Media Release
Davanagere, Jun 19: Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of Diocese of Shimoga has appointed Fr George K A as the new rector of Our Lady of Health, Minor Basilica, Harihar. He assumed his responsibility on June 18 in front of the bishop's representative Fr Duming Dias.
He succeeded Fr Anthony Peter, who served the Basilica from June 2017 to June 2023. On completion of his term of six years term, he is transferred to St Theresa Little Flower of Jesus Church, Shikaripura.
Fr George K A hails from Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, Chitradurga District. He did his primary education at Hiriyur. He studied Philosophy at St Joseph's Inter Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru. He did his regency at Our Lady of Health Basilica, Harihar from 1993-1994.
He completed his Theology at Sr Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru. He was ordained on June 8, 1998 at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur. This year he celebrated his silver jubilee as a priest.
Ever since then he has rendered his services at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga thought in the schools there. Then he served at St Anthony's Church, Karehalli, Bhadravati Taluk. There he built a new Church, which is a small Shrine today.
Then he served at St Little Flower Theresa's Church and as HM of the School there. He gave a new face-lift to the school over there. Then he was sent to Infant Jesus Church and School at Challakere.
In the month of May 2023, Bishop Francis Serrao SJ appointed him as rector of Our Lady of Health, Basilica, Harihar. He assumed his responsibility on June 18.
On June 18, Harihar parishioners as well as pilgrims received Fr George K A Fr Duming Dias, the bishop's representative, who did the formalities of handing over the charges from Fr Anthony Peter to Fr George K A.
People and pilgrims of Harihar, Basilica thanked Fr Anthony Peter.
Fr George K A is a very good pastor as well as educationist. He has served the diocese selflessly in various fields last twenty five years.
Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/live/qyW1XSKcItI?feature=share