Two Siblings Ordained as Priests in the Diocese of Amravati

Rajura, Maharashtra, May 12, 2025: Deacons Avinash Kumariya and Pradeep Kumariya, who are siblings of each other, were ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on Saturday, May 10, 2025, during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at the Rajura Mission Centre of St. Xavier’s Church, Shegaon. The ordination ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Malcolm Sequeira, Bishop of Amravati, and was attended by hundreds of clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across the diocese.

The solemn ceremony featured Bishop Sequeira laying his hands on the heads of the two deacons and reciting the prayer of ordination. The Kumariya brothers, hailing from Rajura village, were then vested with priestly garments, received the chalice and paten, and offered their first priestly blessings amid emotional applause from the congregation.

In his homily, Bishop Sequeira reflected on the responsibilities of the priesthood, calling it a vocation of deep commitment, prayer, and service. “The priest is called to be a shepherd who walks with his people,” he said, commending the Kumariya family for their unwavering faith and the extraordinary gift of offering two of their sons to the Church.

Following the Mass, a brief felicitation programme was held to honour the families of the newly ordained priests, their seminary formators, and the supportive parish communities that nurtured their vocations. The celebration concluded with a communal meal, shared in a spirit of unity and gratitude.

This rare and joyful event marks a proud chapter in the life of the Amravati Diocese and is a testament to the flourishing faith and growing vocations within rural communities like Rajura.

By Mr. Nelson Alphonso

Media Coordinator

Diocese of Amravati