By Jane D’Souza for BIS Mumbai

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna in Matunga, Mumbai witnessed the ordination of Fr Nilesh Dodiyar sdb through the imposition of hands and consecratory prayer by Most Rev. Malcolm Sequeira, Bishop of the Diocese of Amravati.

The service began with graceful prayer dancers entering the shrine with dance followed by the priests and Dn Nilesh in solemn procession. Fr Ashley Miranda, the Provincial then welcomed the bishop and Nilesh’s family and relatives present at the service.

The Holy Eucharist began with Bishop Sequeira invoking prayers on Dn Nilesh that he may follow God’s ways and serve the Church loyally. The readings of the Mass were read by Dn Nilesh’s brother and sister. The Provincial of Belgium, present at the Mass, then presented the candidate, Dn Nilesh, before the bishop for the rite of ordination.

During his sermon, Bishop Sequeira encouraged Dn Nilesh to be rooted in his personal relationship with Jesus all throughout his priestly vocation. After this, the rite of ordination continued with Dn Nilesh being questioned according to the rite. This was followed by the invocation of the litany of the saints followed by the laying of hands by Bishop and all the priests present for the service. This concluded the rite of ordination, by Fr Nilesh Dodiyar being vested with priestly vestments. The newly ordained Fr Dodiyar then joined the celebrant and concelebrants to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.

After the breaking of the bread and distribution of the holy communion, Fr Dodiyar gave his vote of thanks in gratitude to every person who assisted him in his calling and those who contributed to the ordination service.

After the final blessing and the first priestly blessing of the newly ordained priest, the various dignitaries present for the celebration were felicitated with a traditional turban and a shawl along with a bouquet of flowers. This was followed by a photo session followed by the kissing of Fr Dodiyar’s hands by the congregation.

Congratulations to the Fr Nilesh Dodiyar! May God bless and guide you in your priestly ministry.