“Let the earth be pervaded by the fragrance of benevolence and bliss; order every mountain to celebrate and sing; tell the heavens to join this banquet: now the harvest is ready. For this is the day when our dreams take wing and we taste the first fruit of our labor” (cf. Is 49:13ff).
As a result of our heart’s desire, a great desire dreamed of in 13 years of formation and preparation, thanks to prayer and perseverance, thanks to the mercy and blessings of the Almighty, Deacon Abhilash Nelson was elevated to the Priesthood for the laying on of hands and the consecratory prayer of Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan, Bishop of the Diocese of Punalur.
The sacred service took place on the morning of August 22, 2020, liturgical feast of Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Cathedral of Punalur, in the restricted presence of 50 people including a very limited number of priests, nuns, brothers and family members, considering the adverse events of Covid-19; everything was transmitted through the media.
The ordination ceremony was commented by Brother Vigil Rajan Raj, and especially oriented to the devout life of Deacon Abhilash; it began with a solemn procession and a wonderful song performed by the choir. The readings were chosen to manifest the meaning and mission of the priesthood. The essential ceremony, consisting of the promise of the vow of obedience, dressing, anointing with holy oil, laying on of the hands of the ordaining Bishop, prayer for the gifts and grace of the Holy Spirit, took place when he was called to the altar by Father Babu Varghese, the Rector, assisted by Father Jude Thadevus, the Superior, who approved his eligibility for the priesthood. The service also included a public examination of the candidate and a sermon on the responsibilities of the ministry.
All hearts were filled with joy and gratitude when Abhilash went up to the altar for concelebration. The thought of thanksgiving he presented was also filled with emotion. It was a surprise to everyone when he expressed the desire to be called from now on Father Abhilash Maria Nelson for his special devotion to Mother Mary. Because of the current coronavirus situation, we could not embrace the new ordained, but we did so with our hearts and minds.
The sharing at the set table served as a closing of the whole program. The next day we participated in the first Holy Mass of thanksgiving, in the Chapel of the “Cusmano Nivas”, by Father Abhilash Maria Nelson; Father Babu Varghese, in homiletic reflection, walked his vocational journey recalling the most important moments and steps.
The Cusmano Community in India is very proud of this first priestly ordination, after our Institution, since 2006, has undertaken the ministry of Christ there, to expand the kingdom of God on earth.
Ad meliora et maiora semper! Long live Jesus!
(Br. Sabu Raju S.d.P.)
