Pics: Stanly Bantwal
PRESS NOTE:
Episcopal ordination of the New Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore at Rosario Cathedral
The Episcopal ordination and solemn installation of Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, as the 14th Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, will be held on 15 September 2018 at 9.30am at Rosario Cathedral Mangalore.
The Catholic Church took its roots in Mangalore with the coming of Portuguese the Franciscan missionaries to Canara around the year 1521. In 1845 the Catholic Church of Mangalore was elevated to the position of a vicariate. It was upgraded to a full Diocese on the 1st of September, 1886. Fr Nicholas Pagani S.J. was appointed the first bishop. 13 Vicars Apostolic and Bishops have headed the Diocese so far. Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha is the 14th Bishop of Mangalore diocese.
He will be consecrated during the solemn Eucharistic celebration by Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza the Apostolic Administrator Diocese of Mangalore along with Most Rev Dr Peter Machado Archbishop of Bangalore and Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi as co consecrators. After the religious ceremony, a formal felicitation program to the new bishop will be held in same venue. On behalf of civic society, Shri U T Khadar, District In charge minister of Dakshina Kannada will offer felicitations to the new bishop.
This historical event will be witnessed by Rev Msgr Javier D. Fernandez G., (Counsellor of Papal Nuncio to India) representing Papal Nuncio to India, archbishop, many bishops, and priests, religious, Political leaders, Catholics of Mangalore diocese and other invitees. More than 10000 people are expected to be present.
Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza got retired, as the Bishop of Mangalore diocese serving for 22 years (1996-2018). Pope Francis appointed Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha as the new bishop Mangalore on 3 July 2018.
Note about Mangalore Diocese:
Mangalore Diocese is spread geographically in the two districts – Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod, with an area of 5,924 square kms, 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 1246 sisters in 194 religious houses and convents.
The diocese has many educational institutions, hospitals, Medical and Engineering colleges, social services centers, associations, movements and sodalities that cater to the needs of all people in the society.
St Joseph Inter-Diocesan Seminary , the Diocesan Biblical, Liturgical and Catechetical Centre, Pastoral Institute and Vocation Service Centre, Catholic Board of Education, Father Muller Hospital, St Joseph’s Engineering College, Institute for Social Development (ISD), Employ Me, St Joseph’s Asylum Industrial Workshop, St Antony poor homes, Family Life Service Centre, Counseling Centre, Friendship House, Prison Ministry India, Canara communication centre etc are some of the organs of the Diocese to bring the love of God to the people.
Associations like the Catholic Sabha, sodality; the St Vincent de Paul Society, ICYM, YCS, YSM, Youth for Christ, Jesus Youth, Catholic Action League, Women’s movements and sodalities etc are active in the Diocese.
Note about Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha the new Bishop:
Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, was born on 27th April 1964 in Kirem, near Kinnigoli. After his initial studies in his native place, joined St Joseph’s Seminary Jeppu Mangalore , pursued his Philosophy and Theology and was ordained priest on 6th May 1991 for the Diocese of Mangalore.
He served as the Assistant Parish Priest in St Lawrence Church Moodubelle (now in Udupi Diocese), Our Lady of Miracles Church Milagres Mangalore and Our Lady of Dolours church Vittal. In 1996 he was appointed as the professor at St Joseph’s Seminary Jeppu, Mangalore. Later he went to Rome for higher studies in Theology and obtained Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology. Since 2010 he is Professor of Dogmatic Theology at Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome.
