Diaconate Ordination

On Saturday, December 6, 2006, Fra Thomas Vinod Chittilappilly, SCJ was ordained a Deacon, by Bishop Gali Bali of the Guntur Diocese. The celebration took place at Dehon Prema Nilayam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, at 5:00pm.

Fra. Thomas was born in Kochi on December 27th, 1979. He is the eldest of three sons of Mr. Augustin and Victoria. He did his schooling in Fort Cochin and in Kannamaly. He joined the SCJs after his SSLC as a candidate in the year 1995 as one of the first eight students. He completed his minor seminary studies in Fort Cochin, Chandiroor and in Kumbalanghy. His study of philosophy was done at Sacred Heart philosophy college in Aluva. He made his First Profession of Vows on May 7th, 2003. His regency period was spent in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He did his first year of Theology at St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary in Aluva, Kerala, and completed his studies at Vijnana Nilayam School of Theology, in Janampet, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. Fra. Thomas took is Final Profession of Vows on August 15, 2006. For his Diaconate program, Deacon Thomas will work in a parish in Thankey, Cochin Diocese, Kerala.

Bishop Gali Bali arrives for the ordination

The procession into the Chapel

The candidate is called to the front, and is asked what he desires. The Bishop is assured that Fra. Thomas is prepared for ordination.

As the Litany of Saints is sung, he lies prostrate before the altar.

Fra. Thomas is ordainted a Deacon.

Augustin and Victoria, Deacon Thomas' parents, bring the gifts to the altar.

Giving thanks.

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