Udupi: The episcopal ordination and consecration celebration of Rev Leslie Clifford D’Souza as second Bishop of Udupi Diocese took place at Milagres College Grounds on Monday.The episcopal ordination was conferred by Rev Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, who served as the principal consecrator. He was joined by Archbishop of Bangalore Rev Peter Machado and the apostolic administrator of Udupi Diocese, Fr Gerald Isaac Lobo, as co-consecrators, in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Rev Leopoldo Girelli, along with over 30 bishops, 300 priests, an equal number of nuns and around 6,000 faithful.Appointed by Pope Leo XIV on Jan 31, Rev D’Souza becomes the second shepherd of the Diocese of Udupi, marking a significant milestone in the diocese’s pastoral journey since its establishment in 2012.The rite of ordination included the proclamation of the Papal Bull formally appointing the bishop, followed by the solemn liturgical rites of episcopal consecration. Fr Steevan Dsouza, chancellor, Diocese of Udupi, read out the official letter from the father from the Holy Catholic Church. Rev Peter Paul Saldhanha, Bishop, Diocese of Mangalore, delivered blessings. A solemn public felicitation programme was held to honour the newly ordained Bishop. A moment of honour followed with the felicitation of the Apostolic Nuncio and Archbishop of Goa and Daman. Later, the Diocese of Udupi felicitated Bishop Leslie Clifford D’Souza.In his address, the bishop expressed gratitude to God, his family, his mentors and the faithful. He humbly acknowledged the challenges ahead but affirmed his trust in divine providence. “Together, let us build a Church rooted in love, service and truth,” he said.Rev Peter Machado spoke highly of the retiring Bishop Emeritus, Rev Gerald Isaac Lobo, appreciating his exemplary service and immense contribution both in the Diocese of Shimoga and in nurturing the Infant Diocese of Udupi for over 13.5 years. He described Bishop Gerald Lobo as a visionary shepherd whose dedication laid a strong foundation for the growth of the Diocese. Rev Lobo urged all to extend wholehearted cooperation to the new bishop.
