Bishop of Vasai Ordains First Deacon in the Diocese After Five-Year Gap

Koliwada, Vasai, July 8, 2025: Br. Sanal Tuscano from St. Gonsalo Garcia Church, Gass, a parish in the Diocese of Vasai, was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate during a Holy Mass celebrated at St. Peter’s Church, Koliwada, on Sunday, July 6. Bishop Thomas D’Souza, Bishop of Vasai Diocese, presided over the ordination Mass. The liturgical celebration marked the first ordination under Bishop D’Souza’s episcopacy and the first diaconate ordination in the diocese after a five-year hiatus

A large number of priests and religious from the Diocese of Vasai and nearby dioceses attended the ordination Mass. Dn. Sanal’s family members, friends, and parishioners from communities where he previously served—namely St. Thomas Church (Sandor), Our Lady of Fatima Church (Chulne), Mother of God Church (Palle), and Our Lady of Mercy Church (Merces)—were also present for the event.

Keeping in mind the duties of a deacon, Dn. Sanal chose the theme for the ordination Mass as ‘Called to Proclaim and Serve’.

During his homily, Bishop D’Souza highlighted the historical and spiritual foundations of the Diaconate, referring to the early Church’s institution of this ministry under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He exhorted the ordinand to remain grounded in prayer and communion with Christ, especially amid the unique challenges of modern pastoral life.

Through the solemn Rite of Ordination and the Laying on of Hands, Bishop D’Souza formally conferred the diaconate upon Br. Sanal. Through this ordination, Dn. Sanal Tuscano is now a transitory deacon preparing for the priesthood within the Diocese of Vasai.

Following the Eucharist, Dn. Sanal expressed heartfelt gratitude to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful who accompanied him on his vocational journey. He also acknowledged the efforts that the parish team of St. Peter’s Church, Koliwada, put in to organise the day's liturgy and programme. He also thanked the Diocesan Choir, led by Fr. Ramesh D’Souza, for enhancing the sacred celebration through their music.

Fr. Francis Dabre, parish priest of St. Peter’s Church, felicitated Dn. Sanal and his parents, Mr. Gonsalo and Mrs. Jovita Tuscano. Parishioners also extended warm welcomes and felicitations to the clergy in attendance. 

After the Mass, well-wishers gathered to greet the newly ordained deacon, expressing their joy and encouragement.

The Diocese of Vasai prays that as Dn. Sanal continues his journey toward the priesthood, he may grow each day as a faithful and devoted servant of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

By Fr. Francis Dabre