Team Goemkarponn
OLD GOA: 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. The joyous celebration was attended by over 100 priests and numerous lay faithful. The eight deacons ordained were 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. During his homily, Bishop Simiao Fernandes highlighted the role of a good shepherd, drawing attention to the theme chosen by the deacons, “Shepherds unto Jesus, signs of Hope.” He urged the newly ordained priests to bring hope to the needy, the dejected, the ostracized, the youth who have strayed, and those living on the margins of society. He reminded them to cherish their priesthood as a gift from God, to remain deeply rooted in prayer, and to foster unity and equality among the people they serve. The newly ordained priests will now begin their pastoral ministry in various parishes: Fr. Slater Alemao has been appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church, São José de Areal; Fr. Valfern Barbosa to St. Joseph Church, Usgao; Fr. Malcolm Palmer Colaco to St. John the Baptist Church, Benaulim; Fr. Sheldon Michael D’Souza to Rosary Church, Fatorda; Fr. Benny Fernandes to St. Anne’s Church, Parra; Fr. Jason Keith Fernandes to Se Cathedral Church, Old Goa; Fr. Jason Cajetan Travasso to Our Lady of Gloria Church, Varca; and Fr. Frazer Xavier Vaz to Our Lady of Socorro Church, Carmona. At the end of the ceremony, Bishop Simiao conveyed congratulations and blessings on behalf of Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, who is currently in Rome. The ordination Mass was coordinated by Fr. Norbert D’Silva as Master of Ceremony, with Fr. Afonso Mendonca handling the liturgy and Fr. Mathew Rebello leading the choir.
