“I Chose You”: A New Priest for the Service of God’s People

Priestly Ordination of Deacon Ankit Xavier Kujur

Kauli, 28 August 2026:
Yesu Daya Sagar Prarthana Bhawan, Kauli, Punjab.

With profound joy and gratitude to God, the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh celebrated the Priestly Ordination of Deacon Ankit Xavier Kujur on 28th August, on the feast of St. Augustine at Yesu Daya Sagar Prarthana Bhawan, Kauli.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration and Rite of Ordination were presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh. Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius L. Mascarenhas was also present for the ordination, joining the clergy, religious, family members and around 800 faithful in giving thanks to God for the gift of a new priest to the Church.

The theme, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn 15:16), beautifully expressed the heart of the celebration—the priesthood as a gift and loving call from Christ to serve His people.

In his homily, Bishop Sahaya Thatheus Thomas highlighted the essential marks of priestly life. He emphasized that the Word of God strengthens the priest and, when faithfully lived, makes his life honest, sincere and humble.

Reflecting on the ordination theme, he reminded Fr. Ankit that God chose him because He loves him, not because of personal merit, talents or qualities. He encouraged him to embrace the challenges of priestly ministry with faith and perseverance, stressing that prayer must remain the hallmark of every priestly life and ministry.

Through the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination, Fr. Ankit was entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the Sacraments and shepherding God’s people.

Following the celebration, Fr. Ankit Xavier Kujur expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God and thanked the Bishops, priests, religious, his family, well-wishers and all those who had accompanied him on his vocation journey.

The Diocese felicitated the newly ordained priest and his parents, and Fr. Valarius Lakra SDB, Gumla, on this blessed occasion. In a beautiful gesture of gratitude and affection, Fr. Ankit and his family also felicitated the Bishops and Priests expressing their appreciation for their pastoral leadership and presence.

The celebration was a joyful expression of the communion of the Church, with around 800 faithful gathering to witness and celebrate this grace-filled moment.

A special word of appreciation was extended to Fr. John Thatheus, Dean of Patiala, and his team for their dedicated coordination and efforts in ensuring the smooth and prayerful conduct of the ordination celebration.

The celebration concluded with a community fellowship meal, bringing together the newly ordained priest, Bishops, clergy, religious, family members and faithful in a spirit of joy, fraternity and thanksgiving, marking the blessed occasion with warm fellowship and shared happiness.

The Catholic community rejoices with Fr. Ankit Xavier Kujur and prays that his priesthood may remain rooted in the Word of God, sustained by prayer and marked by humility, sincerity and loving service.

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