Fr Pius Thomas D’Souza of Agrar installed as Bishop of Ajmer

Fr Pius Thomas D’Souza of Agrar installed as Bishop of Ajmer

Mangalore Today News Network

Ajmer, Jan 21, 2013: Most. Rev Pius Thomas D’Souza hailing from Agrar in Bantwal, was installed as the Bishop of the Diocese of Ajmer at a function held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral on January 19, Saturday. The Episcopal Concescration of Rev Thomas D’Souza was also held on the occasion.

The apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Most Rev Salvotore Penacchio was the principal consecrator.

 

 

 

Most Rev. Albert D’Souza, the Arch Bishop of Agra and Most Rev Ignatius Menezes, the Bishop Emeritus of Ajmer were the co-consecrators.  Most Rev Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bareily and Most Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore also assisted as co-consecrators.  Over 18 other bishops  concelebrated in the Episcopal consecration mass. Around 150 priests from the Dioceses of Ajmer, Bareily, Lucknow and other neighbouring dioceses participated in the mass.

A felicitation programme for the new Bishop was also organised after the mass.  All the bishops were felicitated on the occasion. Leaders of all faiths were present and  recited prayers.

Later, the new bishop, the former bishop of Ajmer together with the Apostolic Nuncio were escorted in a horse chariot  along with priests  to St Paul’s school premises, where a lunch was  arranged.

The New Bishop of Ajmer , Dr Pius Thomas D’Souza was born at Agrar  on May 4, 1954, and was ordained priest for the Diocese of Lucknow on March 28, 1982. He was appointed the new Bishop of Ajmer in Rajasthan, by Pope Benedict XVI on November 3.