(Odisha, India) The ordination of Deepak Bage, CSsR., took place on 27th April 2019 in Salangabahal Parish, Rourkela diocese, Odisha. Indeed, it was one of the historical moments for Fr. Deepak Bage for his life journey towards religious life. There were more than 5000 faithful along with about 40 religious sisters, 50 priests (10 Redemptorists) and brothers and seminarians, gathered to witness this great and memorable event of the priestly ordination of Deepak Bage CSsR and Suresh Tete OCD in Salangabahal Parish, Rourkela Diocese of Orissa, India.
The parishioners welcomed His grace Most Rev. Bishop Kishor Kumar Kujur DD from the parish gate to the residence with their traditional tribal dance at 7 am. Around 300 women and girls danced the entrance hymn. The choir comprised of more than 40 youth, boys and girls sang all the hymns with their melodious voices. During this occasion Fr. Edward Joseph CSsR (provincial superior of Bangalore province) and Fr. Xavier Jayraj OCD (Regional vicar of West Bengal – Northeast mission of south Kerala province) were present.
During the homily, Bishop explained the role and duties of priests in the present scenario. The atmosphere was very prayerful and joyful. The ordination ceremony was over by 10.30 am. The breakfast was provided during a short break. And then with the traditional tribal dance along with Bishop, newly ordained priests were welcomed to the stage for felicitation program for one and half an hour. Bishop thanked all the parishioners and all those who were responsible for the arrangements of the program. On behalf of representatives of the newly ordained priests Fr. Edward thanked God for choosing these men for his missionary work, he thanked Bishop, family members, Parish Priest, and all the parishioners for the memorable event. At the end Fr. Deepak Bage, also on behalf of both the newly ordained priests, thanked everyone for making the day of their ordination a memorable one with their participation in all the activities. Soon after the program, the people were provided for lunch from 12.30 pm. In the evening Fr. Deepak Bage was solemnly welcomed to his home residence at Dulhapur village at 5 pm.
Thanksgiving Mass of Fr. Deepak Bage at Dulhapur Village
Fr. Deepak Bage celebrated his first Thanksgiving mass on 28th April 2019 morning. Surely it will always be a memorable day for the family of Fr. Deepak Bage CSsR and the villagers, who had been preparing for this great occasion for a long time. the Holy Eucharistic Celebration began with the entrance dance where around 50 women and school girls welcomed the newly ordained priest along with 15 priests to the altar at 7.30 am. There were more than 25 youth who led the choir. There were about 1500 faithful along with 12 sisters were present for the Thanksgiving Mass. During the homily Fr. Biraj (cousin of Fr. Deepak Bage) Explained about the call and the journey to the religious life of Fr. Deepak Bage. He also shared about the challenges of priestly life. At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration Fr. Deepak Bage thanked everyone and his parents felicitated all the priests and religious. The Eucharistic Celebration was over by 9.30 am. Soon after that, all were served breakfast. The village choir and dancers welcome Fr. Deepak Bage for the Felicitation Program at 10.30 am and continued till 12.30 PM. There were many cultural programs presented by the villagers and relatives of Fr. Deepak. The felicitation program ended with the fellowship meal for all. The celebration continued with singing and dancing till evening.
We thank God for calling Fr. Deepak Bage, CSsR., to work in his vineyard and wish him all God’s blessings for his ministry as an ordained priest.
Fr. Prakash Lakra, CSsR.
