Jaipur: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaipur rejoiced in a moment of deep spiritual significance as two deacons were ordained to the sacred priesthood during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held on April 26 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation.
The ordination ceremony was presided over by Joseph Kallarackal, who conferred priesthood upon Fr. Amar Jyoti Minj and Fr. Samuel Kerketta in the presence of a large and prayerful assembly. Priests, religious, family members, and faithful from across the diocese gathered to witness the sacred milestone in the life of the local Church.
The liturgical celebration commenced with a solemn entrance procession, setting a reverent tone for the occasion. Delivering the homily, Oswald Lewis reflected on the profound call of priestly ministry. He exhorted the ordinands to embrace lives rooted in humility, compassion, and unwavering service. Stressing pastoral closeness, he encouraged them to remain connected with the faithful through home visits, availability in times of need, and a spirit of genuine kindness.
Quoting the call to Christian witness, Bishop Lewis urged the new priests to become āexamples to believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity,ā highlighting the priestās role as a living reflection of Christ in both word and action.
The most sacred moment of the rite unfolded with the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, through which the Church invoked the Holy Spirit upon the ordinands. Following this, the newly ordained were vested in priestly vestments and joined Bishop Kallarackal at the altar, concelebrating the Eucharist for the first time as priests.
The liturgy was coordinated by Fr. Melwin DāSouza, Parish Priest, with assistance from Fr. Vinod Kujur. The diocesan community also acknowledged the dedicated support of the CMC Sisters and the seminarians of Maria Sadan, whose efforts contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the ceremony.
A felicitation programme followed the Mass, during which the new priests were warmly honored with garlands, traditional safas, and shawls. Cultural performances by parishioners added a celebratory dimension to the occasion, reflecting the joy of the faithful.
The ordination of Fr. Minj and Fr. Kerketta marks a grace-filled chapter for the Diocese of Jaipur, strengthening its pastoral mission and renewing its commitment to shepherding the faithful with devotion and zeal.