It was indeed a remarkable event that is registered in the record of South-East India Province and Nagpur Province, as five of our deacons, namely Dns. Arul Justin, Jeni Vimal Naveen, Michael Raja, Desas (our Province) and Santhosh Kumar (Nagpur Province), were ordained as priests on 30.06.2020 by the Bishop of Sivagangai, Rt. Rev. Susai Manickam.

It was the first group ordination to be held at our Provincial house in Nagamangalam. “Here I am: I delight to do your will, O my God” (Ps 40: 7 -8) was the motto, chosen by the deacons, towards which, the entire ceremony was animated systematically in a meaningful manner. Though we are in the pandemic situation, the provincial and his administration have taken a daring step to make it possible the long awaited dream of the deacons’ ordination. Considering the lock down all around and the seriousness of the pandemic situation, the event was organized with minimum invitees both from our MSFS family and also from the deacons’ families.

Soon after the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, the newly ordained priests were felicitated, and on behalf of the new priests, Fr. Arul Justin thanked the Bishop, the Provincial, all the fathers, family members, especially the Provincial house community for the meticulous planning in organizing the whole event. Rev. Fr. K. Ignaci Muthu, the Provincial congratulated the newly ordained priests for their whole hearted willingness to be priests forever, especially in the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales. At the end, there was a delicious fellowship meal.

Fr. J. Michael Raja MSFS