by Cl. Crescens Lemos
MATUNGA- MUMBAI, DECEMBER 28, 2013: The Salesian Province of Mumbai witnessed the Priestly Ordinations of Deacons Charlin Chandran, Shekar Mariadas and Leon Cruz Ratinam by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias at the Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna on Saturday December 21, 2013.
The Eucharist celebration began with a ceremonious procession of the deacons to-be ordained priests accompanied by their parents, His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Salesian priests and other priests.
Around 70 priests were present for the ordination ceremony. The Cardinal began by welcoming the congregation to this joyful moment during this season of Advent, a time when we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his homily the Cardinal said, "During the Advent Season, as we wait to celebrate the feast of the Nativity – we recall that God gave us in his Son Jesus to be our Joy, Peace and Love. As priests, you have the great ministry to make Jesus available to others; which implies that you need to have him in your hearts and in your lives."
The homily was then followed by the 'Ordination Rite' wherein the candidates were examined by the Cardinal, which was then followed by the Litany of the Saints, laying of hands and anointing of the hands with Chrism. Fr. Godfrey D'Souza the newly appointed Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mumbai congratulated and welcomed the newly ordained priests. Towards the end Fr. Shekar on behalf of the newly ordained priests extended a word of gratitude to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Fr. Godfrey D'Souza and all those instrumental in making this day a memorable day for them.
The Eucharistic celebration was very meaningful thanks to the meticulous planning of Fr. Ajoy Fernandes the Vice Provincial, Fr. Ivan Rodrigues, the brothers of D.B.Y.C., the Salesians and the Choir Members. May God who has begun the good work in the world and especially in the persons of Frs. Charlin, Shekar and Leon, bring it to fulfilment in due time in the Don Bosco Way.