by Ankita Shelke for BIS Mumbai

The ordination of Deacon Avil Correa took place on December 21, 2023, at the Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna, Matunga-Mumbai. His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias presided over the Solemn Eucharist, joined by priests, religious, family members, and friends.

Cardinal Gracias delivered a meaningful homily emphasizing that a priest is a gift of God to society. He also pressed upon the importance of young people joining the priesthood and how it is the hope for today. 

During the sacred rite, Cardinal Gracias and the priests present laid hands on Deacon Avil, conferring upon him the grace of priesthood through the Holy Spirit. The newly ordained Fr Avil was then vested with the priestly stole and chasuble, followed by the presentation of the chalice and paten.

Fr Savio Silveira, Provincial of the Mumbai Salesian Province, expressed gratitude to Cardinal Gracias and congratulated Fr Avil and his family. Fr Avil then offered words of thanks to all who supported his journey to priesthood. His ordination motto- "Abide in My love." John 15:9 is inspired by the motif of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome. At the bottom of the image at the main altar are the words "praebe fill mi, cor tuum mihi" which translates as "Bring, my child, your heart to me".