by Father Joaquim Fernandes
AURANGABAD, DEC 14, 2015: Father Jacob Palaparambil from The Salesian Province of Mumbai was ordained to the Priesthood on December 12, at St Francis De Sales Cathedral Church grounds in Aurangabad, 
Maharashtra.
Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nagpur ordained Father Palaparambil in the presence Dr Ambrose Rebello, Bishop of Aurangabad Diocese, Father Savio Silveira, Vice Provincial of the Mumbai province and around 90 priests in a solemn Ordination ceremony. Nearly 1,200 people were present to thank the Lord for this great gift of serving the Lord through the Don Bosco way.
Archbishop Viruthakulangara during his homily said, "The Church is the Body of Christ, the people of God and the dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit. In Baptism, the whole Church is summoned to witness God's love and to work for the coming of His kingdom. Priests are ordained to lead God's people in the offering of praise and the proclamation of the Holy Gospel. They are to set the example of the Good Shepherd, always before them as the pattern of their calling. They are to sustain the community of the faithful by the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments, that we all may grow into the fullness of Christ and be a living sacrifice acceptable to God." He thanked the parents of Father Palaparambil for offeringg their son to serve the Lord with faithfulness and joy.
The apostolic school children from Don Bosco Lonavla sang melodious tunes during the Holy Eucharistic celebration. At the end of the ceremony Father Jacob said, "It has been 15 years since I left home and never has there been a moment of regret for having answered God's call. I will always rejoice in the Lord and serve Him in the footsteps of Don Bosco."
At the end of the Ordination ceremony, the parishioners felicitated Father Palaparambil. The children from the Little Flower School presented spectacular performances through dance and music. All the dignitaries present were felicitated with flowers.
Father Palaparambil will return to Don Bosco's Apostolic School at Lonavla and serve the youngsters in the Apostolic School and teach at the Don Bosco High School and Junior College in Lonavla.