Diaconate Ordination at Vidyajyothi, Delhi

On the 2nd of March, 2024, the Vidyajyoti community witnessed a momentous occasion as thirty-five young men were ordained Deacons. The Dioconate Ordination Eucharist was presided over by Most Rev. Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto.

Fr. Rajkumar, the Principal of Vidyajyoti, extended a warm welcome to the Archbishop, Fr. Stany D’Souza, President, Jesuit Conference of South Asia, Fr. Brian Paulson, President, JCCU, other provincials, priests, religious, and the faithful. At the request of Fr. Nirmal, the Rector of Vidyajyoti, Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto ordained the thirty-five brothers into the order of Diaconate. Approximately 600 faithful participated in the Eucharist, with many more joining through the online medium. The Eucharistic celebration concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dn. Pravin Jose. Among the thirty-five deacons, thirty-two were Jesuits, two were IMS members, and one was from the Buxar diocese.

The theme of the Diaconate Ordination was ‘Hearts on Fire – Feet on the Move’. Inspired by the Pope’s message for World Mission Sunday and driven by the verse from Luke 24:32, the deacons expressed their eagerness to follow Christ more closely. The Diaconate Eucharist was a testament to the dedication and commitment of the thirty-five newly ordained Deacons, who are now ready to serve the Church and its people with their hearts on fire and their feet on the move.

Reported by Deacon Pravin Jose, S.J.