Eight Deacons Ordained as Priests for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman

GOA, April 30, 2025: Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, ordained eight deacons as priests during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at Se Cathedral, Old Goa, on Wednesday, April 30. The ordination was attended by clergy, religious, and faithful from across the archdiocese. Fr José Remedios Fernandes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese; Fr Candido Fernandes, Director of the Pastoral Institute, Old Goa; and Fr Donato Rodrigues, Rector of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, and several other priests. concelebrated the Mass,

Preaching the homily on the theme “Shepherds unto Jesus, Signs of Hope”, Bishop Simião Fernandes exhorted the newly ordained priests to deepen their relationship with the Lord through prayer and Eucharistic adoration to become living signs of hope. Reflecting on the life of the late Pope Francis, he encouraged them to become compassionate shepherds who bring hope, especially to those on the margins of society. “Like Pope Francis, who allowed the heart of Christ to guide his every step, we too are called to be shepherds who radiate hope,” he said.

Emphasising the mission of the priesthood, Bishop Simao stated, “Our call is to reach out to the marginalised, the sick, the elderly, the disabled, and all those on the peripheries.” He also highlighted the vital role of prayer in a priest's life. “Without prayer, we cannot be true signs of hope to others,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of communion within the priestly ministry, urging the ordinands to foster unity not according to their own ideas but according to "the mind and heart of Jesus."

At the conclusion of his homily, Bishop Simião prayed that the newly ordained may be true “shepherds after the heart of Jesus and living signs of hope.” He also acknowledged with gratitude the various diocesan priests celebrating their silver and golden jubilees of ordination this year and congratulated the newly ordained priests and their families.

The newly ordained priests are:

Fr Jason Keith Fernandes (Caranzalem)

Fr Sheldon Michael D’Souza (Salvador do Mundo)

Fr Malcom Palmer Colaco (Navelim)

Fr Jason Cajetan Travasso (Nagoa-Bardez)

Fr Valfern Barbosa (Raia)

Fr Frazer Xavier Vaz (Vasco)

Fr Benny Fernandes (Siroda)

Fr Slater Alemao (Chinchinnim)

Seven of the new priests completed their initial formation at the Seminary of Our Lady in Saligão-Pilerne, philosophical studies at the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, and theological studies at the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, Rachol. Fr Jason Keith Fernandes pursued his entire priestly formation at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome.

Fr Candido Fernandes welcomed the congregation and conveyed a message from Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, who is currently in Rome, attending the Papal Conclave.

The liturgy was animated by Fr Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Liturgical Centre, and the liturgical commentary was provided by Fr. Norbert D’Silva, Spiritual Director at Seminary Niwas, Duler. The Santa Cecilia Choir of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, directed by Fr Mathew Rebelo, led the singing during the celebration.

On behalf of all the newly ordained priests, Fr Slater Alemao expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone present at the celebration. The archdiocese also used the occasion to felicitate diocesan priests celebrating their milestone jubilees this year.

Article by Bro. Malvino Afonso OCD

Photos by Anthony Dias