Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD & Verghese V Joseph –
Karwar: In a solemn ceremony at St. Anthony’s Church, Mundkani, a small hamlet in Honavar Taluk in Uttar Kannad District of Karnataka State, Bishop Duming Dias of the Diocese of Karwar ordained Carmelite Deacon Siltan Noronha OCD as a priest. This ordination marks the fourth Carmelite priest from the Diocese of Karwar, a significant moment in the religious community.
During the Eucharistic celebrations, Bishop Dias highlighted the profound role of a priest as a messenger of God, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel, sanctifying the people, and continuing the mission of mercy. He emphasized the priest’s duty to be a man of God and the Church, delivering a poignant homily that resonated with the congregation.
The ordination ceremony was graced by Fr. Silvestre D’Souza OCD, the Provincial of Karnataka-Goa Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, and Fr. Melvin D’Cunha OCD, the Superior of St. Joseph Monastery, Mangalore, along with councilors Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, OCD, Fr. Alphonse Britto OCD, Fr. Prakash D’Cunha OCD, Fr. Joaquim Rodrigues OCD and 60 diocesan and religious priests as concelebrants.
Bishop Dias underscored the priest’s calling, anointment, and commission by God for a divine purpose, drawing parallels to the mission of Jesus Christ for redemption. He stressed the priest’s pivotal role as a proclaimer of the Gospel, highlighting the importance of faith as the foundation of Christian life.
Acknowledging the influence of parental guidance in fostering vocations to priesthood, Bishop Dias expressed gratitude to the parents of Fr. Siltan Noronha for their sacrifice and dedication. He called upon the faithful to support and respect priests through prayers and love, recognising their stewardship of God’s mysteries through the administration of sacraments.
The ceremony concluded with felicitations to Bishop Dias by the Carmelite community and parish representatives, symbolising a harmonious bond between the Diocese of Karwar and the Carmelites. Fr. Silvestre expressed gratitude for the Bishop’s presence and extended congratulations to Fr. Siltan’s parents.
Before the mass, Bishop Dias inaugurated and blessed the entrance arch of St. Anthony’s Church, Mundkani, adding a symbolic touch to the auspicious occasion. The liturgical aspects were meticulously conducted, with Fr. Barnabas Monis OCD as the commentator and Fr. Justin D’Souza animating the Liturgy, creating a reverent atmosphere.
Fr. Siltan Noronha’s journey to priesthood, from his early education to theological studies and pastoral experiences, reflects a deep commitment to his faith and vocation. His dedication and service at various stages of his formation exemplify the rigorous preparation required for the priesthood.
Cajetan Dias along with Fr Anthony Lopes led the liturgical singing.
A small felicitation function was held after the mass. Fr Juze Souz compèred it.
Fr. Siltan Noronha, the second child of Philip and Rozin Noronha, has two sisters and a brother. Following his completion of Xth Std at Arogyamata High School, he joined the Order of Discalced Carmelite by participating in the initiation programme in Mapusa in 2011. He underwent his Postulancy programme at the Carmelite Monastery in Margao, Goa, followed by his novitiate in Kushalnagar and philosophy studies at Pushpashrama College of Philosophy in Mysore. Siltan attained a Bachelor of Theology degree from St. Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary in Mangalore. He gained pastoral and community experience at St. Michael’s Church in Belur and served in diaconate ministry at the Novitiate house of the province.
The ordination of Fr. Siltan Noronha stands as a testament to the enduring tradition of religious service and the continuous renewal of faith within the Diocese of Karwar.