By Fr. Richard DSouza
May 18 : Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao Professor of Sacred Liturgy & Dean of Theology of St. Joseph Inter- Diocesan Seminary is appointed as the new Rector of St. Joseph Inter- Diocesan Seminary on 18th May 2019. Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha Bishop of Mangalore made the announcement at St. Joseph Church Jeppu Mangalore at 4.45 p.m. in the presence of Seminary Staff, Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza , Vicar General Msgr. Maxim L. Noronha, Chancellor of the Mangalore Diocese Rev. Fr. Victor George D’Souza, PRO and Procurator Rev. Fr. Vijay Victor Lobo and Diocesan Estates Mangaer Fr Maxim Rosario. After the announcement, Bishop and the outgoing Rector Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis felicitated the new Rector with a Garland. Professor Ronald Serrao accepted the Responsibility and requested for the prayers.
Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao is a priest of the diocese of Mangalore and currently serves as a Professor of Theology at St Joseph’s Seminary Mangalore. Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao was born on 30th September, 1960. His native place is Balakunje/ Angelore of Mangalore. He has a Masters Degree in Sociology. Dr Ronald Serrao did his seminary studies at St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. He was ordained as a priest on 30th April 1987. His mission statement is “to be His witnesses”. Dr Ronald Serrao obtained his Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy from St Anselmo, Rome. He wrote his thesis on the theme “From the Middle Ages to the Reform of Vatican II: Liturgical History of the Diocese of Mangalore”. He obtained his Ph.D. in Sacred Liturgy from St Anselmo, Rome. The theme of his doctoral thesis is “Translation of Liturgical Texts”. Dr Ronald Serrao has worked in various capacities during his 27 years of pastoral experience as a priest in Mangalore diocese. He has the happiness of serving as Assistant Parish Priest at Moodubelle Church from 1987 to 1989. Being the Director of Mangala Jyothi, DBCLC from 1999 to 2006, he has rendered invaluable service to the Mangalore Diocese. Besides this, Dr Ronald Serrao has several books and articles to his credit. He has written more than 60 books in Konkani and English. He has written several articles to Joskiran, Raknno – Mangalore Diocesan Weekly, Naman Balok Jezu and other Konkani Magazines on religious and social issues. Being a good musician Dr Ronald Serrao has composed more than 100 Konkani religious songs.
