Sarfaraz Pinto ordinated deacon of Diocese of Toronto

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 6: The Konkani-speaking Catholic communities of Goa and Mangalore in Canada were thrilled when Sarfaraz Pinto, who has his origins in Mangalore, was ordained as the deacon in a ceremony held at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto on May 29, 2010. 

Sarfaraz, who is a family man, will now bear the responsibilities of taking care of the parishioners in the Diocese of Toronto. He will also help with the sacraments of baptism, holy matrimony, funerals, and other services. He can read the Gospel and preach sermons, but he cannot say Mass or listen to confessions. 

Deacons help the Roman Catholic priests in the pastoral and administrative work. A deacon teaches, preaches, and proclaims the Gospel during mass. He also performs the task of the minister of communion during Mass, provides assistance to poor parishioners, and encourages them to get involved in social welfare activities. Deacons also have the power to give blessings, preside over funeral rites that do not include a mass, and serve as parish administrators, but cannot give absolution or anoint the sick. 

Sarfaraz Pinto is the son of late Frederick Michael Pinto, popularly known as F. M. Pinto, who resided in Kadri before migrating to Mumbai to participate actively in the freedom struggle. He was the Mumbai Municipal Corporator from 1948 - 52 and was later elected to the Maharashtra Legislature from the Mahim Assembly constituency for six terms from 1957 - 85. A road is Mumbai is named F. M. Road in his honor. 

Sarfaraz Pinto is married to Louiza Tavares and has four children—Fahad, Fedora, Froila, and Frederick.