Bishop Simião Fernandes Ordains Two Pilar Deacons, Urges to be "Witnesses of Hope in Loving Service"

Pilar, Goa, October 5, 2025: Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, ordained Scholastic Rajat Singh SFX and Scholastic Mantheosha Fernandes SFX of the Society of Pilar as deacons during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Seminary Chapel of All India Mission Seminary, Pilar.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Norman Almeida SFX, Rector of the Seminary, Fr. Steevan D’Souza SFX, Fr. Joaquim Rebelo SFX, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province of the Society of Pilar, and several other priests.

Preaching on the theme “Witnesses of Hope in Loving Service,” Bishop Fernandes called on the newly ordained deacons to embrace their vocation with total dedication. “To be witnesses of hope, we must give up everything for loving service,” he said, encouraging them to imitate Christ, who gave His life in service to others.

The bishop reminded the faithful that loving service is continuous and selfless. “Loving service has no timetable. We cannot say that we render service only at this hour or on certain days. Service must be at all times,” he stressed. He added that genuine service is always directed toward others, not oneself, citing the examples of the Good Samaritan and Jesus at the Last Supper. “Loving service is not interested in self-gain, self-name, or self-fame. Its focus is always on the other,” he said.

Highlighting the sacrificial nature of true service, Bishop Fernandes explained, “In loving service, we need to sacrifice a lot. We need to say no to many things. Only then can we truly be effective witnesses of hope.” He pointed out that both the Good Samaritan and Jesus demonstrated service through self-sacrifice — giving time, effort, and humility for the good of others.

The prelate further emphasised that authentic service embraces everyone without discrimination. “The Good Samaritan did not see caste, race, or religion but a neighbour in need. Jesus washed the feet of all His Apostles, even those who would deny or betray Him. Loving service is all-embracing,” he affirmed.

Placing the ordination within the context of the Jubilee Year 2025 and the ongoing Synodal journey, Bishop Fernandes referred to Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction Spes non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), reminding the faithful of the Church’s mission to bring hope to the marginalised. “We are called to be tangible signs of hope for prisoners, families, the sick and elderly, persons with disabilities, migrants, the poor, and young people caught up in different forms of abuse,” he said.

The ordination coincided with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Drawing inspiration from the saint’s life, Bishop Fernandes noted, “St. Francis, though born into wealth, gave up everything for God, for humanity, and for creation. He remains a shining example of loving service that is simple, humble, and filled with hope.”

By Bro. Malvino Alfonso

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