TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao ordained nine candidates for priesthood as deacons at the Pilar Seminary Chapel on Sunday.
From the nine deacons, eight belong to the Society of Pilar and one from the Diocese of Bethiah in Bihar.
Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Filipe Neri stated that the challenge is not only to believe the word of God but to live it out in our lives, surrendering ourselves totally and joyfully to do God’s will whatever be the price whether people accept or betray you.
Handing the deacons the Book of the Gospel, Bishop Filipe Neri stated: “Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”
The candidates ordained deacons include Carson Dourado (Raia), Russel Fernandes (Velim), Andy Gomes (Margao), George D’Souza (Kerim-Tiracol) and Franky Carvalho (Majorda) from Goa, Indwar Shishir and Rajen Soreng (Jharkand) and Wilson Paul (Tamil Nadu). Chemberleen Berkumans (Kerala) is for the Bethiha Diocese which is under the Archdiocese of Patna.
Apart from completing graduation studies, the candidates have competed two years of Philosophy studies and four years degree in Theology.
Fr Francis Carvalho, Superior General of the Society of Pilar and Fr Anselmo De Souza, the Rector of the Pilar Seminary, were present for the ceremony.
