Dr Peter Machado was installed the new archbishop of Bengaluru at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral grounds on Thursday, March 31, 2018 in the presence of Several archbishops, bishops, scores of priests besides nuns and thousands of lay faithful and special invitees.
The process of installation began with Fr S Jayanathan, vicar general, reading out the papal letter to this effect. Fr Xavier Fernandes, representative of Vatican ambassador, read out the same content in Latin as well.
.jpg)
Archbishop Moras presented a brief introduction and before commencing the Mass. The installation ceremony began after the readings. Dr Machado was seated on the cathedra (a special canopy like chair) and presented him with the keys of the cathedral. Dr Machado was also presented with a mitre and staff. The new archbishop recited the creed and read out a list of commitments both religious and temporal which come within the scope of his duties to look after the church and its affairs.
“Why did Mary visit Elizabeth? It is a spiritual visit and a pastoral one to empower Elizabeth and all others. This was a timely help and to give solace to the needy. God has given us a call. It is a holy call, a pastoral call. Holy Father said on holiness that holiness is the most apposite face of the church. Mary’s visit, indeed, empowered Elizabeth in her special situation,” Archbishop said in his homily.
After the Eucharist, Archbishop Moras was thanked before bidding farewell. Msgr C Francis, vicar general, spoke high of Archbishop Moras and highlighted his leadership qualities and development works he had carried out during the past 14 years for the Archdiocese of Bengaluru. Msgr Francis had a long list to narrate on several aspects of Archbishop Moras besides his exuberant and able leadership to guide the diocese tirelessly taking along all with him.
Fr Xavier Fernandes also appreciated Archbishop’s committed work for the Lord. The Vatican ambassador also enumerated the many achievements of Archbishop Moras.
A number of people felicitated the new archbishop. They included MLAs like MLA Roshan Baig, religious heads and general public. All the bishops of Karnataka and many from other parts of the country were presented with a shawl and garland. A cultural programme enthralled all.
About Archbishop Dr Peter Machado
Archbishop Dr Peter Machado is the 7th archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bengaluru. There were three bishops serving Bengaluru diocese, prior to its raising to the status of an archdiocese.
Dr Peter Machado, son of the late Aveline and the late Anthony Machado, hails from Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district. Born on May 26, 1954 in Honnavar, he joined St Michael’s Seminary, Belagavi, before his matriculation. He continued his high school studies at St Paul’s High School in Belagavi and was later sent to Papal Seminary in Pune to do his philosophical and theological studies. He obtained a master’s degree in commerce from Pune University.
He was ordained priest on December 8, 1978 for the diocese of Karwar. He holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome.
He was appointed bishop of Belagavi by the then Pope Benedict XVI, on February 2, 2006, and he was ordained a Bishop in Belagavi in the same year on March 30.
His 12 years of service as the bishop of Belagavi saw great pastoral, educational and social developments in the diocese. A number of new churches and education institutions were built for the overall uplift and welfare of the underprivileged in the diocese.
He is simple and hardworking and has a great love for the poor. He is a great thinker, prolific reader, good orator and an erudite writer, and thus keeps himself abreast of the events of the time. These qualities would definitely help him in his pastoral ministry in the archdiocese.
He has been a great protagonist of the family ministry. And he has headed the Regional Commission for Family and Laity at the Karnataka regional level for many years.
His interest in empowering the lay faithful is indeed commendable. Presently, he is the chairman of the Catholic Council of Karnataka and as such he is involving the laity in all the welfare activities in the region.
