His Lordship, Michael Akasius Toppo, D.D., Bishop of Tezpur along with priests participating in the Ordination of Fr Jerbasius Xalxo SDB at Mazbat Parish.
A spirit of joy and gratitude filled the Holy Family Church, Habigaon on February 9, 2025 as Deacon Jerbasius Xalxo, SDB, was ordained a priest by His Lordship, Michael Akasius Toppo, D.D., Bishop of Tezpur. The solemn ordination ceremony was attended by around 55 priests, religious sisters, and thousands of Catholic faithful from Mazbat and neighboring parishes.
In his homily, Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo praised the parish of Mazbat for being a cradle of vocations, producing six priests, with Fr. Jerbasius now becoming the seventh. He described the ordination as a divine blessing for the parish and urged the faithful to support the new priest in his sacred mission. “Dn. Jerbasius is your brother and your son. He represents God. He is mandated by Jesus to ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,’” he emphasized.
Reflecting on the years of rigorous formation undergone by Fr. Jerbasius, the Bishop encouraged the faithful to pray for him as he embarks on his priestly ministry. “One priest, one sister can transform the Church. Out of eight children, God has chosen one—this is a blessing not just for the family but for society,” he remarked.
The celebration continued with a felicitation program, where Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuicheal, SDB, Provincial, highlighted the significance of priesthood in the Church and the Salesian Congregation. “A priest is a gift from God to the family and the community. We are blessed to have another Salesian priest in our province,” he said.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Michael Akasius, Fr. Alphonse, Parish Priest of Mazbat, and the Catholic faithful for their meticulous planning and year-long preparations that ensured the ordination was a memorable and spiritual experience. “We cannot repay the parish for all their efforts. This day will remain unforgettable for the newly ordained priest,” Fr. Sebastian added. The event concluded with a grand cultural program in honor of Fr. Jerbasius, reflecting the deep joy and faith of the community.
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