Derebail Parishioners Witness the Priestly Ordination of Deacon Conel Correa: Mangalore Diocesan Bishop and Priests Grace the Occasion Back

Derebail Parishioners Witness the Priestly Ordination of Deacon Conel Correa: Mangalore Diocesan Bishop and Priests Grace the Occasion

The parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail, witnessed the Priestly Ordination of Deacon Conel Correa in the auspicious presence of the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha and around 40 priests on 2 May, 2024 at 9.30 a.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Church Derebail.  

The Priestly Ordination began on a celebratory note with the altar boys of Derebail Parish leading the ceremonial procession, followed by Deacon Conel Correa along with his parents Mr.Joe and Mrs. Leena Correa, the special invitee priests and the Bishop, into the church for the Eucharistic Celebration.

The ceremony of the Priestly Ordination was held after the Gospel reading. Rev. Fr. George Crasta SVD prayed to the Bishop to ordain SVD Deacon Conel Correa with NOC from the parish priest and SVD community. The Bishop invoked the Holy Spirit's strength over the newly ordained priest to act in accordance with the office and mission of Christ by which the ordination is performed.

In the homily, the Bishop pondered over the act of proclamation of the World of God. He dwelt on the role of the priests in this act during the mission of spreading the Lord's word. He spoke on how the SVD, the Society of Divine Word has lived up to its purpose and has welcomed Deacon Conel Correa into its fold. The entire homily focused on the theme of the Lord's Word and how the entire world is centred around words. The Bishop emphasized that God's Word is the most powerful among everybody else's. He concluded with words of assurance on his journey of Priesthood and underscored the role of God's Word in his decision of accepting the vocationary call. 

The Bishop then ordained Deacon Conel Correa.  With blessings from the Bishop and all priests present the Ordination Ceremony marked as the momentous event of the day.

The Parish Priest Rev.Fr.Joseph Martis helped the newly ordained priest Fr.Conel to dress in his Official Priestly Garment and the Bishop anointed him with Holy Oil. The Bishop then offered Bread and Wine to the new priest as a symbolic gesture to accept a life of sacrifice like Jesus. This culminated the Ordination Ceremony of Fr. Conel Correa SVD.

The Parish Choir under the leadership of Choir Master Anil Patrao added to the solemnity of the service. The entire service was enhanced by the singing of the choir.

At the end, the Bishop along with the parish priest and the clergy members greeted the New Priest Fr. Conel Correa, SVD. The family members of Fr.Conel Correa and SVD community felicitated the new priest and his parents. 

After mass, a small celebration was held at the Golden Jubilee Parish Hall. Derebail Parish honoured the newly ordained priest and his parents. Fr.Conel Correa proposed the Vote of Thanks and honoured the  Parish Priest Rev.Fr.Joseph Martis and other priests, his benefactors and his parents. This was followed by a fellowship meal.

The Priestly Ordination of Fr.Conel Correa was indeed a momentous event as the parish had witnessed an ordination after a long time.

Report by: Edward Coelho
Pictures by: Lionel Saldanha