Udupi : Deacon Jason Pinto SDB of Udyavara Church was ordained as priest under the leadership of His Lordship Most Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur on Thursday, 17th December, 2015.

Deacon Jason Pinto is the son of Joseph Mathew Pinto and Helen Periera of Udyavara parish. The deacon Jason Pinto was ordained during the Eucharistic celebration where Bishop was the main celebrant along with Very Rev. Fr. Ian Figueiredo, SDB, Silesian Provincial Superior of Konkan Provincialate, Very Rev. Fr. Stany B. Lobo, Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Rev Fr. Reginald Pinto Director of SAMPADA and around 25 other priests.

The Bishop during his homily pointed out the status and responsibilities of a priest in the church. He said the priest’s job is to serve the Holy Church. Priest is the person of God who is selected from the people and supported by the people. He is the person between God and the people who pray and serve people for God. The priest should be the person of prayer. If he would be a person of prayer then he shall be leader of people.

Rev Fr. Stephen D’souza, Diocesan Biblical and Catechetical Centre animated the Ordination Eucharistic mass liturgy which included the laying of hands, prostration during the singing of the all saints litany and the anointing of the hands with chrism oil. The newly ordained priest concelebrated the Eucharistic mass along with the Bishop and priests at large.

Very Rev Fr. Ian Figueiredo at the end of ordination ceremony gave gratitude to Bishop and all concerned for the successful ordination programme.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a brief get together of relatives, friends and well wisher’s held at Milagres Tri-centenary Hall, Kallianpur. Along with the parents of Rev Fr. Jason Pinto, Rev Fr. Ian Figueiredo, Rev Fr. Simon Fernandes Assistant Provincial of Konkan Provincialate were present on the dais.

Joseph Pinto welcomed the gathering. The programme inaugurated with the lighting the lamp by new priest Fr. Jason Pinto. Later, ordination cake was cut by the Fr. Jason Pinto along with his parents, sister and others.

Fr. Jason Pinto delivered gratitude of thanks to all concerned for the successful programme. Rev Fr. Reginald Pinto compered the reception programme.