Media Release
Bareilly, Oct 6 : The Cathedral bells of Bareilly pealed with joy on the long awaited day, Saturday, 4th October 2014. And it turned into historical one. The Episcopal Ordination and Consecration of Fr Ignatius D’Souza who has been appointed as the new Bishop of Bareilly diocese (Uttar Pradesh) was held at St Alphonsus Cathedral Grounds with great solemnity
His Excellency Dr Salvatore Pennacchio, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, was the Principal consecrating Prelate. Co-Consecrating Bishops Albert D’Souza (Archbishop of Agra), Anthony Fernandes (Bishop Bareilly), Gerald John Mathias (Bishop of Lucknow), Aloysius Paul D’Souza (Bishop of Mangalore), T Anthony Swamy (Bishop of Chikmagalur) and other 9 bishops of different dioceses graced the solemn Episcopal ordination and Installation of the new Bishop.
Bareilly diocese which was established in 1989 from the diocese of Lucknow, is a suffragan diocese of Agra archdiocese. It comprises the districts of Bareilly, Shahjahanpur and Pilibhit in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Almora, Bageshwar, Champavat, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar in Uttarakhand. Bishop Ignatius succeedes Most Rev. Anthony Fernandes who served the diocese since 1989. The diocese which is primarily a fertile land of mission has around 7,000 Catholics. There are 55 parishes served by 83 priests (51 diocesan and 32 religious), 42 religious brothers, 289 sisters and 42 major seminarians.
The secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature read the papal bull, or apostolic letter of appointment in Latin from Pope Francis, which called the bishop to episcopal ministry. Its Hindi version was read by Fr Paul Falleira, the Chancelor of Bareilly diocese. In his homily Most Rev. Albert D’Souza (Archbishop of Agra) emphasized the duties of shepherding of Bishop and invited all “to live in joy and thanksgiving”.
Dr Ignatius the second Bishop of Bareilly diocese was honored in a felicitation function after the solemn Mass. The Apostolic Nuncio and all other bishops were honored on behalf of the faithful of the diocese. To his largely faithful congregation, which packed out the Cathedral grounds, new Bishop called all join to serve the diocese with a motto “to serve the Lord with gladness”. In his felicitation address Bishop of Mangalore Most Rev. Aloysius Paul Dsouza said that the Bishop Ignatius is the 45th Bishop of Mangalore origin. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Salvatore Pennacchio, Dr Anthony Fernandes (Bishop Emeritus of Bareilly), Most Rev. Gerald John Mathias, Most Rev. T. Anthony Swamy also addressed on this solemn occasion. These were interspered by colourful dances staged by the students of city schools.
Bishop Ignatius brings along 23 years of rich, pastoral, ministerial and administrative experience to the office of the Bishop. He was ordained on 7 April 1991 in Lucknow. Known for his flair for languages, Bishop Ignatius can speak fluently English, Italian, German, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani and Tulu. He mastered Hebrew, Greek, Syriac, Latin, Aramaic as part of Biblical Language Studies. He as a gifted preacher, teacher and inspiring pastor has served the diocese of Lucknow shouldering various responsibilities. Since 2008 he was Vicar General of Lucknow diocese.
Along with Bishop Ignatius’ family and friends over 280 priests (from different diocese and religious orders), 400 women religious, and a large number of people of God congregated at the Church to witness the consecration and wish him well in his mission shepherding the diocese. “It was a great Mass,” said Lucy D’Souza, 81, mother of Bishop Ignatius after the ceremony. “It was a blessing seeing all those, bishops and priests accompanying the newly ordained bishop and anointing him with the chrism.”, she added.
Sri Oscar Fernandes, the Member of Parliament and the local Mayor and other political and religious dignitaries were present and witnessed the ceremony. Fr Julian Pinto proposed vote of thanks. The program was compeered by Fr Vijay Tellis. A fellowship meal was served to all the participants