Carmelites Celebrate Ordination of Six New Priests

Goa-Karnataka, May 21, 2025 — A moment of great joy and spiritual grace unfolded for the Discalced Carmelites of the Karnataka-Goa Province as six deacons were ordained to the priesthood at three different locations during the month of May 2025.

Six Discalced Carmelite deacons were ordained to the priesthood: on May 2, Deacons Prithesh Crasta, Avith Pais, Pranay Pereira, and Stany Pinto were ordained by Most Rev. Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga Diocese, at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, Mangalore; on May 19, Jesvin Benoy was ordained by Most Rev. Johannes Gorantla OCD, Bishop of Kurnool Diocese, at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Mysuru; and on May 21, Movin Desmond Pereira was ordained by Most Rev. Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop of Allahabad Diocese, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Katapady, Udupi.

The newly ordained priests — Fr. Jesvin, Fr. Prithesh, Fr. Movin, Fr. Stany Pinto, Fr. Avith, and Fr. Pranay — share a common formative journey in the Carmelite way of life. Notably, Fr. Avith and Fr. Pranay entered the Carmelite formation after completing their 10th standard. They pursued their pre-university studies at Sacred Heart PU College, Madanthyar, while undergoing their initial formation at Asha Deepa, the Carmelite formation house.

They began their initial formation in Mapusa, Goa, followed by Postulancy at the Carmelite Monastery in Margao, Goa. Their Novitiate was completed at Tapovana, the novitiate house of the province. They pursued philosophical studies with graduation at Pushpashrama College of Philosophy, Mysuru, and theological studies at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore, while undergoing their formation at St. Joseph’s Monastery, Bikarnakatte.

Provincial's Message of Gratitude and Hope

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial Superior of the Karnataka-Goa Province, expressed deep gratitude and hope for the future of the Church. "We rejoice and thank God for the gift of six new priests, each unique and richly gifted," he said. "Knowing their zeal and enthusiasm, I look forward to their wholehearted dedication in building up the Kingdom of God," he added.

The Provincial also invoked the guidance of the Holy Spirit, praying that the newly ordained may become powerful channels of God’s grace.

Meet the Newly Ordained Carmelites

1. Fr. Jesvin Benoy, son of Benoy Joseph and Gigi Benoy, hails from Ponnanthanam, in the Diocese of Kothamangalam, Kerala. He completed his schooling in Vikaspuri, Delhi, and joined the Carmelites after 12th. He did his regency at Carmel Bhavan, Hoovina Hadagali, and served as deacon at St. Joseph's Church, Mira Road.

2. Fr. Avith Pais, son of Denis and Anitha Pais, is from Belthangady and the eldest of three siblings. He studied at St. Therese High School, Belthangady, and joined the Carmelites after 10th. His regency was at Carmel Ashram, Katkere Koteshwar, and he exercised his diaconate at Dhyanashram, Rajjodi, Vasai.

3. Fr. Prithesh Crasta, son of Cyril and Trecilla Crasta, is from Vamanjoor, Mangalore, and has one sister. He studied at Sacred Hearts and St. Joseph’s High School, Kulshekar, and joined the Carmelites after 2nd PUC. He did his regency at Carmel Sannidhi, Kadaganchi, Gulbarga, and diaconate ministry at Carmel Ashram, Koteshwar.

4. Fr. Pranay Pereira, son of Philip and Anjelina Pereira, is from Permannur, Mangalore. He is the second of two siblings. He studied at Holy Angels Primary and St. Sebastian's High School, Permannur, and joined the Carmelites after 10th. He completed his regency at Holy Family Church, Londa, Belgaum, and served as deacon at Carmel Ashram, Shimoga.

5. Fr. Movin Pereira, son of Mark and Monica Pereira, is from Katpadi, Udupi Diocese, and has one sister. He studied at SVS, Katpadi, Little Flower, and St. Joseph’s School, Belman, and completed PUC at Our Lady of Pompey, Kinnigoli. He joined the Carmelites post-12th. He completed his regency at Asha Deepa, Madanthyar, and ministered as a deacon at St. Mary’s Parish, Hegde Nagar.

6. Fr. Stany Pinto, son of Ambrose and the late Benni Pinto, hails from Borimar, Soorikumeru, Mangalore, and is the second of two siblings. He studied at St. Joseph’s Church School, Borimar, joined the Carmelites after 2nd PUC, did his regency at Holy Spirit Church, Jagaluru, Davanagere, and served as deacon at Ryshivana, Mangalore.

The ordination of these six Carmelites marks a significant milestone in their spiritual journey and the life of the Church. As they begin their priestly ministry, the faithful are called to support them with prayers and encouragement.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD