Pilar: In a solemn and grace-filled ceremony, Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, ordained Scholastic Rajat Singh SFX and Scholastic Mantheosha Fernandes SFX of the Society of Pilar as deacons. The ordination took place at the Seminary Chapel of the All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, during a Eucharistic celebration rich in symbolism and spiritual reflection.
The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Norman Almeida SFX, Rector of the Seminary, Fr. Joaquim Rebelo SFX, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province of the Society of Pilar, Fr. Steevan D’Souza SFX, and several other priests, who joined in prayer for the newly ordained.
Preaching on the theme “Witnesses of Hope in Loving Service,” Bishop Fernandes urged the two deacons to live their vocation with wholehearted devotion. “To be witnesses of hope, we must give up everything for loving service,” he said, reminding them to follow the path of Christ, the Servant and Shepherd, who gave His life for others.
The Bishop reflected deeply on the meaning of authentic Christian service, calling it “continuous, selfless, and boundless.” “Loving service has no timetable,” he affirmed. “We cannot say we serve only at certain hours or on certain days. Service must be at all times.” He underlined that true service always looks outward, towards others, citing the Good Samaritan and Jesus washing the feet of His Apostles as timeless examples.
“Loving service,” Bishop Fernandes stressed, “is not interested in self-gain, self-name, or self-fame. Its focus is always on the other.” He explained that genuine service demands sacrifice of time, comfort, and even personal desires. “In loving service, we need to say no to many things. Only then can we truly be witnesses of hope.”
Drawing parallels to the lives of the Good Samaritan and Christ, the Bishop noted that both figures revealed that service finds its power in humility and sacrifice. “Service is not measured by convenience, but by compassion,” he said.
The prelate also highlighted that authentic service transcends all boundaries. “The Good Samaritan did not look at caste, race, or religion, but saw a neighbour in need. Jesus washed the feet of all His Apostles, even those who would deny or betray Him. Loving service is all-embracing and inclusive,” Bishop Fernandes affirmed.
Placing the ordination within the Jubilee Year 2025 and the ongoing Synodal journey, the Bishop recalled Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction Spes non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), which calls the Church to be a beacon of hope. “We are invited to be tangible signs of hope for prisoners, families, the sick and elderly, persons with disabilities, migrants, the poor, and young people caught in the chains of exploitation,” he reminded the faithful.
Coinciding with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the ordination carried a special spiritual resonance. Drawing inspiration from the saint’s life, Bishop Fernandes said, “St. Francis, though born into wealth, renounced everything for God, humanity, and creation. His life remains a shining example of simple, humble, and hope-filled service.”
As the newly ordained deacons knelt before the altar, the faithful gathered at the Seminary Chapel witnessed a moving reminder of the Church’s enduring mission to be servants of hope through love, humility, and faith. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt blessing and the singing of hymns that echoed the spirit of missionary zeal and joyful commitment.