PILAR, GOA: In a moving ceremony held on October 4, 2025, at the All India Mission Seminary Chapel in Pilar, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Simião Fernandes, ordained two scholastics of the Society of Pilar — Rajat Singh SFX and Mantheosha Fernandes SFX — to the diaconate. The ordination took place during a solemn Eucharistic celebration that brought together priests, seminarians, and members of the faithful in an atmosphere of joy and reflection.
Concelebrating with Bishop Fernandes were Fr. Norman Almeida SFX, Rector of the All India Mission Seminary; Fr. Joaquim Rebelo SFX, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province; Fr. Steevan D’Souza SFX; and several other priests of the Society of Pilar. The liturgical event marked an important step in the spiritual journey of the two young men who now formally enter the ministry of service, preparing for their eventual ordination to the priesthood.
Preaching on the theme “Witnesses of Hope in Loving Service,” Bishop Fernandes reminded the congregation that authentic discipleship requires total self-giving. He invited the new deacons to follow Christ’s model of servanthood by offering their lives in selfless dedication to others. “To be witnesses of hope, we must give up everything for loving service,” he said, urging them to make constant and unrestricted availability a defining mark of their vocation.
The prelate reflected that loving service knows no fixed schedule or boundaries. “Service cannot be confined to hours or days; it must be offered at all times,” he said. Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Gospel account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, Bishop Fernandes explained that Christian service always looks outward — toward others, not oneself. “True service,” he added, “is never about self-gain or recognition but about responding to the needs of one’s neighbour.”
Highlighting the demanding nature of such commitment, Bishop Fernandes noted that loving service often calls for personal sacrifice. “Like the Good Samaritan who gave his time and resources, and Jesus who laid aside His garment of authority, we too must be willing to give up our comfort and convenience,” he said. Only through such sacrifice, he affirmed, can believers become genuine witnesses of hope in today’s challenging world.
He went on to stress that the ministry of service must be inclusive and universal. Citing both the Samaritan’s compassion and Christ’s humility, Bishop Fernandes declared that love cannot discriminate. “The Good Samaritan saw not race, caste, or religion, but only a fellow human being in need. Jesus washed the feet of all His disciples — even those who would deny or betray Him. This is the mark of love that embraces all,” he emphasized.
Placing the celebration within the broader context of the Jubilee Year 2025 and the Church’s ongoing Synodal journey, Bishop Fernandes recalled Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Spes non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint). Echoing the Holy Father’s message, he urged the faithful to reach out to the most vulnerable — prisoners, families, the sick, the elderly, the poor, migrants, and all who suffer exclusion or exploitation. “We are called to become visible and tangible signs of hope in their lives,” he said.
The ordination also coincided with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, whose life of simplicity and self-giving Bishop Fernandes presented as a radiant example for all Christians. “St. Francis left behind wealth and comfort to follow Christ in humility and love,” he reflected. “His life continues to show us what it means to serve faithfully and joyfully in hope.”
The liturgical celebration featured Fr. Valroy D’Melo SFX as commentator and Fr. John Bennet SFX as liturgy animator. Scholastic Markus Tudu of the Diocese of Dumka offered the words of welcome, and Fr. Elvis Fernandes SFX led the choir in spirited hymns. Fr. Steevan D’Souza SFX, Vicar General of the Society of Pilar, addressed the assembly with a message of encouragement for the newly ordained. The ceremony concluded with Deacon Rajat Singh SFX expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of both new deacons, thanking all who had accompanied them on their journey of formation and faith.