Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 24: Fr Peter Sebastian Goveas from here, who is currently attached to the clergy of Bhagalpur in Bihar, has been appointed as the new Bishop of Bettaiah in that state. This appointment was made by Pope Francis.

Announcement of the appointment was made at Rome on Saturday July 22.

Fr Peter Sebastian Goveas was born on February 8, 1955 at Hosabettu near Moodbidri in Mangaluru diocese. After secondary schooling, Fr Sebastian had joined St John's Regional Minor Seminary at Bhagalpur towards becoming a priest of Bhagalpur diocese. He studied philosophy at St Albert's College Ranchi and Morning Star College, Barrackpore, West Bengal. He underwent degree course in theology at St Albert's College Ranchi and did regency at Maheshmunda. He got his BA degree from Calcutta University in 1978 and was ordained as priest in Bhagalpur diocese on December 9, 1983.

He served Bhagalpur diocese in the capacity of assistant parish priest of Christ the King Church, Damruhat, parish priest of Dhamruhat, parish priest at St Pius X Church Maheshmunda, parist priest at Sacred Heart Church, Susni, and parish priest at St Clare's Church, Dakiata.

He functioned as administrator of St Thomas School, Dakiata in 2013 and of St Thomas School Damri in 2014. He was dean of Lalmatia Deanery between 2009 and 2013, diocesan consulter from 2008 and member of parish council from 2009. From 2009, he also served as Vicar General of Bhagalpur diocese.