Action: Attending Priestly Ordination

Priestly Ordination of 5 SCJs India District:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.”

On June 9, 2008, the Dehon Jyothi community attended the SCJ India District precious celebration, which was priestly ordination of five deacons. The ordination took place in Pulluvila Parish, belongs to Trivandrum Diocese. One of new priests is coming from this parish. The fifth new priests are Frs. Sunil, Jijo, Sanil, Jose and Aji. They have finished his theological studies at Vijnananilayam College, Janampet, Andhra Pradesh India. They were ordained deacon on December 10, 2007, in St. George Parish, South Kumbalanghy, Kerala by Bishop John Thattumkal, bishop of Cochin. Their deaconate ministry was in several places. Fr. Sunil was in Scotland. Frs. Jose and Jijo were in parishes in Kerala. Frs. Aji and Sanil were in Vasai Diocese, near Mumbai, where we have plan for future ministry.
In this priestly ordination, they have chosen their motto from the word of Yahweh. It was addressed to each of them, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb; I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I have appointed you as prophet to the nations."

As the bible said, most probably they are doubt and feeling unworthy by saying, "Ah, Lord Yahweh; look, I do not know how to speak: I am a child!"

But Yahweh replied, "Do not say, 'I am a child' . Go now to those to whom I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to protect you - it is Yahweh who speaks!" Then Yahweh put out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me: "There! I am putting my words into your mouth."

It was touching them to say “yes” for receiving the Holy Order. We hope that they will be sure and faithful that the Lord will be with them always in all situations in their life as priest and religious.

The priestly ordination celebration itself was very great and special, because a bishop who ordained them is coming from Indonesia. The SCJ India District was so happy by the presence of our bishop, Mgr. Aloysius Sudarso, SCJ, archbishop of Palembang. He came by our invitation, not only for the purpose of ordination, but also to visit our SCJ communities in India, to see our mission and all our dynamic of life. As we know, that our mission in India was also coming from his ‘dream’ when he was SCJ provincial of Indonesian province.

The ordination began with big procession from the church towards a ‘gate’ of Pulluvila Village about 1,5 kms. About 200-300 people joined in this procession. The procession was for picking up our bishop and the fifth deacons. It was begun by group of drum music, follow by the beautiful small girls who brought umbrellas, group of dancer, group of spreader of flower, and people. In the ‘gate’ of village, parish priests welcomed warmly by garlands and bouquet flowers for bishop, Vicar General of the diocese of Trivandrum, our superior district and the fifth deacons. Soon after that, Bishop was taken the form of an umbrella by four people, and we moved in procession to the church. Hence, traffic was not working some a while, all vehicles stopped. Circumstance was very noisy, because of many people who were turning in road, music of drum, bell of the church and songs from cassette to accompany of procession.

In front of the church, drum music had finished and traditional dance appeared before bishop and some important persons to welcome them. It was briefly and afterward bishop and all priests prepared themselves for the main celebration.

Holy Mass was in Malayalam language, lead by Vicar General of Trivandrum Diocese. And or course the ordination was in English by Bishop Sudarso. In the preaching, Vicar General of Diocese was inviting all candidates of priests to be a good shepherd. In nowadays, what people need is a priest who will be care and close with the people. He mentioned also about the motto, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” This motto should accompany all priests in the whole of their life, to realize how precious our vocation is. Moreover, it was giving us awareness that God has plan to everybody in the beginning of our life. That is why there is no other reason to give up in our life and vocation, except be faithful. We are called not to be successful, but to be faithful. He quoted those words from Mother Teresa.

In the thanksgiving, one of neomis (new priest) expressed their gratitude to many persons, especially parents, congregation (SCJ India District and Generalate), people and for sure to Bishop Sudarso, with his presence and willingness to be in trouble coming from far away to ordained them. It was a great joy for them. In the speech, Fr. Martin van Oij as superior district sent his thanksgiving mainly to many people who came in that celebration. “You are the best supporters of our new priests and our congregation!” He said loudly, and applause echoed in the whole space of the church. He invited, especially to new priests, in order to do as priests and religious faithfully in a small things but with a great love. In the end, before final blessing, Bishop Sudarso briefly expressed his happiness to be with all people in that special occasion. He had good impression with the way of liturgy was going on, with songs and the presence of so many people. He hoped that as such great celebration will inspire all new priests to be a good shepherd. He congratulated not only for new priests, but also for our congregation, especially India District and Church of India.

_______________________