By Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: In a significant event, as the Church celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Bengaluru Archdiocese had another reason to celebrate as 14 Deacons were ordained as priests by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore. The Sacrament of Holy Orders took place at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Cleveland Town in Bangalore. This is the second time that the Archdiocese is blessed with such vast number. The last was in 2011 when 14 deacons were ordained.
The Priestly Ordination, which was traditionally held during the month of May every year, was delayed due to the Covid-10 pandemic. However, the ordinandi ended their wait as they were anointed as priests by the Archbishop on this auspicious day.
The restrictions of the Covid protocol still on, the priestly ordination ceremony was restricted to 100 people including the priests. After obtaining due permission from the concerned authorities, the solemn Holy Eucharist celebrations took place at the Cathedral. Archbishop Peter Machado presided over the mass along with Vicars General Msgr. S. Jayanathan, Msgr. C. Francis and a small number of priests.
During the Holy Eucharist, the priestly candidates professed their allegiance and obedience to Archbishop and his successors, after which the Archbishop blessed them and anointed them with holy oils to the priesthood.
Archbishop Peter Machado, who presided over the liturgical celebrations and in his sermon, reminded the young priests of the commitments of the priestly life. He emphasized on three important points in the readings of the day, the prelate spoke upon eternity, slavery and friendship. He said, from all eternity God has destined you to be what you are today referring Jer 1:5 and said “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” He reminded that it is not your ability or intelligence or acumen that has brought you here nor is that you chose to be a priest, but it is God’s plan that “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit” Jn 15:16. He explained at length God’s love, benevolence and compassion which is beyond human comphernsion. He calls His chosen that “I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends” Jn15:15.
In his concluding message the prelate quoted the great poet and Nobel laureate Sri Rabindranath Tagore and said “Every child comes with a message that God is not yet discouraged” slightly rephrasing he reminded that “Every Priest comes with a message that there is something more that could be done to the Diocese”
The Archbishop felicitated and thanked the parents and the family of the ordained Priests while inviting them to the Altar.
The deacons who were ordained today are:
Mario Fernandes
Deacon Mario Fernandes was born in Susaipalayam at KGF on 25th November, 1987, and presently belongs to Infant Jesus Shrine, Vivekanagar, Bangalore. He was born to Mr. Arokianathan & Mrs. Theresa as their sixth child. He has four elder brothers, two elder sisters and one younger brother. He did his early studies at Taylor High School and St. Patrick’s High School. During childhood as an altar server, he was inspired to become a Priest.
In the year 2007, he joined Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary. While residing there, he also completed his PUC Studies at St. Joseph’s PU College, Museum Road, Bengaluru. Later in 2013, he gained his bachelor’s degree in Arts at St. Joseph’s Evening College and M.A. in Philosophy from IGNOU University.
Deacon Mario’s mother is a very pious and prayerful person. She became a true motivator from him to reach the altar. After his degree studies, he joined St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore for his priestly studies. He is lover of books and Good at tailoring, rosary making, candle making and fine
arts. He is a football and cricket player too. He upholds his priestly Motto, “To give Jesus to others through the sacraments and to serve all without discrimination.”
His vision and mission are, “To reach out the needy.” He did his regency at St. Michael’s Church, Shanthinagar. He served as deacon at St. Mary’s Orphanage.
Vivek Lionel Basu
Deacon Vivek Lionel Basu is the son of Mr. Sabastian Basu K. & Mrs. Reeni A. M. Basu. He was born on 11th September, 1988 in J.C. Nagar. He has two younger brothers. He belongs to St. Mary’s Church, Hegdenagar. He studied in Gulabi Primary School, and did his High Schooling at HBR Layout. He Studied PUC at St. Joseph’s Institutions and Completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Arts at Bangalore University. Later he decided to become a priest.
In 2011, he was sent to St. Joseph’s Seminary Jeppu, Mangalore for his priestly studies. He then joined Pontifical Urban College, Rome, for his Theological studies. He also completed his M.Th. in Dogmatic Theology in Rome, and Diploma in priestly formation course from the congregation for the clergy. He has written many spiritual articles and he is good in singing too. He holds his Priestly Motto as, “Self-giving to serve His holy will.” He titles his mission and vision as, “Service of faith & Strive to lead people of God.”
His parents were his real motivation to answer the call to the priesthood. He also found many priests of his parish who appreciated his decision and guided him to become a priest. He did his regency at Archbishop’s House and Diaconate ministry at Our Lady of Good Health Church, Jigini.
Infant L
Deacon Infant L is the son of Mr. Lourd Raj & Mrs. Antoniamma. He was born on 31st July 1990 in Chenchadahalli, Robertsonpet. He hails from St. Antony’s Friary church, Madiwala. He did his schooling at Goldwyn Memorial Public High School. His Family members were great inspiration for him to become a priest. With the guidance of Parish Priest, he joined Bhakti Bhavan in 2006. Later he joined St. Aloysius College to pursue his PU studies. He has a younger brother and a younger sister.
He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce at St. Joseph’s Institutions in 2012. He was sent to St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary to do his Priestly studies. He completed Philosophy and Theology at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore. He was appointed to do his regency at St. Germain’s Academy. His diaconate ministry was at Paalana Bhavana, Archdiocesan Pastoral Center.
His Priestly motto is, “To serve at the altar of God.” His vision and mission is, “To be the Ambassador of Christ and to serve the People of God with Pastoral Charity of Christ.”
Arokia Anthony D
Deacon Arokia Anthony D. hails from Infant Jesus Church, Vivekanagar. He was born on 2nd August 1990, near Karrehalli, Shimoga. He is the first born of Mr. Dominic A. & Mrs Christina L. He has two younger brothers and a younger sister.
He did his primary and high school studies at Bala Yesu Vidhyalaya, Vivekanagar. His parents are very pious and devoted. Their daily family prayers motivated their son to become a minister at the altar. He joined Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary, in 2008.
He did his PUC at St. Aloysius College, Bengaluru. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Commerce at St. Joseph’s Evening College, Museum Road in 2011. He completed his philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore. Later he was sent to Rome for his Theological studies and Licentiate in Moral Theology, and Diploma in priestly formation course from the congregation for the clergy. He did his regency at St. Germain’s Academy and the diaconate ministry at St. Rita’s Church, Kanakapura.
Deacon Arokia bears the motto, “To live in his grace is the joy of life.” He inculcates his life journey, “To be a blessing for all.” He has enriched himself enormous love for Christ during his formation.
Antic Arnold Ashwin
Deacon Antic Arnold Ashwyn son of Mr. Anthony Aloysius J. & Mrs. Roseline Kalaiselvi from Our Lady of Fatima Church, Jalahalli. He was born on 23rd October 1990, in Robertsonpet, KGF. He did his primary schooling at Cluny Convent, Jalahalli, and continued his high school at St. Xavier’s High School, Shivajinagar.
In his childhood, he was much inspired by the lives of saints and pious priests at his parish. Through the inspiration of the Late Rev. Fr. Joseph Abraham, former Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Jalahalli, and his devout parents, he joined Bhakti Bhavan. Archdiocesan
Minor seminary in 2007. He has a younger brother.
He did his PUC at St. Joseph’s PU College, Museum Road. Later he joined Claret Degree College at Jalahalli and gained his Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in 2013. He did his regency at St. Germain Institutions. He was sent to do his priestly studies at St. Pius X College, Mumbai. There he completed his Bachelor’s in Philosophical and Theological studies. Undergoing rigorous
formation studies, Deacon Antic upholds the motto of his priesthood as, “To be an Ambassador for Christ.” He did his Diaconate ministry at St. Anne’s Church, Mestripalya.
Today he has envisioned his mission & vision for his pastoral ministry, “To reflect Christ in Life. To accept all the faithful as they are and strive to walk with them hand in hand through path of Christ.”
David Kumar
Deacon David Kumar born on 5th February 1991. He hails from St. Anthony’s Church, Kadesanahalli. His Father Mr. Anthony Swamy and His Mother Mrs. Anthony Mary. He has two elder brothers and two elder sisters. He studied his Primary School at Nava Jyothi School, Mariapura, and later he joined High School at St. Francis High School, Chintamani.
His was inspired and motivated by Fr. A. Thomas, who toiled for the rural growth and development. Through his guidance, he joined Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary. He completed his PreUniversity studies; and in 2013, he pursued his Bachelor’s Degree in Arts at St. Joseph’s Institutions, Bangalore.
He did his Major Seminary studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary. He is a singer and skilled event manager. He is good at Liturgical music and playing keyboard. During his graduation time, he stayed in St. Mary’s Orphanage and helped the priests. He was also much inspired at St. Mary’s Orphanage, with regard to taking care of children, educating them and rendering social
service. He did his regency at St. Patrick’s Church & Orphanage,
Brigade Road. He was appointed as deacon to Good Shepherd Church, Murphy Town.
His motto for the priesthood is, “To be broken to break the word of God to the broken world.” His mission and vision, “To proclaim Christ to the seeking heart.” We wish and pray all success for his future ministry.
Kanika Dass A.V.
Deacon Kanika Dass A.V. was born on 18th August 1991. He hails from Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Rayapuram. He is the first born of Mr. Amala Dass and Mrs. Veronica D, who are very pious and God-fearing.
He did his schooling at St. Joseph’s Institutions at Briand Square, Chamrajpet. After completion of his high school in 2007, he joined Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary aiming to be a priest of the Archdiocese. He did his Pre-University studies at St. Joseph’s PU College, Museum Road. In 2014, he completed Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (Journalism and Mass Media Communication) at St Joseph’s Institution. He was sent to do his Philosophical studies in St. Pius X College, Mumbai. He was appointed as regent in the Archbishop’s House and later he did his Theological studies at St. Pius X College, Mumbai. He has two younger sisters.
He is good singer and talented at creative arts. He is also interested in visual arts which he has meticulously showcased in his ministry. He is a good leader and speaker too. He successfully completed his diaconate ministry at St Mary`s Basilica, Shivajinagar. He holds his priestly motto, “To be all things for all.” His vision and mission is: “To be nourished by Christ to nourish others.”
His Parents are the greatest motivator and strength so that he is rooted in his vocation. His various stages of life experience itself is a great inspiration to grow closer to the altar.
Daniel Irudhiyanathan V.
Deacon Daniel Irudhiyanathan. V, son of Mr. Vincent. B and Mrs. Harris Stella was born on 15th September, 1991. He has a younger sister. In the past, they belonged to St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and currently he belongs to Holy Ghost Church. He did his early studies at Assumption School, Rajajinagar. He aimed to be a priest at very young age in 2007. He joined Bhakti Bhavan through the guidance of the Archdiocesan priests. He studied PUC at St. Joseph’s, Museum Road. Later in 2013 at St. Joseph’s Arts & Science, he secured his Bachelor’s degree in Arts.
After doing his initial formation at Bhakthi Bhavan, he was sent to St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore for his priestly studies.
Deacon Daniel is a basketball player, and he reads books, and he is good at visual arts and designing, and very talented in composing enigmatic articles. He did his regency in Archbishop’s House. He did his diaconate ministry at Ascension Church, Da Costa Layout.
As he is stepping towards the altar, he carries a motto for his life journey, “All things to all men.”
Many priests have inspired him but one whom he carried as his principal inspirer is, Rev. Fr. Lawrance Naronha, Spirtual Director at Bhakti Bhavan.
Arun Kumar J
Deacon Arun Kumar J. hails from St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Somanahalli. He was born in Davanagere on 16th November 1991. He is the second son of Mr. Jacob. A & Mrs. Fathima Mary. He is having one elder brother. His grandfather and his parents lived a faithful life, this inspired him to face all struggles and to become a Priest. He did primary school at St. Francis Xavier School, and his high school studies at APS School. He was inspired by his then parish priest, the Late Rev. Fr. Renard MEP, and joined Bhakti Bhavan Archdiocesan Minor Seminary in 2007. Later he completed his Pre-University studies and his Bachelor’s Degree from St. Joseph’s Institutions, Bengaluru.
He was sent to St. Joseph’s Seminary Jeppu to do his Philosophical and Theological studies. He did his regency at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Ramanagara and he completed his diaconate ministry at Paalanaa Bhavana, Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. He is good sportsman and enjoys reading books. He is very simple and approachable, and jovial person too.
Deacon Arun has decided to do his priestly ministry with the motto as, “To serve and be available to all.” His vision and mission are, “To serve and be available to all.”
Shashi Kiran J
Deacon Shashi Kiran I, son of Mr. Innasappa and Mrs. Anjila Rajini was born on 1st March 1990. He belongs to Sacred Heart Church, Siluvepura. He has a elder brother and an elder sister. He studied his Primary and
High School at Sacred Heart`s High School, Silvepura. He is the youngest son in his family.
In 2007, he joined Bhakti Bhavan Minor Seminary. Later he did his PUC and Degree Studies at St. Joseph’s Institutions. He completed Bachelor’s Degree in Arts. His parish priests and all the priests from his parish have inspired him to grow unto Christ.
Deacon Shashi Kiran joined St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu to do his Philosophy and Theology. There are many hurdles that he has faced in his life, but those rejections were stepping stone for him to find success. He was appointed as regent at Our Lady of Victories Church, KGF. He did his
diaconate ministry at Archdiocesan Communications Center (ACC). He enjoys travelling and his passion is to listen to music. Being a lover of music, he has dedicated his life to make numerous collections of Catholic hymns on YouTube Channel. He is the pioneer of Jeeva Swara, YouTube Channel, which has good number of viewers and widely acclaimed.
He titles his priestly journey with this motto, “Not to be served, but to serve.” His vision to the ministerial of priesthood is, “To walk with Christ and to give Christ to all.”
Edwin Shylendra
Deacon Edwin Shylendra belongs to Sacred Heart Church, Shilvepura. He was born on 25th May 1990. His parents Mr. Arogya Mary & Mrs. Nirmala Mary, who are very prayerful and dedicated Christians. He has two elder brothers and a sister. He studied Primary and High School at Sacred Heart School, Silvepura. As it is said for every priest, his family is the spiritual
foundation, and it was very true in the life of Deacon Edwin. Through their inspiration, in 2006, he joined Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary. He studied PUC at St. Aloysius College and Bachelor’s Degree at St. Joseph’s College of Commerce in 2012.
Archbishop Bernard Moras sent him to at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, to do his major seminary studies, and there he completed his philosophy and theology studies. He was appointed as a regent at Our Lady of Velankanni Church, Yelahanka. He did his diaconate ministry at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Rajarajeshwarinagar.
He is very genuine and friendly to all who approach him. He bears a motto of his priesthood as, “To serve and to be available.” His vision and mission are, “To be a priest who is Humane.” In spite of much ordeal in his life he has vigorous heart burning with love to serve the Church and Christ. His inspiration is Msgr. C. Francis, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, who was also the former Parish Priest of Silvepura.
Fernandes J
Deacon Fernandes J. is the son of Mr. John Das & Mrs. Jayasheeli. He Born on 4th June, 1989 in Perumanam, Vellore. He has two elder brothers and two younger sisters, who are religious sisters. He belongs to Holy Eucharist Church. He studied his primary and high school at Vidhya Jyothi School (BTM Layout). He was inspired through the works of Franciscan Missionaries and he desired to join Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary in 2008 and completed his Pre-University studies at St. Aloysius College, Cox Town.
He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from St. Joseph’s Arts and Science College in the year 2011. Later he was sent for his priestly studies to St. Pius X College, Mumbai.
Deacon Fernandes is very jovial person and has equipped himself with art, decorations and music. He is a good leader and motivator. He completed his regency at St. Aloysius Institutions and his Diaconate Ministry at St. Ignatius Church, Begur.
With intense formation and spiritual journey, he keeps the motto for his priesthood, “Called to serve – Abide In Love”, and his vision and mission are: “Fidelity; Living in faithfulness to scripture; magisterium and teachings of the church; evangelization; witnessing to the Gospel for the salvation of all.” He has a great heart to reach out to the vulnerable.
Joe Prem Britto
Deacon Joe Prem Britto, son of Mr. C. Jerald & Mrs. Sahaya Mary, was born in Shettihalli, Hassan Dist., on 21st Feb 1992. He hails from St. Rock’s Church, Chelikere. He is having one younger brother. He studied
primary school at St. Charles School, and High School at BVN High School.
His parents were his inspiration to walk the way towards the altar. He joined Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary in 2007. He then joined St. Joseph’s Institutions to do his PU Studies and Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce in 2013 and M.A. Philosophy from IGNOU University.
He was sent to St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, to do his priestly studies. He successfully completed his Philosophical and Theological Studies at St Joseph`s Seminary, Mangalore. He was appointed as a regent at Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary. He served as deacon at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Jalahalli.
He is innovative in learning new things, he is good at conducting choir and singing. He upholds Motto of his Priesthood, “To Love, Serve and Heal.” His Vision and Mission, “To be like what Christ would be to his people.”
Anthony Sandeep
Deacon Anthony Sandeep was born on 15th September 1992, and belongs to St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Chikkabalapura. His father Late. Mr. Anthony Raj & his mother Mrs. Theresa. He has an elder brother. He did his primary schooling at St. Joseph’s Convent School, Chikkabalapura, and High school at Panchagiri High School.
In 2007, through the inspiration of his parish priest, he joined Bhakti Bhavan, Archdiocesan Minor Seminary to become a priest. He did his PUC in 2010 and Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in 2013 at St. Joseph’s Institutions and M.A. Philosophy from IGNOU. He was sent to St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, to do his priestly studies. He did his regency at St. Mary’s Orphanage and diaconate ministry at St. Germain Academy. He was motivated by his mother to become a priest. All the steps he took towards the altar was through the spiritual guidance of his mother. His mother’s and his grandmother’s inspiring stories and biblical narratives evoked him to come closer to the call for priesthood.
His Hobbies are reading books and writing articles to diocesan magazines. His priestly motto is, “To Love and Serve.” His vision and mission are, “to be a loving priest.” We are happy he is ascending the altar of God to be another Christ. We wish him good luck in all his future priestly ministry.
On behalf of its readers, ICM congratulates them as they complete their formation to the priesthood and wish them good luck in their priestly ministry. May their love for Christ become testimonies to the world.