Four Discalced Carmelite Deacons Ordained Priests at Bikarnakatte Shrine

Four Discalced Carmelite Deacons Ordained Priests at Bikarnakatte Shrine

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 14, 2026: Four Discalced Carmelite deacons were ordained as priests during a solemn ceremony held at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Bikarnakatte on May 14. The ordination was conferred by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha.

The newly ordained priests are Fr Alwyn D’Souza, Fr Loy Jackson Crasta, Fr Elston Monteiro and Fr Hilary Rodrigues.

In his homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said priesthood is a call to imitate Jesus Christ through sacrifice and service. He urged the newly ordained priests to dedicate themselves selflessly to the faithful and remain close to the people entrusted to their care.

Referring to Padre Pio, the bishop said a priest must serve both as a compassionate guide and a humble servant of the Church. He also encouraged the priests to imbibe the spirit of Prophet Elijah, the inspiration of the Carmelite Order, and zealously serve God and society.

The bishop appreciated the contribution of the Discalced Carmelites to the diocese and praised their efforts in evangelisation and pastoral ministry.

Fr Alwyn D’Souza is the son of Anthony and Alice D’Souza of St Thomas Church parish. Fr Elston Monteiro, from Holy Cross Church parish, is the son of Elias and Lilly Monteiro. Fr Loy Jackson Crasta belongs to Infant Mary Church parish and is the son of Marcel and Lucy Crasta. He is the first priest from his parish. Fr Hilary Rodrigues belongs to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church in the Karwar diocese and is the son of the late Bodthol Rodrigues and Rosy Rodrigues.

Around 130 priests, religious sisters, family members and faithful attended the ordination ceremony.

Fr John Francis Sequeira, newly elected provincial superior of the Karnataka-Goa province of the Discalced Carmelites, thanked the bishop and the families of the new priests for their support and contribution to the Church.

Meanwhile, two other Carmelite deacons were ordained separately in their native parishes earlier this week. Fr Ruban K V was ordained on May 10 by Bishop Henry D’Souza in Siddapur parish, while Fr Stin George was ordained on May 11 at Suntikoppa in the Mysuru diocese.

A felicitation programme was held after the ceremony, during which the newly ordained priests and their families were honoured.