MSC Ordinations, India.
Thanks for Malcolm Fyfe MSC for news from a region he knows so well,
Late last week, there were two Ordinations to the priesthood for MSC INDIA.
The two were Fathers Charles Joseph, aged 31 and Kulandai Arul Raj who will turn 30 in a few days’ time. Both of them come from the Kollegal region in the State of Karnataka (Bangalore is the Capital of Karnataka). The Kollegal region is an area that shares its border with Tamil Nadu State and these two confreres are fluent in the respective State languages, Kannada and Tamil, as well as English.
The photo above was taken at the end of the December 8th Ordination Mass showing Father Kulandai standing in front of the Bishop (Dr Lawrence Pius of Dharmapuri) and flanked by his parents. We could be forgiven for thinking MSC INDIA is in the export business, but Kannada speaking priests are much in demand locally.
I don’t have a photo of Charles’ ordination on Saturday, but this was his Invitation. Ordinations in India are usually held at this time of the year – as are Weddings: it’s the coolest season of the year. Both celebrations involve a lot of expense for the families, as the entire community celebrates a once in a lifetime event.
At the recent MSC General Chapter, approval was given for MSC INDIA to become a Province. Currently the necessary preparation of documents and statutes is under way. The formal erection of MSC INDIA as a Province is expected to take place before Easter and this will necessitate a process of consultation or election to determine the first Provincial Superior. There will be no shortage of candidates!
Congratulations, Charles and Kulandai.
Malcolm P. Fyfe msc
