ORDINATIONS TO PRIESTHOOD

On January 26, 2004, the SCJ District of India celebrated the ordinations of the first 2 Indian members of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Father Louis Mariano Fernandes, SCJ, and Father Roque Placido Rebello, SCJ, were ordained in Goa, at Our Lady of Hope Church, by the Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman.

SCJs, friends and family from Rome, Holland, and other parts of India joyfully accompanied Fathers Louis Mariano and Placido for this wonderful event.

The Bishop entered the Church and pauses to pray. In the front row Louis Mariano (left), and Placido stand with their families. Fr. Martin, SCJ, India District Superior, sits to the left of the Bishop.

Bishop Ferrao begins the Ordination Mass.

Many guests fill the Church.

Louis Mariano and Placido stand as they are presented to the Bishop by Fr. Martin.

They then approach the Bishop and he prays over them.

The whole congregation kneels and the candidates for ordination lie prostrate before the altar as the Litany to the Saints is sung.

The Bishop lays his hands on them, ordaining them to the Priesthood.

Immediately after the ordination, Fr. Louis Mariano and Fr. Placido are vested.

The Bishop then consecrates their hands with Holy Oil.

The newly ordained are congratulated by the attending clergy.

Fr. Placido presents a statement of thanksgiving to the congregation.

Fr. Martin, SCJ, offers his message of congratulations and thanksgiving.

CONGRATULATIONS to Fr. Louis Mariano and Fr. Placido!

FIRST MASS OF FR. PLACIDO REBELLO, SCJ

Fr. Placido Rebello, SCJ, celebrated his First Mass on January 27, 2004, at St. Anthony's Chapel, Deussua Chinchinim, Salcete, Goa.

"Together with my family I express my heartfelt gratitude to God, to my congregation, educators and friends. You have accompanied me with love and truth to the table of the Lord. By assured of my love and prayers."

Thank you and God bless you,

Placido Rebello, SCJ

Fr. Placido begins his First Mass.

Delivering his homily.

Frs. Martin, Placido, and Louis Mariano

FIRST MASS OF FR. LOUIS MARIANO FERNADES, SCJ

On January 28, 2004, Fr. Louis Mariano Fernandes, SCJ, celebrated his First Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church, Bhatpal, Canacona, Goa.

"With deep gratitude to God and to you all who have stood by me on my way to the altar of the Lord."

Thank you and God bless you

Louis Mariano Fernandes, SCJ

Fr. Louis Mariano, SCJ, begins his First Mass.

Delivering his first Homily.