Moodubelle, 12 Nov: Deocon Ivan Joy Martis from Kattingeri, Moodubelle was ordained as Priest of Udupi Diocese by Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi Diocese on Tuesday 12 November 2019 at St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo – Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha – Bishop of Mangalore Diocese and other con-celebrant priests including Rev. Msgr. Baptist Menezes, Asst Parish Priest Rev Fr Jitesh Castelino, priests who previously served in Moodubelle parish, priests of neighbouring parishes and priests of both Udupi and Mangalore Diocese.
In his homily and instructions to the new priest Fr Ivan Martis, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha emphasized the importance of Priesthood and his ministry to the church which is Missionary in nature.
After rites and rituals, Rite of Ordination; the promise of obedience to the Bishop, prostrating and seeking help of the saints, laying on of hands invoking the Holy Spirit, anointing of the Hands, receiving the chalice and finally the Kiss of Peace was given by the Bishop in the presence of priests, religious and faithful, the Holy Eucharist continued with new priest Ivan Joy Martis along with the Bishops and other Priests at the altar.
Rev Fr Stephen DSouza compered the liturgical ceremony. Church choir directed by Parish Priest Rev Fr Clement Mascarenhas sang the hymns beautifully which were specially practiced for the occasion. Rev Fr Clement Mascarenhas proposed vote of thanks.
A felicitation program was organized at St Lawewnce Church Community Hall, Moodublle, to honor and congratulate newly Ordained Priest Fr Ivan Joy Martis and his family members. Fr Ivan’s sister Renita Martis welcomed the guests and the gathering. Udupi Bishop, Mangalore Bishop, Parish Priest Rev Fr Clement Mascarenhas and Former Parish Priest Rev Fr Valerian DSouza greeted the new priest Fr Ivan with the words of felicitation.
Newly ordained priest Fr Ivan Joy Martis expressed his deep sentiments of gratitude. Rev Fr Melwyl Roy Lobo compered the felicitation program. The entire event was very well organized by the Parish Priest, Asst Parish Priest, Vice President Vincent Fernandes, Secretary Latha DMello, Ward Gurkars, all the leaders of the community, Church Associations and Parishioners.
Rev Fr Ivan Joy Martis is the second child among the two children of Mr Micheal Martis and Mrs Irene Martis of St Francis Xavier ward II, Kattingeri, Moodubelle. Their elder daughter Renita Martis is married to Manesh Menezes of Shirva and both of them are working and living in Bahrain along with their two children.
Fr. Ivan had his early education until 10th standard at St. Lawrence Junior College Moodubelle. He completed his PUC at Rosario P.U. College at Mangalore and then completed B Com at St. Mary’s College at Shirva.
He had joined the Minor Seminary in 2004 and then continued his priestly education joining the Major Seminary in 2009. After completing the Philosopical studies in St. Joseph’s Interdiocean Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore, Fr. Ivan was sent to Rome for the advanced studies and he completed B.Th and M.C.L. from Urbaniana University in Rome.