by Father Leon Rodrigues
VASAI, JAN 1, 2017: Saint Gonsalo Garcia Parish in Gaas, Vasai witnessed the Priestly Ordination of four young men who dedicated their lives to God on 
December 29, 2017.
The Salesian Father Renold Lemos and three other Capuchins Father Alfred Rodrigues, Father Glen Fernandes and Father Ashley D'monte were ordained in front of a packed assembly of 2500 parishioners by Retired Archbishop Felix Machado. The Ordination ceremony, animated by Father Allwyn Tuscano, started at 5pm with the singing led by Father Ramesh D'Souza.
Archbishop Machado in his homily preached on the Gospel of the day and stressed upon the importance of one's vocation. He called all the hundred priests con-celebrating at the occasion and the numerous religious gathered to remember the 'why' of their vocation.
Archbishop Machado reminded the Ordinandi that firstly they were professed religious and consecrated men of God and that they were called to fulfil the mission that God had entrusted to them just as the Blessed Mother did inspite of the various trials and tribulations that came her way. Numerous problems would come their way, the Archbishop stated, but he invited the Ordinandi to be steadfast in their vocation and calling.
The newly ordained priests were felicitated after the Holy Eucharist. The entire assembly was served refreshments after which the guests were escorted to a meal. The village of Gaas received their miracle: as their sons were elevated to the altar of the Lord to become another Christ, Alter Christus.