by Ms. Dolly Aphonso
WADALA-MUMBAI, JANUARY 21, 2014: The combined communities of Our Lady of Dolours and Shelter Don Bosco were privileged to have the presence of two of the newly ordained priests, Fr. Shekar Mariadas and Fr. Charlin Chandran. Fr. Charlin, being the past pupil of St. Joseph High School it was a day of pride for all present.
Together with Frs. Bernard, Allwyn and Jesu they celebrated a thanksgiving mass for the Parish Community on Tuesday the 14th January at 7.00pm. The main celebrant Fr. Shekar in his introduction said that he would be praying for the intentions of all present as he asked for their prayers as they begin their ministry in the Lord's vineyard.
In his homily Fr. Charlin spoke about the bareness in our spiritual life and the graciousness of the Lord who blesses us as Yahweh bestowed the gift of a child, Samuel, to Hannah, in response to her fervent prayer. There seems to be no synchronization with our personal life and what we do, because we have lost connectivity with God. We need to hang on in faith and especially when we are in difficulties … then we will be refreshed in our spiritual life. Instead of asking the Lord for a sign that he loves us, we should instead ask Him for the grace to see the miracles that are happening in our lives.
Fr. Bernard then thanked the new priests for their presence and for celebrating the Eucharist. They then Blessed the community as they whispered a prayer for their perseverance.
The next morning the two priests celebrated the Eucharist for the School community. The Staff and Students joined in the celebration with their whole hearted participation. After the Eucharist the two priests shared their Vocation story with the students of Std. VII to IX and answered the many queries they put to them.