Media Release
Mysuru, Oct 8: The diocese of Mysore marked a significant event with the installation of Dr Francis Serrao SJ as the new bishop of the diocese of Mysore, held at the historic St Joseph's Cathedral, Mysore (St Philomena's Shrine) on Tuesday, October 7.
The solemn installation ceremony was officiated by Dr Peter Machado, archbishop of Bangalore. Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Francis Serrao as the new bishop of Mysore. Bishop Serrao earlier served as the bishop of diocese of Shimoga.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was held under the presidency of Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal. The event also included a farewell tribute to Dr Bernard Moras, who served as apostolic administrator of the diocese since January 2023.
The formal ceremony, exceeding two hours in duration, encompassed the official reading of the Papal Bull of Appointment, thereby inaugurating Bishop Serrao's pastoral leadership within the diocese of Mysore.
After taking the oath of office, Bishop Serrao was felicitated by several bishops, priests, religious leaders and hundreds of faithful who had gathered to witness this spiritual milestone.
Born on August 15, 1959 in Moodbidri, Bishop Serrao, 66, comes from a deeply religious family—the youngest of 11 children, with six brothers who are priests, and a sister who is a nun. He was ordained a priest on April 30, 1992, and dedicated his early ministry to serving Dalit and tribal communities in Anekal (Bangalore rchdiocese) and Mundgod (Karwar diocese).
With his installation, a new chapter begins in the spiritual journey of the diocese of Mysore, which encompasses Mysuru, Mandya, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts, which has 90 parishes.
Watch full ceremony: