordained across India in the month of May. With these ordinations, the Society of Pilar has 383 priests. Compared to other Religious Orders, the number of priests is very less, however, the seemingly insignificant number of priests, are serving in over 120 communities spread in 41 dioceses across India and abroad.
The Society of Pilar is an indigenous congregation, headquartered in Porvorim, Goa, 5 kms from Panaji, the capital of Goa. It was founded by Jose Mariano Clemete Bento Martins on 26 September 1887. As years went by this, the Society which was on the verge of extinction was re-organized and revitalized on 2 July 1939. The charismatic leaders of the re-organization are called the Second Founders of the Society of Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier.
These leaders responded to the clarion call given by Pope Leo XIII in the nineteenth century: “Your own sons O India will be the messengers of your salvation”, the Society of Pilar – as they are popularly known – continue to practice their charism to “make Christ known to those who do not yet know him and to those who are become indifferent to Him” in India and in other parts of the World.”
From the 19 newly ordained, Jackson Lawrence, Inacio D’Souza, Clinton Fernandes, Leonray De Mello, Venito Colaco, Nevil Fernandes, Eric Mascarenhas and Mcsteein Oliveira, were ordained in Goa.
Mcsteein Olivera, from Loutolim, Goa, is the only son of his parents had this to say: “My Ordination day was a very joyful, emotional, and a grace-filled moment, a moment where I experienced a change and newness in my life. The days after my ordination was challenging because they not only challenged my own self to be the person of Jesus but also to know what my priorities are. As I go to my mission station, as a human I feel nervous but in Jesus I feel confident”.
Another only son, Eric Mascarenhas, who was ordained by excellency Bishop Alwyn Barreto, Bishop of Sindhudurg on 11 May 2022, said, “Priesthood for me is a treasure in earthen pots. As I prepared for the ordination ceremony I could feel the awe in the hearts of the people, my family, and in me too. I am deeply grateful to God for choosing and consecrating me. As I go forth in my maiden mission venture, I pray that I may constantly experience his presence and share his love with others.”
On 8 May 2022, far away on the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar, Xavier Soreng was ordained by Most Rev. Visuvasan Selvaraj, Bishop of Port Blair. Fr. Xavier Soreng who is also the only son of his parents, had this to say, “As a newly ordained priest, I am an instrument of God and He is using me to spread his love to all. He is everything for me and through Him I can do all things for the spread of God’s Kingdom.”
In Goa’s neighbouring Karnataka, five ordinations were held. Nelson Rebeiro, Maflin Lobo and Parel Philip Fernandes were ordained on 4 May 2022 in Byndoor, Udupi, Karnataka by Most Rev. Isaac Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Udupi. On the 10 of May 2022, Nelson Rodrigues was ordained in Joida, Karnataka by Most Rev. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Karwar. While Jaison D’Souza was ordained on 12th May 2022 by Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore.
In Jharkhand, Suman Indwar from Gumla was ordained on 8th May 2022 by Most Rev. Vinay Khandulna, Bishop of Khunti. While Vijay Linda from Hulhundu, Jharkhand was ordained on 15th May 2022 by Most Rev. Felix Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi.
Tamil Nadu also witnessed three ordinations. M. A. Peter Raja and R. Maria Selvan from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu were ordained on 7th May 2022 by Most Rev. Anthonysamy, Bishop of Palayamkottai, on 10 May 2022, Stalin A. from Hosur, Tamil Nadu was ordained by Most Rev. Lawrence Pius, Bishop of Dharmapuri.
The gift of 19 priests is indeed precious, especially in the current social scenario where consumerism and self-centeredness are rampant. Chosen from among men, weak and humble, these young men have committed themselves to Christ.
Priests are indeed ambassadors of Christ who make Christ present through their words, works, and presence. These new priests will venture into the missions as ambassadors of Christ. On their shoulders lies a responsibility. As Thomas S. Monson rightly puts it, “The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others.”
Fr Elvis Fernandes, SFX is a Counselling Psychologist (Clinical – PhD), an Editor for the Fr. Agnel’s Call – a mission and youth magazine and also a Convener, SADBHAV – an Interfaith Initiative, besides being the Secretary, Pilar Media at Pilar Animation Centre P.O. Tiswadi, Goa.