Two women begin a historic journey to priesthood in CSI Malabar diocese

For the first time, two women have been consecrated on the path to priesthood in the Church of South India’s Malabar Diocese -- a landmark moment in a Church where the altar has long been dominated by men. The CSI Malabar diocese spans the Malabar region of Kerala, from Palakkad to Kasaragod, with 132 churches and more than one lakh followers, a Church official said. At a service on Thursday in Mananchira Cathedral here, Bishop Royce Manoj Victor ordained Saju Mary Abraham, 52, and Nimshi David, 25, as deaconesses. The role is seen as the first stage towards full priesthood, which they are expected to enter after a year.