by Cl. Evangelo D'Souza, sdb
YERWADA-PUNE, FEBRUARY 26, 2015: The Salesian Provinces of Mumbai and Panjim were proud to witness the diaconate ordination of nine young Salesians at the Sacred Heart Parish 
Yerwada, Pune on February 22, 2015. Rev. Bishop Thomas Dabre, Bishop of the Pune Diocese, ordained Cleric's Richard, Roshan, Ashwin, Leon, Dinesh, Austin, Crescens, Kiran and Jason as deacons. The theme chosen for the ordination was, "Witnessing Christ through love and service."
"A deacon is called to serve. He is a servant. He is a minister of the word. He assists the priest in the Eucharistic sacrifice. He is called to be a celibate, a prayerful person and obedient. His service is different from mere social work. Rather he commits himself fully for the love of Christ in the service of his people." This was clearly reflected in the inspiring homily given by Bishop Thomas Dabre.
Rev. Fr. Godfrey D'Souza, Provincial of the Mumbai Province, Rev. Fr. Paul D'Souza, Vice-Provincial of the Panjim Province accompanied by Salesian and Diocesan priests were also present for the ordination. Deacon Kiran Nazareth, of the Panjim province thanked the priests, religious and the laity for accompanying them with their support and prayers. The deacons were felicitated and congratulated at DBYC, Pune. Fr. Nelson Carvalho, congratulated the deacons and invited them to serve the Lord and his people zealously.
Fr. Godfrey D'Souza and Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas prepared the brothers for their diaconate ordination. The family members, relatives and friends of the deacons graced this occasion with their presence and joined in a fellowship meal with the community.