Events
Bellary Diocese Blessed With Two New Priests
BALLARI, JUNE 24:

Fr. Rayappa T. and Fr. Xavier Ravi were ordained priests on 21 June at Deeksha Bhavan diocesan minor seminary chapel, Bellary by Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary.

The ordination ceremony was held with only the close family members and a few priests present due to COVID-19 restrictions, strictly following Govt. guidelines.

During his homily Bishop D’Souza spoke on the identity of priests. He reminded how Jesus declared his identity through his “I statements”, declaring that he was the light of the world, he was the good shepherd, he was the living bread, he was the way, the truth and the life. Similarly a priest should never be afraid of declaring his identity as a priest of God, a servant of people and an animator of the community.

Quoting Pope Francis the Bishop said, “The ministerial priesthood is a consequence of the baptismal priesthood of the holy faithful people of God and a Catholic priest puts God and His people at the centre of his daily concerns, setting aside self-interest and “dreams of greatness.” “To do this, “you must be a pastor and an apostle of joy that the Church and its people need and serve people.” “Vocation to priesthood is a call of God to bring the Good News of God and to provide pastoral servant leadership, thus making one’s life fruitful” Jn15:14 stated the Bishop.

“Our whole life is not enough to thank God enough for the graces received. A priest by virtue of his vocation makes the place flourish wherever he is planted”, stated Bishop.

At that occasion bishop appealed to the family members that they should constantly accompany their sons with their prayer support, who have to exercise their pastoral ministry in today’s challenging situations.

The new priests were born in Mudgal. They had their priestly formation at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. They did their diaconal ministry at St Anthony’s cathedral and Christ the King Church, Ballari.

Bishop honoured the parents of the new priests and particularly thanked the parents who offered their sons to serve in the vineyard of the Lord.

The newly ordained priests gratefully recalled everyone who helped them to reach the Alter of God, particularly their parents, formators and very specially late Fr. Anthonyraj, Vicar General and Rector of St. Antony’s Cathedral, Ballari.

A short felicitation program followed the ordination ceremony at which Fr. Ivan Pinto, PRO and Bellary Dean felicitated the new priests.

Fr. Yagappa, Director BDDS song the litany of Saints and Fr. Alphonse George, Rector, Minor Seminary was the MC of the event. END.