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Diaconate at Bangalore

22 Salesians ordained deacons in Bangalore

19 March 2015

Formation, Parish / Church, Salesian Family, Salesian Society, Spirituality, The Regional, Vocation,

- Gilbert Choondal

Twenty two Salesians were ordained deacons by Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore at St. Antony`s Church at TC Palya, near Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore on 19 March. The deacons hail from 8 Salesian Provinces of India. Presently, they are pursuing their theological studies at Kristu Jyoti College. There were in fact 38 of them ordained all together, of whom 8 were Piarists, 3 Sacred Hearts, (MSSCC) 4 Franciscans (OFM), and 1 Fransiscan Friar (TOR).

Eminent dignitaries from various groups of consecrated life graced the occasion: the Salesian Regional Councillor of South Asia Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, the Vice Provincial of Bangalore Fr. K.O. Thomas, and Provincial Superiors - Fr. Balaraju Raminedi (Hyderbad), Fr. Albert Johnson (Tiruchi), Fr. Jayapalan Reddy (Chennai), Fr. Ian Figureido (Panjim), Superior General of the Piarists, and Delegates and Provincials of other congregations. Due to the large number of candidates to diaconate and lack of space, the venue of the ceremony was shifted, unlike from previous years, to St. Antony`s Church, the parish under which is Kristu Jyoti College. The spacious Church was able to accommodate 38 candidates, about 150 concelebrants, and about 600 relatives and friends. During the homily, the Archbishop referred to three main themes of the day, viz. St. Joseph`s feast, Year of Consecrated Life and Diaconate. ``This is one of the biggest batches of diaconate ordination in the recent times``, the Archbishop recalled. The liturgical service lasted about 2 hours and 30 minutes.