Ordinations to Priesthood

On June 9, 2008, the SCJ India District celebrated the Ordinations to Priesthood of 5 Indian SCJs. Archbishop Sudarso, SCJ of the archdiocese of Palembang, Indonesia, performed the ordinations.

The newly ordained, from L to R: Fr. Kochuputhampura Jose Richard, Fr. Benzigar Aji Aloysius, Fr. Jijo Voice, Fr. Isaac Sunil Roman, Fr. Sanil Michael

The ordinations took place in the village of Pulluvia, in the state of Kerala. Many SCJs, clergy, religious and friends filled the church for this happy occasion.

The newly ordained priests will visit all of the SCJ communities in India to celebrate First Mass with the members of the India District. Afterwards they will proceed to their assignments. Fr. Sunil will continue his education in Ireland; Fr. Jose will join the novitiate community in Nambur, Andhra Pradesh; Fr. Jijo will join the minor seminary community in Kumbalanghy, Kerala; and Frs. Sanil and Aji will continue their ministry in Vasai, Maharashtra.

To see more photos click HERE.

-

The members of the SCJ India District very thankful and happy that Archbishop Sudarso was able to come to India for the ordinations. The procession in Kerala style, and the decorations, and the crowded presence of the people, were signs and expressions of happiness for the blessing of the new priests. More than 2.000 people shared the meal after the Celebration of the Eucharist. Archbishop Sudarso enjoyed this really Indian atmosphere.

Besides visiting the SCJ communities in Kerala, in Kumbalanghy (minor seminary) and Aluva (philosophy), the archbishop also took the time for a short visit to the SCJ communities in Andhra Pradesh, where our confreres are working in Nambur (novitiate), Gorantla (minor seminary) and Eluru (theologate.) Archbishop Sudarso was very impressed with the SCJ atmosphere and spirit, which he found in every community, the openness and hospitality, the smiling faces, and spontaneity.