Mangalore: Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha Installed as the Bishop of Mangalore following Solemn Episcopal O

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

 Mangalore, 15 Sep 2018: The solemn Episcopal Ordination and a grand felicitation function marked the Installation of Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha as the fourteenth Bishop of Mangalore Diocese on Saturday, 15 September 2018 at the grounds of Rosario Cathedral. The entire programme of consecration of the new Bishop that commenced at 9.30 am ended at 2pm. Twenty two Bishops from different dioceses of India including one from Tanzania graced the occasion. Over three hundred priests from Mangalore and Udupi Dioceses, many religious sisters and  more than 12,000 people participated in this mega event.

Prior to the solemn Episcopal Ordination of the new Bishop, priests and Bishops came in procession to the main altar to the accompaniment of the brass band.

The Episcopal Ordination of Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha commenced with the solemn mass concelebrated by the Bishops and priests with Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza, Apostolic Administrator of Mangalore Diocese as the chief celebrant and Principal Consecrator. He was assited by Co-Consecrators Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore and Most  Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese.

Other Bishops who participated in the Episcopal Ordination were: Dr. Javier D Fernandez-Representative of Nuncio, Delhi, Archbishop Fillipe Neri Ferrao-Goa and Daman, Archbishop Thomas D’Souza-Calcutta, Bishop Alex Vadakunthala, Kannur, Bishop Vargese Chakkalakul, Calicut, Bishop Robert Miranda, Gulbarga, Bishop Antony Kariyil, Mandya, Bishop Derek Fernandes, Karwar, Bishop Joseph Arumachadath, Badravathi, Bishop Ephreirn Narikulam, Chanda, Bishop Francis Serrao S.J, Shivamogga, Bishop Oswald Lewis, Jaipur, Bishop Bernard Moras, Bangalore, Bishop Gerald Almeida, Jabalpur, Bishop Rogat Kimario, Same(Tanzania), Bishop Cyprian Moniz, Anansol, Bishop Ignatius D’Souza, Bareli, Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Beltangady, Bishop Pius Thomas D’Souza, Ajmeer, Joseph Mar Macario, Puttur, Bishop T Antony Swamy, Chikkamagaluru and Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bellary.

 

The process of the Episcopal Ordination of Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha commenced soon after reading of the Gospel. The Papal Order appointing him as the new Bishop of Mangalore by Pope Francis was read out by Dr. Javier D Fernandez, representative of Papal Nuncio to India in Latin. Thereafter, Fr Joseph Martis, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore  read the same in English and Fr Victor D’Mello read it in Konkani.

This was followed by the homily preached by Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao S.J., Bishop of Shivamogga. In his homily, Dr. Francis Serrao highlighted the significance of the consecration of the new Bishop and the responsibilities that he has to bear while discharging his duties as the Bishop of the diocese.

 

As the choir sang the Litany of the Saints, Dr. Peter paul Saldanha prostrated in front of the altar. Later, the chief Consecrator prayed upon the new Bishop by placing his palms on his head. Similarly, all the Bishops prayed for Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha by placing their palms over his head.

Following the homily, Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza consecrated Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha by anointing him with holy oil, giving him ring and mitre. Thereafter he was led to the ‘cathedra’, the seat of the Bishop and the silver coloured staff was given to him. This marked the Episcopal Ordination and Consecration of Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha as the new Bishop of Mangalore Diocese.
All the Bishops greeted the newly consecrated Bishop by hugging him and congratulating him on his installation as the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese.

After this procedure, the newly consecrated Bishop, Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha continued the holy mass as the chief celebrant. He received offerings from dignitaries.

Following the final solemn blessing by Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, all the Bishops posed for the group picture along with the newly consecrated Bishop.

The felicitation function commenced at around 11.50 am. A number of political and civic leaders were present for the function.
Fr. Joseph Martis welcomed the gathering. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha honoured the guests-Bishops with shawls and political and civic leaders by offering them flower bouquets.

The most important part of the programme was felicitation of the newly ordained Bishop Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha. Sr. Sushila-Superior of Ursuline Congregation read the citation. Thereafter, Archbishop Peter Machado, Bishop Aloysius P. D’Souza and Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo honoured him by offering him shawl, garland, citation and coconut sapling.

In his reply to the felicitation, Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha with great humility accepted the responsibility as the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese. He spoke in Konkani, Kannada, English, Italian and even Tulu, though his main speech was in Kannada. In his address, the new Bishop stressed on the essence of humanity and said that the walls of differences of religions should be reduced and the wall of humanity should be increased. He thanked his late parents, brothers, sisters and all family members as well as all those who enabled him to rise to the position as the Bishop of Mangalore.

The outgoing Bishop, Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza was honoured next for his outstanding service to the Mangalore Diocese for the past 22 years. On behalf of laity and religious community, M P Noronha, Secretary, Diocesan Pastoral Council, read the citation and presented it to Dr Aloysius P. D’Souza.

Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza in his address expressed satisfaction at the 22 years of long service to the Mangalore Diocese that he had rendered. He further said “God has given us a new shepherd. On behalf of entire  religious people and laity, I congratulate him. I served this diocese for 22 years. Almighty gave me the responsibility of leading the diocese and by His grace, I have completed my mission. I am happy about my service”. In the words of St. Paul he said that he had run his race and fought his battles. He thanked all those  who supported and helped him during the last 22 years of his service. He also asked for forgiveness if he had hurt anyone during this period. He wished well to the new Bishop and said that the diocese would progress in manifolds under his leadership.

Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore was honoured during the occasion. Fr. Dionysus Vas read the citation.
In his message,  Dr. Peter Machado praised Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha for his simplicity and knowledge of cultures and languages. “He not only carries the names of St Peter and St Paul, but also their legacy. He has brought the gifts of these saints from Rome. He will be known as a very good shepherd.” Dr Machado honoured Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha on behalf of the people of Karnataka.

 

In order to promote environmental concern, the three Bishops who were honoured and presented coconut saplings symbolically planted those saplings in clay pots.

On behalf of the civic society U. T. Khader, district in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada honoured Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha. In his address, Khader wished the Bishop well and appreciated his call for human values. He said that the Bishop of Mangalore is not only for the Catholics but for the entire society.

Nalin Kumar, Kateel, MP, Oscar Fernandes, MP, Ivan D’ Souza, MLC, Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, Ramnath Rai, Abhaychandra Jain and JR Lobo, former MLAs , Kumar, DC in charge, Bhaskar Moily, Mayor, representatives from Rome, Tanzania, and leaders of various religions were present during the civic felicitation.

Fr. Walter D’Mello proposed vote of thanks. Fr Vijay Machado anchored the liturgy during  the Eucharistic celebration and consecration of the new Bishop.

Snacks were served soon after the holy mass. Pack lunch was distributed to all the participants in an orderly manner soon after the end of the felicitation function.

The entire programme of Episcopal Ordination and felicitation was conducted in utmost discipline and harmony. Hundreds of volunteers worked meticulously under the direction of  Fr. J.B. Crassta-Rector of Rosario Cathedral and M.P.Noronha-Secretary of Diocesan Pastoral Council.