OLD GOA
The nine deacons are Mario Noronha (Borda, Margao), Soccoro Rebelo (Chinchinnim), Hasten Fernandes (Velim), Linferd Fernandes (Siolim), Savio D’Silva (Sao Jose de Areal), Myron Jeson Barreto (Sadolxem), Rony Fernandes (Cortalim), Richard Rodrigues (Arambol) and Roman Rodrigues (Arambol).
After a gap of over three decades, nine deacons will be ordained in a single batch as opposed to the general practice followed since the 80s of having individual ordinations in one’s own native parish.
“Till the 60s, the entire batch of deacons would be ordained in a single batch at the Rachol seminary and the congregation at Rachol seminary would largely comprise relatives of the deacons,” informed a senior priest from the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
“From the 70s onwards, large parishes in the diocese were chosen for the ordination of priests in a single batch, to provide the Catholic laity an opportunity to witness and participate in the ordination services.”
“Since the 80s, there was a general practice, with very few exceptions, to ordain a priest individually in his native parish. This year, however, all nine diocesan deacons in the batch decided to have their priestly ordination together at the Sé Catedral and not at the Rachol Seminary or in a large parish. In this sense, this will be a rare celebration in our archdiocese,” the priest added.
