13 seminarians of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, Goa received the Order of Diaconate at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, on 8th April, 2025, in the Seminary Church. While 12 out of the 13 deacons hail from different parts of Goa and are for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, one, namely, Sunil Almeida is from Karwar, is for the Diocese of Sindhudurgh. His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao presided over the Eucharistic celebration and the Rite of Diaconate, which began at 9.30 a.m. Rev. Msgr. Andrew D’Mello, the Administrator of the Diocese of Sindhudurg, several priests from the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, priests from the Karwar and the Diocese of Sindhudurgh concelebrated in the Eucharistic Celebration, the theme for which was “Deva-Utrachea Zanvayen ani Seve-Chakreche Yatrent Ami Dev-Peleache Munniari”. In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao cited the example of St. Francis Xavier and his missionary zeal, highlighted the different ways in which the Deacons are called to practice the servant-leadership of Jesus. Deacon Nion Colaco, on behalf of the Deacons expressed his gratitude to God and to all those who helped them in their journey of priestly formation. This was followed by a short program, organized to honour the new Deacons, in the seminary auditorium. The program included the cake-cutting, raising of the toast by Sem. Abraham Fernandes, speech by Rector Rev. Fr. Donato Rodrigues and a game for the Deacons. The program ended with a grand lunch.
Report prepared by Sem. Abraham Fernandes
