THE PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF FR. JOEL LOPES,
APRIL 30, 2014. St. JOSEPH CHURCH, LOWER KASARKOD.

30th April 2014 was indeed a great day, not only for the family of Fr. Joel Lopes but also for the Capuchin order, in particular for the Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka and the Church at large. It was for Dn. Joel Lopes his long awaited day of his priestly ordination. St. Joseph Church of Lower Kasarkod was all set and beautifully decorated to host this solemn event. The Ordinandi arrived along with his family members along with the band in procession. Thereafter the Bishop of Gulbarga Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda was welcomed at the Church entrance by the Provincial Minister, the Rector, the Parish priest and the people gathered. The ceremony began at 10.30 a.m. There were 50 priests and 40 nuns and around 1000 people who witnessed this gracious occasion. Fr. Salvadore Fernandes did the M.C for the liturgy; the Bishop preached an inspiring homily and thereafter conferred the sacrament of Holy Order to Dn. Joel Lopes and welcomed him into the priestly order of Melkisedek. There was a melodious singing by the parish choir which was trained by Fr. Baptist Rodrigues.
Immediately after the mass, all proceeded to the parish hall for the felicitation programme. The Bishop too was present along with the provincial, the rector and the parish priest who addressed the gathering and felicitated Fr. Joel Lopes. His parents and his benefactor Mrs. Jascintha Mascarenhas were also present on the stage. Fr. Joel Lopes expressed his feelings of joy being a newly ordained priest and thanked everyone who was a part of his life and all those who in some way or the other contributed in making this day possible. After the programme all were served with a delicious meal. Fr. Joel Lopes celebrated his thanksgiving mass along with his family, friends and the parishioners on 2nd May 2014 at St. Joseph church and thanked the Lord for His great gift of Priesthood.
 

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