Dr Pius D'Souza of Agrar Installed as Bishop of Ajmer
Report and Pics: Fr Vijay Machado and Fr Valerian Menezes
Ajmer, Jan 20: The Episcopal consecration of Dr Pius Thomas D’souza and his installation as the bishop of the diocese of Ajmer was held at the open grounds of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of the same diocese on Saturday January 19.
Dr Pius Thomas D'Souza was born at Agrar, Mangalore diocese on May 4, 1954, and was ordained priest for the diocese of Lucknow on March 28, 1982. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the new Bishop of Ajmer (Rajasthan state) on November 3.
The apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Dr Salvotore Penacchio was the principal consecrator together with Dr Albert D’Souza, the Archbishop of Agra and Dr Ignatius Menezes, the Bishop Emeritus of Ajmer were the co-consecrators. Besides Dr Antony Fernandes, Bishop of Bareily and Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza the Bishop of Mangalore also assisted as the co-consecrator. Moreover there were 18 other bishops who concelebrated in the Episcopal consecration mass.
Around 150 priests from the dioceses of Ajmer, Bareily, Lucknow and other neighbouring dioceses participated in the mass. The priests of the dioceses of Ajmer expressed the sign of their obedience and reverence to the new bishop during the mass. 11 priests from the diocese of Mangalore also were present for the celebration. The melodious hindi hymns and bajans were sung by the choir. It enhanced the spiritual experience and devotion of the people at the celebration.
A vast number of faithful (around 3500) had gathered for the celebration within the pendol. After the mass a felicitation programme was held for the new bishop Dr Pius Thomas D’ Souza. After the prayer dance Fr Aubert Carvalho the Vicar General of Ajmer welcomed the gathering. Dr Salvotore Penacchio, the Apostolic Nuntio greeted the new Bishop wished him well and thanked the former Bishop of Ajmer Dr Ignatius Menezes for his long service of the 34 years as the Bishop of Ajmer. All the bishops were felicitated with a 'peta', a shawl, and a memento.
Dr Albert D’Souza, the Archbishop of Agra greeted the new Bishop on behalf of new bishop on behalf of all the bishops present. Leaders of Hinduism, Islam, Sikism, Budhism and a Priest recited their prayers. Dr Antony Fernandes the bishop of Bareily greeted the new Bishop and the diocese of Ajmer and also thanked him for his services in the diocese of Bareily. The former bishop of Ajmer Dr Ignatius Menezes presented a Car to the new Bishop. Special invitees were honoured by the new Bishop. At the end the new Bishop thanked every one and solicited the prayers from every one for the success of his Episcopal ministry. Two dances presenting a glimpse of Rajasthani culture were presented. Fr Henry Moras proposed the vote of thanks. The programme ended with a hymn to blessed virgin mary.
The new bishop, the former bishop of Ajmer together with the Apostolic Nuncio were escorted in a horse-driven chariot along with priests, religious and the people to St Paul’s school premises were lunch was served to everyone. The entire programme was meticulously and well organized by the organizing team of Ajmer diocese.
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