Joy and Excitement on the Ordination of our new Sacred Hearts Deacon Vishal
Congratulations Rev. Vishal Khute, ss.cc. on your ordination to the diaconate at the laying on of
hands of Bishop Edgar da Cunha, and by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Bishop da Cunha reminded Dcn. Vishal of the words of the prophet Jeremiah: "Before I formed
you in the womb, I knew you". God will be present with you.
Bishop Edgar spoke about serving with joy the Lord, the Church, the people of God, and that he
is called to proclaim Christ to the world- wherever he is called.
"We hold this treasure in earthen vessels" the bishop quoted St. Paul. "You never have to
pretend to be perfect"..png)
Newly ordained Dcn. Vishal
He exhorted Dcn. Vishal to not be afraid. "I will deliver you", says the Lord. .png)
Joy and Excitement can be very much felt here in the Fairhaven/New Bedford area. St. Joseph Church Fairhaven, Massachusetts was filled with parishioners and guests all across the Diocese of Fall River, Texas, and Hawaii on July 11, 2026. Over the past few days, many parishioners have expressed to me their happiness and excitement on Deacon Vishal's new ministry here in Massachusetts. One parishioner named Margaret who attends St. Joseph Church, told me that she had "tears of joy" witnessing the Ordination of Rev. Bro. Vishal. She explained, "I was full of emotion - it is a blessing to see new, young faces entering this beautiful ministry. It is not every day that you get to be part of this great celebration."
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Like Margaret, many of the parishioners we serve are happy to see that young men, like Deacon Vishal, are committed to becoming a priest. At a time where many religious orders and dioceses here in the U.S. are finding it hard to find vocations, our pprovince is blessed to receive brothers from the South Pacific and India. I responded to Margaret, saying, "We have many more young men on the way, so please continue to pray for our brothers in formation and for more vocations in our Congregation."
And so, as Deacon Vishal undertakes his new ministry, let us continue to pray for him and all of our Brothers in formation. The parishioners here on the East Coast are excited for what is to come! .png)
Vivat Jesus!
Brother Marc Sherwin Roque, ss.cc.
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Words of Thanksgiving from Rev. Bro. Vishal, our new SS.CC. deacon:
As I take time to count my blessings, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you in the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Your prayers, encouragement, and fraternal support have been a great blessing to me, especially during my journey toward final vows and Diaconate ordination.
I am truly grateful to be part of this wonderful family. May the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary continue to bless each one of you with joy, peace, and abundant grace.
With sincere gratitude,
Vishal Khute, SS.CC.
