by Father Francis Fernandes
PUNE, DEC 23, 2017: Sacred Heart Parish Yerwada created history on December 20 when it celebrated its first Priestly Ordination. Deacon Anthony Patole, a 
parishioner, was ordained a Priest of God by Retired Bishop Thomas Dabre of Poona, in the presence of 50 priests and a large congregation.
The ordination ceremony was solemnised on the school grounds. Father Godfrey D'Souza, the Salesian Provincial, expounded on the theme 'The Church as the Bride'. He exhorted Deacon Patole to serve this Bride in all humility.
Bishop Thomas, in his homily, explained that the Church doesn't require priests to be principals of schools and colleges. Priests are needed to celebrate the Sacraments, the most important being the Holy Eucharist.
After the customary felicitations and vote of thanks, the entire congregation was invited to dinner.
It was a red letter day for the parishioners of Sacred Heart Yerwada as they witnessed their very own son being raised to the Order of the Priesthood. Together they prayed with hope in their hearts that many other youngsters are motivated to serve God, in the footsteps of Don Bosco.