by Ankita Shelke for BIS Mumbai

The ordination of Deacons Selvin Dmello, Agnel Dias, and Jeswin Mastan took place on December 14, 2024, at Holy Spirit Church, Nandakhal, Vasai. The ceremony began at 5 p.m. with a Solemn Eucharist that commenced with an introduction and procession of the Priests and Deacons along with their families. This sacred occasion was graced by Most Rev. Felix Machado, Bishop Emeritus of the Vasai Diocese, who presided over the ceremony, alongside several priests, religious brothers and sisters, family members, and friends. 

Bishop Felix delivered a deeply meaningful homily centered on the theme of preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming. The Bishop’s message was spiritually enriching, urging all present to reflect on the importance of spiritual preparation. 

Following the homily, the momentous rite of Ordination began. The three Deacons, devout members of their respective parishes, were presented to the Bishop. During the ceremony, Bishop Felix affirmed their readiness to take on the responsibilities and challenges of priesthood.

The pinnacle of the ceremony was marked by the Bishop and the priests present laying hands on the Deacons, invoking the Holy Spirit to confer upon them the grace of the priesthood. This sacred act was followed by the prayer of consecration, transforming the Deacons into Fr. Selvin Dmello, Fr. Agnel Dias, and Fr. Jeswin Mastan, priests of God.

In the subsequent part of the ceremony, the newly ordained priests were vested with the stole and chasuble, traditional symbols of their new roles, by their mentors. They were then presented with chalices and patens, emblematic of their duty to celebrate the Eucharist.

A moment of profound joy followed as the newly ordained priests were embraced by Bishop Felix and Fr Savio Silveira, Provincial of the Mumbai Salesian Province, symbolizing their formal entry into the priestly ministry. The Eucharistic celebration continued with deep reverence, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks by Fr Selvin. On behalf of the three newly ordained priests, he expressed profound gratitude to God and everyone who had supported them on their journey to priesthood, with special mention to their families, mentors, Bishop Felix, Provincial Fr Savio and the Holy Spirit Church community for their unwavering support.

Vice Provincial Fr Ashely Miranda expressed his gratitude towards Bishop Felix for ordaining three Salesian priests. He also congratulated the newly ordained priests and thanked their families on behalf of all the Salesian priests of the province. He also thanked the community of Holy Spirit Church, Nandakhal, for their support and cooperation in hosting this significant event.

The ordination of Fr. Selvin Dmello, Fr. Agnel Dias, and Fr. Jeswin Mastan was not just a personal milestone but a celebration of lives dedicated to God and service. It marks the beginning of their ministry as priests, a time of renewed commitment to serving God and the community with dedication, love, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.