Pics: Stanly Bantwal

Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 16: Newly ordained bishop of Mangaluru Dr Peter Paul Saldanha celebrated his first Holy Mass at Rosario Cathedral on Sunday, September 16 at 8 am

Fr J B Crasta, rector of the Cathedral along with Msgr Javier D Fernandez, representative of Nuncio, priests, nuns and the parish community welcomed the Bishop at the entrance of the Cathedral with pomp and glory.

‘Cathedral’ being the Bishop’s Church, Bishop Peter Paul solemnly celebrated his first Holy Mass along with 20 concelebrants and huge faithful gathered. Preaching the homily bishop said, “we have to carry out the mission of evangelisation being fully known who Jesus is? The bible offers ample of knowledge about Jesus which we must read always.”

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha was honoured at the short felicitation programme which was followed after the mass. Rector  Fr J B Crasta, Msgr Javier D Fernandez, Msgr Denis Moras, MP Noronha Diocesan secretary and C J Simon, vice president of the Cathedral honoured the bishop with a shawl, peta, garland and bouquttes.

In his response Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said, “Vestments of the bishop has a value only when he wears and walks with the people he represents. If I walk alone with these insignia given by the Propaganda Fidei, carries no importance if no faithful around. It would be a mere fancy dress.”

Bishop further said, “The grand ordination celebration was a mere symbol of unity brought all the faithful together. This unity and fraternity must continue for long. Jesus Christ is the Prime and permanent head of the Church. I am a Bishop for some time with a mission to make present the invisible Christ. All must cooperate willingly in this mission.”

Msgr Javier D Fernandez, representative of Nuncio from Delhi wished and greeted Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha and extended greetings on behalf of Pope and Nuncio. In his felicitation address MP Noronha, Secretary of Diocesan Pastrola Parishad said, “richest wealth is wisdom. Strongest weapon is patience. Best security is faith. Most effective tonic is laughter. Supreme commandment is love. Bishop Peter Paul is possessing all these qualities and wish him that during his tenure the diocese becomes one of the top dioceses in the entire world.” He further said, Bishop Peter Paul is a man of prayer and faith. We wish and pray that during his tenure let the spiritual, social, and economic and educational standards of people will attain new heights.

Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, Diocesan PRO, Fr Dionasius Vas, rector of St Aloysisus College, Fr Anil Fernandes, Minor seminary Rector, Fr Rocky Fernandes, Fr Victor Dsouza, Fr Flavian Lobo, and Abdul Lathif, local corporator were among the many present.

Elizabeth Roche welcomed and compered the programme and C J Simon proposed vote of thanks.