Shimoga Diocese, 04.02.2023: Diaconate Ordination
On Saturday, 04 February along with eight of his companions Most Rev. Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of Shimoga, ordained Vinuth Balu Kumar S.V, as a Deacon in St Francis Xavier Seminary Chapel of Papal Seminary, Pune. The proper Ordination ceremony began with the Rector of the Papal Seminary, Rev. Fr Bhausaheb Sansare SJ presenting the nine candidates to the ordaining prelate.
During his homily the Bishop brought out the significance, functions and the role of a deacon in the Church. He said that "the ministry of the Deacon is one of service in three areas: First, the ministry of the Word, namely proclaiming the Gospel, preaching and teaching the Liturgy and charity. Second, the Liturgical ministry, namely, the various parts of the Mass proper to the deacon including being an ordinary minister of the Holy Communion. Lastly the ministry of charity involves service to the poor and marginalised."
He also insisted that a Deacon must make a total surrender to God and His mission saying, "with Jesus there are no half measures. There are no percentages. If you love Jesus you have to love Him fully, surrender yourself to Him totally, belong to Him entirely and serve Him completely."
The entire ceremony was efficiently organised and executed by Rev. Fr V.M. Jose, the Choir was directed by Rev. Fr Linus Dabre which won the hearts one and all. The Liturgical ceremony was compered by Bro. Oswald.
At the end of the Mass newly ordained Deacon Ravi Teja thanked the Triune God for leading them to the Altar and thanked the ordaining prelate, the Rector and staff of the Papal Seminary and all those formators who accompanied them closely and directed them promptly. He also acknowledged all those who worked tirelessly to make this event spiritually rich and fruitful.
