SSP India: Ordination of Fr Tijo Poovathummottil

It was a joyous occasion for the India-Nigeria-Great Britain-Ireland Province of Society of St Paul as yet another member, Fr Tijo (Antony) Poovathummottil was ordained priest by his grace Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil, the Bishop of the Diocese of Thamarassery, Kerala, on 20th January 2018. The Sacred Rite of Ordination began at 9.30 a.m. in St Alphonsa Church, Manjakunnu, the home parish of Fr Tijo. The entire ceremony lasted two hours. During the thought provoking sermon, Bp Remigiose congratulated Fr Tijo for taking this courageous step in life and reminded him of the manifold challenges that were awaiting him in his priestly journey. Fr Varghese Gnalian, the Provincial Superior, and Fr Aneesh Antony Peediyekal, the Formation Director assisted at the Ordination Ceremony. After the Ordination Ceremony, Fr Tijo thanked his parents, younger brother, relatives, teachers, formators and the members of the Society of St Paul for all the support and guidance that he received during his vocation journey. Immediately after the Ordination Ceremony the newly ordained celebrated his First Holy Eucharist. The Ordination Ceremony as well as the First Mass of Fr Tijo was attended by a large number of parishioners, well-wishers and members of the Pauline family.