Eight new priests were ordained for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, on 30th April 2024 at 3:30 PM by Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Fernandes.
In a joyous celebration attended by over 100 priests and lay faithful, the Deacons — Slater Alemao from Chinchinim, Valfern Barbosa from Raia, Malcolm Palmer Colaco from Navelim, Sheldon Michael D’Souza from Salvador do Mundo, Benny Fernandes from Siroda, Jason Keith Fernandes from Dona Paula (Caranzalem), Jason Cajetan Travasso from Nagoa, Bardez, and Frazer Xavier Vaz from Vasco da Gama — were ordained as priests and posted in different parishes.
In his homily, Bishop Simiao Fernandes highlighted the role of a good shepherd. He emphasised that, just as the theme chosen by the Deacons says “Shepherds unto Jesus, signs of Hope”, they have to be shepherds giving hope to the needy, to the dejected, to those ostracised in society, to the youth who have gone astray, and to those who live on the peripheries. He called upon the newly ordained priests to have this as their aim — giving hope to all. Secondly, he called upon them to treasure their priesthood, as it is a gift from God. Thirdly, he urged them to be men of prayer so that they may be deeply rooted in Christ. Finally, he advised them to build unity among the people and to treat everyone equally.
The newly ordained priests will now take charge of their new assignments:
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Fr. Slater Alemao is appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church, Sao Jose de Areal.
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Fr. Valfern Barbosa is appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church, Usgao.
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Fr. Malcolm Palmer Colaco is appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Church, Benaulim.
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Fr. Sheldon Michael D’Souza is appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Rosary Church, Fatorda.
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Fr. Benny Fernandes is appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church, Parra.
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Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes is appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Se Cathedral Church, Old Goa.
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Fr. Jason Cajetan Travasso is appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Gloria Church, Varca.
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Fr. Frazer Xavier Vaz is appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Socorro Church, Carmona.
Finally, Bishop Simiao congratulated the newly ordained priests in the name of Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao (who is currently in Rome) and conveyed his best wishes and blessings to them.
Fr. Norbert D’Silva was the Master of Ceremony for the ordination, while Fr. Afonso Mendonca took care of the liturgy. Fr. Mathew Rebello led the choir during the Mass.
