Archdiocese celebrate Chrism Mass and Priestly Ordination

Kolkata: The Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary was a hive of activity on 25th March 2021 as Archbishop Thomas D'Souza. was joined by the clergy and faithful of the diocese for the annual Chrism Mass. Each year the diocese comes together at the cathedral to consecrate the oils to be used in the Sacraments over the course of the year and to give witness to and support the brother priests as they renew their ordination promises. This year there was a particularly joyful tone to the celebration as Deacon Arun Raj was to be ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Calcutta. Deacon Arun Raj was born to Mr. Balaraj and Mrs.Jayamary as an eldest son on 4th Feb 1988 at Nagenahalli in Karnataka. He has a younger brother Mr. Antony Raj. He grew in faith and knowledge by the exemplary life of his parents. He did all his schooling in Karnataka. In the course of time he felt the call of God and expressed generously his desire to join Archdiocese of Calcutta through Fr. Gregory his vocation promoter.

In his homily Archbishop Thomas reflected on Pope Francis encyclical "Fratelli Tutti" and highlighted the aspect of Fraternity and brotherhood of priests in building up of presbyterium. He spoke of friendly fire that could erupt at anytime. how we can hurt one another by our acts of omission and commission. It can undermine moral and can cause a deep hurt. He shared his own experience of Fraternity and living the joy of priesthood. He reminded the priests to be aware of the friendly fue and not to give into hurting others. Finally He exhorted the brother priests to be healers. forgivers and reconcilers. After the instruction by the Archbishop the ordination proper for priesthood began Fr Irudaya Raj the Director of Formation for archdiocese of Calcutta called upon Deacon Arun Raj to come forward with his parents if he wishes to be ordained as a Priest. After expressing his consent Deacon Arun Raj was presented by Fr. Irudaya Raj to the Archbishop to ordain him for service as a Print. The ordination was followed by the offertory and presentation of the oil of Catechumens oil of the Sick and oil of Chrism for blessing. The liturgy was well organized and a sense of solemnity and prayerful atmosphere was maintained throughout the celebration. The Archbishop felicitated the priests who are celebrating their silver and golden jubilee of their priesthood. The Newly ordained priest. Fr. Arun Raj and his family were felicitated. Fr. Robert Johnson proposed the vote of thanks and invited all the priests and religious gathered for a sumptuous meal after the solemn celebration.