Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, ordained Scholastics Rajat Singh SFX and Mantheosha Fernandes SFX of the Society of Pilar as deacons at the Seminary Chapel of the All India Mission Seminary, Pilar.
The Eucharistic celebration was led by Bishop Fernandes and concelebrated by Fr Norman Almeida SFX, Rector of the Seminary; Fr Steevan D’Souza SFX; and Fr Joaquim Rebelo SFX, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province, along with other priests.
Preaching on the theme “Witnesses of Hope in Loving Service,” Bishop Fernandes encouraged the new deacons to live out their ministry through humility and commitment. “To be witnesses of hope, we must give up everything for loving service,” he said. He reminded them that service should be constant and selfless, adding, “Loving service has no timetable. It must be at all times and focused on others, not ourselves.”
Drawing on the examples of the Good Samaritan and Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, the bishop spoke about the need for sacrifice and inclusiveness in ministry. “In loving service, we need to sacrifice a lot. We need to say no to many things. Only then can we truly be effective witnesses of hope,” he said, noting that genuine service “does not see caste, race, or religion, but a neighbour in need.”
He also linked the ordination to the Jubilee Year 2025 and the Church’s Synodal journey, referring to Pope Francis’ Spes non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint). He said the Pope’s call was for the Church to be a “tangible sign of hope” for the poor, the sick, and those on the margins.
The ceremony coincided with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Recalling the saint’s example, Bishop Fernandes said, “St. Francis gave up everything for God, for people, and for creation. He remains a model of simple and humble service.”
Leave a Reply