by Father Jacob Palaparambil
MADHYA PRADESH, DEC 28, 2015: Fathers Ashwin Mal and Pannasingh Bhuriya of the Salesian province of Mumbai were ordained priests in a grand ceremony at St. Arnold School Ground in Megnagar, Madhya Pradesh on December 27.
Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal, Bishop Devprasad Ganawa and Bishop Basil Bhuriya presided over the ordination ceremony, attended by 80 religious and 2000 laity. Father Jose Vasuliya of the Society of the Divine Word, was also ordained a priest in the same ceremony.
Bishop Ganawa in his homily said, " Whomever the word of God touches, they never remain the same; they respond to God's call. Our forefathers Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Moses are examples. The three new priests have also responded to God's call and the Lord has transformed them into completely new persons. "
While encouraging the three newly ordained priests in their priestly vocation, he extolled their parents for their great sacrifice. Bishop Ganawa said, "We always offer our best to God and these parents have offered their best to God, in giving their sons to the service of the Church."
Bishop Thottumarickal then thanked the parents and formators of the newly ordained priests. A cultural programme and a fellowship meal, followed the Ordination ceremony.