Dimapur Province Rejoices with newly Ordained Dns. Benjamin & Basil
Bengaluru, March 31, 2025 – Sixteen brothers were ordained as deacons in a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Peter Machado at the Kristu Jyoti College Chapel, Bengaluru. Among the newly ordained deacons were Dn. Kamei Benjamin and Dn. Soreng Basil, two Salesians from the Province of Dimapur (IND).
The Mass began at 10:00 AM with a grand and prayerful procession. Fr. Bosco Ponthokan, the Rector of Kristu Jyoti College, extended a warm welcome to the Archbishop, Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery, the Vice Provincial of Salesian Province of Bangalore, superiors of various congregations, priests, religious, parents, and relatives candidates. The liturgy was deeply moving, marking a significant milestone in the journey of these young men toward ordained ministry.
After the proclamation of the Gospel, Fr. Bosco presented the 16 candidates namely: Vallamalla David (SDB – INH), Topno Ranjit (SDB – INH), Raito Abosalem (SDB – INH), Kamei Benjamin (SDB – IND), Soreng Basil (SDB – IND), Christy Puthiyedath (SDB – INK), Palackeel Jerin (SDB – INK), Thomas Robin (SDB – INN), Minj Abhay Kiran (SDB – INN), Kranthi Kumar (TOR – Bangalore), Soreng Oskar (TOR – Ranchi), Vempadapu John (TOR – Bangalore), P A Ashik (Sch. P), Soreng Ajay (OSB), Crasta Alwyn (SCJ) and Antony Vinal (Sch. P) – These 16 deacons represented various religious orders, including nine Salesians (SDB) from the provinces of Dimapur, Bangalore, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, along with members from the Third Order Regular (TOR), OSB, SCJ, and Sch. P.
And Fr. Shalbin requested the Archbishop to ordain them. The candidates were then examined for their readiness, after which the Archbishop delivered a homily focusing on the dignity of human life over technology and the three jewels of the diaconate: safeguarding the Holy Things and People of God, compassion and care, and punctuality.
Each candidate made their declaration of resolve, kneeling before the Archbishop to promise obedience to the diocesan bishop and their legitimate superiors. The Litany of Saints was sung as the candidates prostrated before the altar in deep humility.
The most sacred moment followed—the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, through which the candidates became deacons. They then put on their diaconal vestments, symbolizing their new identity as ordained ministers. The Bishop presented them with the Book of the Gospels, exhorting them: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become; believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”
The newly ordained deacons were congratulated with a fraternal embrace from the Bishop, followed by the offertory procession and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The celebration was attended by a large congregation, including priests, religious, parents, and friends of the deacons.
The event concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude by Deacon Abhay Kumar on behalf of the newly ordained deacons and a festive meal. This momentous day marked the beginning of their journey as ordained ministers, committed to a life of service, faith, and dedication to the mission of the Church.
Br. Isaiah Newme SDB
