Updated
Pics: Kevin Rodrigues / Nithin Periera
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 9: A grand felicitation ceremony was held in honor of Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo on the occasion of his 75th birthday and the silver jubilee of his episcopal ordination. The event, which followed the Eucharistic celebration, witnessed the presence of eminent religious leaders, dignitaries, and community members.
The choir was conducted by Fr Clement Mascarenhas, parish priest of Christ the King Church, Karkala. The event proceedings were coordinated by Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres College, Kallianpur, and Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO of the diocese of Udupi.
Students from Milagres institutions performed a welcome dance, adding a cultural touch to the occasion. A documentary film highlighting the life and contributions of Bishop Lobo was also screened.
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, convener of the jubilee committee and vicar general of the diocese of Udupi, welcomed the gathering, while Leslie Aroza, secretary of the Udupi diocese pastoral committee, proposed the vote of thanks.
The apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal, Most Rev Dr Leopoldo Girelli, was honored by the diocese of Udupi. He was introduced by Dr Roshan D’Souza, chancellor of the diocese of Udupi. In his address, the nuncio expressed admiration for the beauty of Udupi and the strength of its Catholic community. He remarked, “If Jesus Christ had been born in India, he would have come to Udupi to call his apostles. This is a vibrant community that journeys together under the leadership of Bishop Gerald Lobo.” He further emphasized the significance of Pope Francis’ call for a synodal Church and acknowledged Bishop Lobo’s dedication to building homes for the elderly and churches for the faithful.
Dr Peter Machado, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, praised Bishop Lobo, stating, “Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo did not want any celebrations, but after much insistence, he agreed. He is a simple yet remarkable leader, a jack of all trades, and a master of all shades. The master plan of Karnataka was his brainchild, making him an intellectual giant for the state and one of the most dependable bishops in India. In this year of hope, there is no one else other than Bishop Gerald who will give us hope.”
Bishop Lobo was felicitated on behalf of the bishops of Karnataka and India. Representatives from 20 commissions of the Udupi diocese also honored him as part of the celebrations. Additionally, Archbishop Machado was recognized for his appointment as vice president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).
In his thanksgiving address, Bishop Lobo expressed his gratitude, stating, “As I look back, I thank the Almighty for his miracles in my life. He chooses the weak and makes them strong. I pray for eternal rest for my departed parents, to whom I am deeply indebted. I thank all those who have supported me in my episcopal journey. Episcopal life is not a bed of flowers; there will be difficulties and hardships. But these moments give me more strength. I have always obeyed my seniors and surrendered to their decisions, having played my part.”
The event was attended by philanthropist Michael D’Souza, former MLA J R Lobo, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, Udupi Block Congress president Ramesh Kanchan, and other political leaders. Priests from various Christian congregations were also present, making the occasion a memorable one for the Catholic community in Udupi.
Preethesh D’Sa and Jenisha Jernis anchored the program.
Earlier Report
Udupi: Bishop Dr Gerald Issac Lobo celebrates 75th birthday, silver jubilee of episcopal ordination
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 9: The Divine Holy Eucharistic celebrations on Sunday, February 9, marked the 75th birthday and the silver jubilee of the Episcopal ordination of Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi.
The celebrations took place at Milagres Cathedral in Kallianpur, beginning with the Holy Eucharistic celebration, followed by a public felicitation.
In his maiden visit to the Diocese of Udupi, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Dr Leopoldo Girelli, was given a grand welcome by Bishop Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of the Diocese of Udupi, Fr Dr Roshan D’Souza, chancellor of the Diocese of Udupi, and other lay leaders of the faithful.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore Archdiocese; Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore and current Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore; Albert D’Souza, Archbishop Emeritus of Agra; Joseph Arumachadath MCBS, Bishop of Bhadravathi; Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum Diocese; Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese; Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of Belthangady Diocese; Thomasappa Anthony Swamy, Bishop of Chikkamagalur; Robert M Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga Diocese; Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar Diocese; Aloysius D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore Diocese; Geevarghese Mar Makarios Kalayil, Bishop of Puttur; Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shivamogga; Gerald John Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow; Salvadore Lobo, Bishop Emeritus of Baruipur; Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop of Allahabad; Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore Archdiocese; Msgr. Alfred Mendonca, vicar general of Mysore Diocese; Msgr. Maxim Noronha, vicar general of the Diocese of Mangalore; and Fr Dr George Victor D’Souza, chancellor of the Diocese of Mangalore.
Bishop Dr Gerald Issac Lobo celebrated the Holy Eucharist on this special day.
In his homily, Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shivamogga, said, “This is an occasion not to celebrate just the jubilee of two milestones; it is a celebration of a man’s 75 years of faith. It is a celebration of a shepherd’s tireless 25 years of toiling for his sheep. Every bishop and priest is an ideal of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. In the past 25 years, our bishop has stood with his sheep and walked with them.
The Good Shepherd never leaves behind his sheep; likewise, our bishop has not remained just an administrator but has also become a good listener and a good teacher. Today, we witness dual celebrations, witnessing a shepherd who works for those who have been lost from the faith.
As we thank the Almighty for His blessings during these 75 years of life and 25 years of Episcopal ordination, let us understand that this is a completely gifted offering to the Almighty—a shepherd of sacrifice, a shepherd who brings back those who have been lost. Let us pray that the Almighty bless the bishop with His knowledge and strength.”
Priests from Udupi, Mangaluru, and other neighbouring dioceses also took part in the celebrations.
Formal felicitations followed the Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration, marking a day of gratitude, reflection, and prayer for the continued blessings upon Bishop Lobo’s life and ministry.
To watch the occasion live click here: