Parish News

Report: Fr Anil F’Des
Pics: stanly Bantwal

Mangaluru: Sep. 16: Newly ordained bishop of Mangalore Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha celebrated his first pontifical mass at Rosario Cathedral on September 16, today at 8 a.m. Rev. Fr J.B Crasta, Rector of the Cathedral along with Msgr. Javier D Fernandez, representative of Nuncio, priests, nuns and the parish community welcomed the Bishop at the entrance of the Cathedral with pomp and glory.

‘Cathedral’ being the Bishop’s Church, Bishop Peter Paul solemnly celebrated his first Pontifical Mass along with 20 concelebrants and huge faithful gathered. Preaching the homily bishop said, “we have to carry out the mission of evangelisation being fully known who Jesus is? The bible offers ample of knowledge about Jesus which we must read always.”

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha was honoured at the short felicitation programme which was followed after the mass. Rector Rev. Fr J B Crasta, Msgr Javier D Fernandez, Msgr Denis Moras, MP Noronha Diocesan secretary and C J Simon,vice president of the Cathedral honoured the bishop with a Shawl, Peta, garland and bouquttes. In his response Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said, “Vestments of the bishop has a value only when he wearsand walks with the people he represents. If I walk alone with the insignia given by the Propaganda Fidei, carries no importance if no faithful around. It would be a mere fancy dress.”

Bishop further said, “The grand ordination celebration was a mere symbol of unity brought all the faithful together. This unity and fraternity must continue for long. Jesus Christ is the Prime and permanent head of the Church. I am a Bishop for sometime with a mission to make present the invisible Christ. All must cooperate willingly in this mission.”

Msgr. Javier D Fernandez, representative of Nuncio from Delhi wished and greeted Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha and extended greetings on behalf of Pope and Nuncio. In his felicitation address MP Noronha, Secretary of Diocesan Pastrola Parishad said, “richest wealth is wisdom. Strongest weapon is patience. Best security is faith. Most effective tonic is laughter. Supreme commandment is love. Bishop Peter Paul is possessing all these qualities and wish him that during his tenure the diocese becomes one of the top dioceses in the entire world.” He further said, Bishop Peter Paul is a man of prayer and faith. We wish and pray that during his tenure let the spiritual, social, and economic and educational standards of people will attain new heights.

Rev Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, Diocesan PRO, Fr Dionasius Vas, Rector of St Aloysisus College,Fr Anil Fernandes, Minor seminary Rector, Fr Rocky Fernandes, Fr Victor Dsouza, Fr Flavian Lobo, and Mr Abdul Lathif, Local Corporator were among the many present. Mrs Elizabeth Roche welcomed and compered the programme and C J Simon proposed vote of thanks.