On Wednesday, Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur became the venue where three deacons were raised to the priesthood for the Diocese of Udupi. Kevin D’Souza of Padukone, Steevan D’Souza of Nidpalli and Shawn Savio Andrade of Kemmannu received Holy Orders from Most Rev. Leslie Clifford D’Souza, the diocesan bishop.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration opened with the bishop, assisted by the attending priests, laying hands on each candidate and invoking the Holy Spirit. Following the laying of hands, the newly ordained priests were anointed with sacred oil, completing the rite prescribed by the Catholic Church.
In his homily, Bishop Leslie D’Souza emphasized that true leadership begins with humility before God and service to the faithful. He outlined the spiritual and social duties of a priest and thanked the families who offered their sons for ministry, urging other Christian households to consider the vocation for their youth.
After the ordination, the three new priests celebrated the Mass at the altar for the first time and distributed Holy Communion to the congregation. The ceremony was attended by Vicar General Monsignor Francis F. Lewis, Chancellor Rev. Steven D’Souza, Public Relations Officer Rev. Denis D’Sa and the zonal deans of Shirva, Karkala and Kundapura – Rev. Charles Menezes, Rev. Alban D’Souza and Rev. Paul Rego – together with priests from several parishes.
Rev. Wilson D’Souza acted as master of ceremonies, while Rev. Stephen Rodrigues introduced the newly ordained clergy and Rev. Steeven D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks.
Rev. Kevin D’Souza, born 17 January 1995 in Padukone, is the youngest of three children of retired agriculturist Clodius D’Souza and homemaker Zita D’Souza. He completed his schooling locally, earned a B.Com. from St Philomena College, Puttur and entered the diocesan seminary in 2018, serving in various ministries before his ordination.
Rev. Steevan D’Souza, born 22 June 1997 in Nidpalli, lost his father Balthazar D’Souza early. After schooling at Sajankadi School and pre‑university at Rosario PU College, Mangaluru, he obtained a BSW from St Philomena College. He joined the minor seminary in 2013 and began major formation in 2018, completing regency at Holy Cross Church, Byndoor.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean News