Bishop announces ’Episcopal consecration’ of new bishop on Sep 15 at Rosario Cathedral

Bishop announces ’Episcopal consecration’ of new bishop on Sep 15 at Rosario Cathedral

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sept 10, 2018: At special a press meet at the Bishop house today Sept 10, on Monday, outgoing Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, explained the episcopal ordination of the New Bishop of the Diocese of Mangaluru at Rosario Cathedral.

Giving the details Bishop Aloysius said "The episcopal ordination and solemn installation of Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, as the 14th bishop of Mangaluru diocese, Will be held on September 15, Saturday  at 9.30 am at Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru is a sacred affair, we appeal to all peoples to make it even more so."

“The Catholic Church took its roots in Mangaluru with the coming of Portuguese Franciscan missionaries to Canara around the year 1521 nad finally set base on Kanara soil in January 1568, making it now 450 years now being marked. In 1845 the Catholic Church of Mangalore was elevated to the position of a vicariate. It was upgraded to a full Diocese on September 1, 1886. Fr Nicholas Pagani SJ was appointed as the first  bishop.

“As many as 13 Vicars Apostolic and Bishops have headed the Diocese so far. Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha will be the 14th Bishop of Mangaluru diocese.

“He will be consecrated during the solemn Eucharistic celebration by  Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Mangaluru along with Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru and Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi as co consecrators.

"After the religious ceremony, which would end by 11.45 am, a formal felicitation programme of the new bishop will be held at the same venue. On behalf of the civic society, U T Khadar, district in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada will offer felicitations to the new bishop. The funtion is expected to end by 1.30 pm after which a simple lunch will be served to all; in view of the fact that most people will come from far off travelling 3 to 4 hours at least.

"This historical event will be witnessed by Fr Javier D Fernandez G (Counsellor of papal nuncio to India) representing papal nuncio to India, archbishop, many bishops, priests, religious and political leaders, Catholics of Mangaluru diocese and other invitees. More than 10,000 people are expected to be present," he said.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza retired as the bishop of Mangaluru diocese serving for 22 years (1996-2018). Pope Francis appointed Dr Peter Paul Saldanha as the new bishop of Mangaluru on July 3, 2018.

Mangaluru diocese is spread geographically into two districts of Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod, with an area of 5,924 square km, having around 250000 Catholics. There are 124 parishes and 11 Sub stations with 272 diocesan priests and 102 priests belonging to the Jesuit, Carmelite, Franciscan and 15 other congregations rendering religious services. There are as many as 50 religious congregations for women, with 1,246 sisters in 194 religious houses and convents.

State-of-the-art arrangements are being meticulously planned by 10 committees with hundreds of volunteers.  For parking arrangements see the chart here, and make your arrangements early.  Those who need should have passes made in advance. There will be strict one way arrangements for the Mall Road, St.Ann’s Road and Hoige Bazar road, which should be noted; guides and announcements will be in place around the venue, public has been asked to take all care.