Dr Pius D'Souza of Agrar Installed as Bishop of Ajmer
Report and Pics: Fr Vijay Machado and Fr Valerian Menezes
Ajmer, Jan 20: The Episcopal consecration of Dr Pius Thomas D’souza and his installation as the bishop of the diocese of Ajmer was held at the open grounds of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of the same diocese on Saturday January 19.
Dr Pius Thomas D'Souza was born at Agrar, Mangalore diocese on May 4, 1954, and was ordained priest for the diocese of Lucknow on March 28, 1982. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the new Bishop of Ajmer (Rajasthan state) on November 3.
The apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Dr Salvotore Penacchio was the principal consecrator together with Dr Albert D’Souza, the Archbishop of Agra and Dr Ignatius Menezes, the Bishop Emeritus of Ajmer were the co-consecrators. Besides Dr Antony Fernandes, Bishop of Bareily and Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza the Bishop of Mangalore also assisted as the co-consecrator. Moreover there were 18 other bishops who concelebrated in the Episcopal consecration mass.
Around 150 priests from the dioceses of Ajmer, Bareily, Lucknow and other neighbouring dioceses participated in the mass. The priests of the dioceses of Ajmer expressed the sign of their obedience and reverence to the new bishop during the mass. 11 priests from the diocese of Mangalore also were present for the celebration. The melodious hindi hymns and bajans were sung by the choir. It enhanced the spiritual experience and devotion of the people at the celebration.
A vast number of faithful (around 3500) had gathered for the celebration within the pendol. After the mass a felicitation programme was held for the new bishop Dr Pius Thomas D’ Souza. After the prayer dance Fr Aubert Carvalho the Vicar General of Ajmer welcomed the gathering. Dr Salvotore Penacchio, the Apostolic Nuntio greeted the new Bishop wished him well and thanked the former Bishop of Ajmer Dr Ignatius Menezes for his long service of the 34 years as the Bishop of Ajmer. All the bishops were felicitated with a 'peta', a shawl, and a memento.
Dr Albert D’Souza, the Archbishop of Agra greeted the new Bishop on behalf of new bishop on behalf of all the bishops present. Leaders of Hinduism, Islam, Sikism, Budhism and a Priest recited their prayers. Dr Antony Fernandes the bishop of Bareily greeted the new Bishop and the diocese of Ajmer and also thanked him for his services in the diocese of Bareily. The former bishop of Ajmer Dr Ignatius Menezes presented a Car to the new Bishop. Special invitees were honoured by the new Bishop. At the end the new Bishop thanked every one and solicited the prayers from every one for the success of his Episcopal ministry. Two dances presenting a glimpse of Rajasthani culture were presented. Fr Henry Moras proposed the vote of thanks. The programme ended with a hymn to blessed virgin mary.
The new bishop, the former bishop of Ajmer together with the Apostolic Nuncio were escorted in a horse-driven chariot along with priests, religious and the people to St Paul’s school premises were lunch was served to everyone. The entire programme was meticulously and well organized by the organizing team of Ajmer diocese.
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Michael D'Souza, Udyavara, Udupi
Wed, May 21 2014Your Lordship - It reminded me of our days in Assisi House, Jail Road, Mangalore. Praises to Jesus on your Services to HIS Flock.
Congratulations
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Fr. John Carvalho, Kundapura
Wed, Jan 30 2013Congratulations Bishop Pius. Welcome to Ajmer. God may guide you to guide this Church in Ajmer.
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Dr. Cajetan Coelho, Goa, India
Tue, Jan 29 2013Hearty congratulations. God Bless.
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Fr Rupesh Madtha, Cordel
Wed, Jan 23 2013Congratulations dear Bishop.God bless you always.Wanted to attend the ceremony but could not make it.But my brother Fr Rajesh did attend.Thank you so much and your brother Mr Hilary and his family for what you have been to us.All the best.
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sr jyothi fernandes, UFS, mudarangady/mysore
Wed, Jan 23 2013hearty congratulations to the newly consecrated bp Pius Dsouza. wish you all the best in your new mission.
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Sylvester Suares, Jacribettu/Bantwal/Mumbaii
Mon, Jan 21 2013Great news again 4th
Bishop from our Parish in Agrar.Best wishes from all of us & showers of Blessing from Heaven.
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Felix Richard Vas, Malebhave,Bantwal / UAE
Mon, Jan 21 2013Congratulations to Bishop Rev.Dr.Pius.T.D'souza.
May the lord bless you abundantly to guide,protect and serve his people.
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Wilma Saldanha(nee Sequeira), Mlore/Auh
Mon, Jan 21 2013Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Pius D'Souza on being installed as Bishop of Ajmer. May the Good Shepherd our Lord shower HIS blessings on you to lead his flock. Best wishes from all family members of late Fr. Ashley Sequeira, Lucknow Diocese
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Ronnie Pinto, Loretto/Toronto
Mon, Jan 21 2013Congratulations Bishop Pius. We wish you all the best to you.
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Fr. Dominic Mendonca OP, Pangala\ Nagpur
Mon, Jan 21 2013Congratulations! May your mission be fruitful in the eyes of God.
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Austin Prabhu, Nantur/Chicago
Mon, Jan 21 2013Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Pius D'Souza on being installed as Bishop of Ajmer. Wish you all the best in your future endeavors and God bless.
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Bernard Saldanha, China
Mon, Jan 21 2013Congratulations bishop Pius. May the Load bless with all his Choicest blessings to lead His flock with courage and strength.
Wishes from Jerry,bernard,Dennis and their families.
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Albert Tatti D'silva, Kulshekar/Venice
Sun, Jan 20 2013Congratulations Bishop, great news for Mangalore's Christian community. Hope you continue to serve to communists for the greater good of society.
Albert Tatti D'silva
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Capt.Edward Lobo, Bantwal,Mangalore,Sharjah
Sun, Jan 20 2013Congratulations Bishop Pius,Agrar parish is blessed with 4 Bishops,may God bless our parish with many more
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