Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 15: After the consecration of newly appointed Bishop, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, a civic felicitation was held at Rosario Cathedral ground on Saturday, September 15.

On behalf of civic society U T Khader, district in-charge minister felicitated Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. Wishing the Bishop Khader said "This is the day to rejoice and share our happiness with each other. We received a visionary Bishop to our region. Last one month, I met him few times and I was touched by his simplicity and kindness. He has all the qualities to lead his community. Hope his experience as a parish priest and his higher studies and service in Rome will help him to be an efficient leader."

"While leading a community he has the greater responsibility of leading the society also. Our civic society needs his service and leadership. There is no doubt that his involvement in society will be a plus point to us all. I am wishing him prosperous days ahead on behalf of entire civic society." he added. 

“At the same time I thank Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Apostolic Administrator of Mangaluru Diocese. For the past 22 years, he led the community as a bishop successfully. Definitely we are losing his leadership as a bishop. He is the role model for us all. He worked hard to maintain communal harmony. Being a soft spoken person he always stressed for peace in the society,” he said.

Nalin Kumar, Kateel, MP, Oscar Fernandes, MP, Ivan D Souza, MLC, Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, JR Lobo, Former MLA , Kumar, DC in charge, Bhaskar Moily, Mayor, representatives from Rome, Tanzania, and leaders of various religions were present during the civic felicitation.

Addressing the gathering Bishop Peter Paul said, “My heart is filled with joy. God created man as per his wish. So if we worship God, first we should love humans and humanity. By this we can easily meet God. Jesus sacrificed himself for this universe. Bishops are also doing the same work. We should make the Christians, Muslims and Hindu better in their approach towards humanity. We are all the children of God. This nation has given the great message of harmony to the world. But somewhere we have put walls between us. We should cross these walls and work together to build a new relationship of humanity. As the bishop of Mangaluru, I will work for harmony in the society because God has chosen me to spread his divinity through love.”

On behalf of laity and religious community, M P Noronha, Secretary, Diocesan Pastoral Parishad, read citation and presented it to Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, who was the Bishop of Mangaluru till now. The diocese honoured the outgoing bishop and hailed him for his spotless service.

The citation read by M P Noronha, said, “We are eternally grateful to Most Revered Bishop who was religious head to Catholic brethren in undivided Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod districts. He was responsible for their all-round development of the diocese. He was loved, respected by all. He worked unceasingly for the progress of the community,”
“Dr Aloysius Paul shouldered his position in most responsible manner and proclaimed the good news of Jesus. He made great achievements in educational, social and health sectors. Several people have seen the love of Jesus through him. His blessings, sight of compassion, dialogue of love, large heart and direct talk are a reflection to his personality. You have shown resemblance of father's love and mother's endurance to us. We will never forget you.”

Dr Aloysius D’Souza in his speech said, “Our diocese has got a new Bishop. God has given us a new shepherd. On behalf of entire religious people and laity, I am congratulating him. I served this diocese for 22 years. Almighty gave me the responsibility of leading the diocese and by the grace of Him, I have completed my mission. I am happy about my service. I praise the Almighty for his grace. There is nothing to highlight in my service, because it is a service of humanity as per the wish of God. I am thankful to all who supported and helped me in my 22 years of service. Accept my apologies if I have committed any mistake. It is a time for us to strengthen the hands of our new bishop and I stand by him.”

Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru Diocese was honoured during the occasion. Fr Dionysus Vas read the citation. He was the president of the felicitation event. Dr Peter Machado hailed Bishop Saldanha for his simplicity and knowledge of cultures of languages. “He not only carries the names of St Peter and St Paul, but also their legacy. He has brought the gifts of these saints from Rome. He will be known as a very good shepherd.” Dr Machado honoured Bishop Saldanha on behalf of people of Karnataka.

Fr Joseph Martis welcomed. Fr Walter D’Mello proposed vote of thanks. Fr Vijay Machado was the facilitator during the Eucharistic celebration.

Around 12000 people took part in the event. Refreshments and lunch were served to all. 

To read consecration news, watch photos and video: Click here