Father Arnold Mathias INP Ordained a Priest at Pernal

Arvind Severes

05 Jan 2022

Salesians

In a very devout and prayerful ceremony, befitting a Priestly Ordination, Deacon Arnold Mathias was ordained a priest by the Bishop of Udupi, Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, in the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Pernal, Udupi District, Karnataka on January 5, 2022.

Son of Fredrick and Annett Mathias, Arnold found his Salesian Priestly vocation through the Salesian community of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shirva. His sister, Jyothi and younger brother Austin too were involved in youth activities conducted by the Salesians at Shirva. Sister Jennet Rego (SSPS), aunt of Father Arnold was instrumental in guiding the young man on his vocation journey. Blessed with many gifts of nature and personality Father Arnold is a great blessing and hope for the Salesian Province of Panjim. He will live his priesthood with the motto, The Almighty has done great things for me! (Luke 1:49).

Salesian Provincial, Saint Joseph Vaz Province of Panjim, Father Felix Fernandes, presented Deacon Arnold Mathias to the Bishop, asking that he be ordained a priest for the people of God. In his homily, Bishop Lobo exhorted Father Arnold Mathias to model his priesthood on Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. Parish Priest, Our Lady of Fatima, Pernal, Father Jerome Monteiro led the parishioners and the family to make all the arrangements to solemnize the priestly ordination of their own son and brother. Father Jason Pinto, the liturgist and MC for the occasion, effectively conduct the solemn service. Father Maxim D'Souza, SDB, vocation promoter of Father Arnold, along with the Parish Priest vested the newly ordained Father Mathias with priestly vestments. Prinson Machado led the Our Lady of Fatima, Pernal choir to make the liturgy so very meaningful. At the end of the ceremony, Father Arnold Mathias expressed his gratitude to the Bishop, his parents, grandmother, Sister Jennet, Provincial and all the confreres, priests, formators, sisters, parishioners and relatives. In his parting message the Bishop invited all the faithful to pray for priestly vocations in the Udupi diocese. The ordination ceremony was graced by many Salesian confreres and diocesan priests who braved travel restrictions in the wake of the resurgent pandemic.

The felicitation programme was conducted in the spacious pandal erected in the Church compound. The programme was coordinated by Father Melwin Ferrao, SDB. During the programme Father Maxim D'Souza, SDB shared his experience of being the vocation promoter of the young and gifted Arnold. Father Provincial thanked the parents and appreciated the parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima, Pernal. Speaking on the occasion, Parish Priest, Father Jerome Monteiro exhorted Father Arnold M, to be a man of prayer. Rector DBYC, Shirva, Father Leandro Gracias, SDB blessed the festive meal.