On 8th February, 2021 evening the Salesian Province of Jesus the Good Shepherd, New Delhi Province thanked God Almighty for the gratuitous gift of Priestly ordination bestowed on eight new priests of the province: Fr. Bimal Bhuinya, Fr. Anup Kerketta, Fr. Punam Kindo, Fr. John Vinnarasu, Fr. Jerin Devassia, Fr. Julien Pradeep Peter, Fr. Paul Tirkey and Fr. Kuldeep Xalxo.
During the solemn Holy Mass and felicitations on 8th February 2021, a gathering of about 150 persons including Salesians, members of the Salesian Family and young people joyfully gathered around these 8 jewels who hail from different states of India. Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, Regional for South Asia, Rev. Fr. Davis Maniparamben and Rev. Fr. Jose Mathew congratulated and appreciated them for their total submission by saying a big ‘yes’ to the Lord’s call.
Speaking about the priorities of the priests in these Covid-19 times Fr. Julien Pradeep Peter said, “A return to the life of Jesus, who spent more time among the people rather than in temples, is the call of the time. A heart throbbing with compassion towards the suffering flocks is the need of the hour.” Fr. Julien shared the feelings of all the newly ordained and gave a glimpse into their ordination mottos. Bubbling with gratitude Fr. Jerin Devassia said, “All of us are overflowing with sentiments of gratitude to all who helped us to reach the altar.” Aware that the grace of God is their strength, all of them in unison requested prayers and support of the gathering. May these 8 jewels carry on enjoying the real spark of Salesian priestly life.
Fr. Babu Varghese SDB