Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, ordained Scholastic Rajat Singh SFX and Scholastic Mantheosha Fernandes SFX of the Society of Pilar as deacons during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Seminary Chapel of All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, on 4th October, 2025
Bishop Simião Fernandes presided over the Eucharistic celebration with Fr Norman Almeida sfx, Rector of the All India Mission Seminary Pilar, Fr Steevan D’Souza sfx, Fr Joaquim Rebelo sfx , Provincial Superior of Goa Province of the Society of Pilar and several other priests as concelebrants.
Preaching on the theme “Witnesses of Hope in Loving Service,” Bishop Fernandes invited the new deacons to embrace their calling wholeheartedly. “To be witnesses of hope, we must give up everything for loving service,” he said, urging them to imitate Christ, who gave His life in service to others.
The bishop reminded the faithful that loving service is not occasional but constant. “Loving service has no timetable. We cannot say that we render service only at this hour or on certain days. Service must be at all times,” he observed. He added that such service must always be directed toward others, not oneself. Citing the Good Samaritan and Jesus at the Last Supper, he said, “Loving service is not interested in self-gain, self-name, or self-fame. Its focus is always on the other.”
Bishop Fernandes also underlined the sacrificial nature of genuine service. Referring to both the Good Samaritan, who gave his time, effort, and resources to care for the wounded man, and to Jesus, who set aside His garment of authority and took on the role of a servant, he explained: “In loving service, we need to sacrifice a lot. We need to say no to many things. Only then can we truly be effective witnesses of hope.”
He further emphasized that authentic service embraces everyone without discrimination. “The Good Samaritan did not see caste, race, or religion but a neighbour in need. Jesus washed the feet of all His Apostles, even those who would deny or betray Him. Loving service is all-embracing,” said the Prelate.
Placing the ordination in the wider context of the Jubilee Year 2025 and the ongoing Synodal journey, the bishop recalled Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction Spes non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint). He said the late pontiff had invited the Church to reach out to those on the margins: “We are called to be tangible signs of hope for prisoners, families, the sick and elderly, persons with disabilities, migrants, the poor, and young people caught up in different forms of abuse.”
The celebration also coincided with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Highlighting the saint’s radical witness, Bishop Fernandes noted: “St. Francis, though born into wealth, gave up everything for God, for humanity, and for creation. He remains a shining example of loving service that is simple, humble, and filled with hope.”
Fr Valroy D’Melo SFX served as the liturgical commentator, while Fr John Bennet SFX animated the liturgy. Scholastic Markus Tudu of Dumka Diocese welcomed the gathering, and Fr Elvis Fernandes SFX led the singing. Fr. Stevan D’Souza SFX, Vicar General of the Society of Pilar, addressed the assembly, and newly ordained Deacon Rajat Singh SFX expressed words of gratitude.
