ಗೊವ್ಳಿಕ್ ದೀಕ್ಷಾ: ಉಡುಪಿ ದಿಯೆಸೆಜಿಚೊ ದುಸ್ರೊ ಧರ್ಮಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ್ ಅಧಿಕ್ ಮಾನಾಧಿಕ್ ದೊತೊರ್ ಲೆಸ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಫರ್ಡ್ ಡಿಸೋಜ
UDUPI: In a historic and spiritually uplifting ceremony, Msgr Leslie Clifford D’Souza was ordained and installed as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi on Monday, 20 April 2026. The grand liturgical service, attended by thousands of the faithful, priests, and civic dignitaries, marked a new pastoral chapter for the coastal Catholic community.
The Episcopal Ordination was graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Most Rev. Dr Leopoldo Girelli, representing the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Leo. The solemn Rite of Consecration was presided over by the Principal Consecrator, alongside Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, and Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Apostolic Administrator and the first Bishop of Udupi, as well as several other bishops from the Karnataka region.
The consecration rites featured the reading of the Apostolic Mandate, followed by the traditional laying on of hands and the anointing with the Sacred Chrism. The new Bishop was then presented with the Book of the Gospels, the episcopal ring, the mitre, and the crosier (pastoral staff), symbolising his spiritual mandate to teach, govern, and sanctify the diocese.
During the solemn Eucharistic celebration, a profound homily was delivered by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Delving deep into the spiritual and pastoral responsibilities of the episcopate, Bishop Saldanha emphasised that a bishop is, fundamentally and foremost, a “father figure” to the diocesan family. He explained that a bishop represents God the Father’s compassionate and steady presence among the faithful.
“A bishop’s role is a delicate blend of a father’s discipline and a mother’s tender love,” Bishop Saldanha explained. Drawing upon the letters of St Paul to Timothy and Titus, he reminded the new prelate that his absolute priority must be the proclamation and explanation of the Gospel. He urged Bishop D’Souza to serve as a compassionate teacher and guide, highlighting the modern pastoral necessity of creating a welcoming “psychological space”. He stressed that a bishop must be highly accessible so that his priests, religious, and laypeople feel completely free to approach him, be heard without judgment, and find support.
Furthermore, Bishop Saldanha underscored the essential papal directive for bishops to maintain four pillars of closeness: closeness to God through unceasing prayer, closeness to fellow bishops in fraternity, closeness to the priests who are his immediate collaborators, and closeness to the flock. He concluded by praying that the new bishop leads the Diocese of Udupi with a humble, listening, and courageous heart.
Following the religious rites, a grand public felicitation programme was held to officially welcome the new shepherd and honour the leaders who have guided the diocese. The new Bishop, Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, was warmly felicitated by the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the diocese with a formal congratulatory citation. Recognising his role as a spiritual and social leader, numerous civic dignitaries, political representatives, and leaders of various religious communities also came forward to honour him, highlighting the deep-rooted inter-religious harmony of the region.
The Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Dr Leopoldo Girelli, addressed the gathering, delivering a poignant message as he noted this would be his final official engagement in India. He expressed deep confidence in the future of the Indian Church and urged the new bishop to lead with a spirit of dialogue and unity. He encouraged Bishop D’Souza to ensure the Church remains a welcoming home with “open doors and open hearts” for all people, especially the marginalised.
A major highlight of the programme was the special felicitation of Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the first Bishop of Udupi, by the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC). Led by Archbishop Peter Machado, the council lauded Bishop Lobo for his visionary leadership. Archbishop Machado noted how Bishop Lobo had nurtured the “baby diocese of Udupi” with immense dedication and self-sacrifice over the past 14 years, building strong infrastructure and making exceptional contributions to drafting pastoral plans for both the region and the national Church.
In his maiden address as Bishop, Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza expressed his profound gratitude to Pope Leo and the Apostolic Nuncio for entrusting him with this sacred duty. He thanked his predecessor, fellow clergy, and the faithful, pledging to serve his flock with a humble heart and to work collaboratively for the continued spiritual and social development of Udupi.
The milestone event saw active participation from all sections of society. The Diocese of Udupi, erected in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI, serves over 65,000 Catholics spread across 52 parishes. With a new shepherd at the helm, the diocese looks forward to continued growth in faith, education, and social outreach.
