By P Archibald Furtado
Udupi, Feb 5: The diocese of Udupi is bathed in joy and gratitude as it celebrates the extraordinary life and ministry of its beloved first bishop, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. This momentous occasion marks his 75th Platinum Birthday, a testament to a life richly lived in faith and service, and the completion of 25 glorious years as a bishop, a milestone that shines as brightly as silver. Together, these anniversaries illuminate the profound impact of his pastoral leadership, a beacon of hope and love for the faithful of Udupi and beyond.
The Early Years: A Seed of Faith Planted
Born on November 12, 1949 in the serene parish of Agrar near Bantwal, Gerald Isaac Lobo was nurtured in a home steeped in devotion by his parents, Aloysius Lobo and Mary D’Souza. From his earliest days, the seeds of faith were sown deeply within him. Answering the call to serve the Lord, he joined St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary in Jeppu, Mangalore. On 5th May 1977, in the sacred hands of Dr Basil S D’Souza, the then bishop of Mangalore, he was ordained a priest, embarking on a lifelong journey of service to God and His people.
His early years as a priest were marked by humility and dedication. He served as assistant parish priest at Urwa church, Mangalore (1977–79), and later in Shirva (1978–82). Recognizing his exceptional pastoral gifts, he was entrusted with the role of parish priest of Badyar church in 1982, a position he held until 1990. Under his guidance, the parish flourished, growing in both faith and communal prosperity. His remarkable work soon drew the attention of the church leadership, leading to his appointment as director of CODP Mangalore for eight years. In this role, he reached out to the most vulnerable and marginalized, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and service in the undivided diocese of Mangalore.
A Shepherd Chosen by Divine Grace
On March 20, 2000, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo was consecrated as bishop of Shimoga, a divine calling to greater service. For 12 transformative years, he shepherded the Shimoga diocese with unwavering dedication, strengthening the faith of the faithful, nurturing vocations, and uplifting the underprivileged. His leadership was a tapestry of care, vision, and tireless effort, weaving a vibrant Christian community.
In 2012, a new chapter unfolded in his episcopal journey. Recognizing his profound pastoral vision and leadership, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the first bishop of the newly established diocese of Udupi, carved out from the diocese of Mangalore. This historic moment marked the dawn of a new era for the Catholic community in the region.
The Birth of Udupi Diocese: A New Dawn of Faith
The creation of the diocese of Udupi on October 15, 2012 was a divine milestone in the spiritual journey of the region. The diocese was formed by bifurcating five deaneries—Kallianpur, Kundapur, Shirva, Karkala, and Udupi—comprising 52 parishes. The historic Milagres church in Kallianpur was elevated to the status of the cathedral, symbolizing the beginning of a radiant chapter in the faith journey of the people.
Under Bishop Gerald’s visionary leadership, the diocese of Udupi blossomed in pastoral care, education, social welfare, and interfaith harmony. His initiatives led to the establishment of numerous educational institutions, social outreach programmes, and faith formation initiatives, enriching both the spiritual and socio-economic fabric of the diocese.
A Visionary Initiative: Empowering the Laity
One of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo’s most transformative legacies is his pioneering initiative to empower the laity through a structured commission system. Beginning with 18 commissions, he expanded this framework to 20 vibrant commissions, ensuring that every parishioner could actively participate in the church’s mission. This visionary approach has created a dynamic model of leadership, awareness, and service.
Today, almost all parishes in the diocese have active Aayogs, where each ward elects a representative to serve on a commission. A convenor leads the team at the parish level, while a coordinator ensures seamless coordination, reporting, and support to the clergy and pastoral council. This well-organized structure has strengthened faith formation, social outreach, youth engagement, and community building, making the diocese of Udupi a beacon of collaborative and participatory church governance.
Bishop Gerald’s visionary leadership in laity empowerment has garnered national recognition. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has adopted this model as part of the National Pastoral Plan, to be implemented across all 14 regions and 132 dioceses in India. In recognition of his pioneering efforts, Bishop Gerald has been appointed chairman of this initiative, a role that fills his admirers with immense pride and joy.
A Legacy of Love and Leadership
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo’s life and ministry are a radiant testament to his visionary leadership, compassionate pastoral care, and inspiring teachings. His deep concern for the youth, the poor, and the marginalized has left an indelible impact on the faithful. His ability to connect with people, encourage vocations, and foster unity has earned him boundless love and respect from all quarters.
As he steps into his platinum year and celebrates 25 glorious years as a bishop, the diocese of Udupi salutes his dedication and prays for his continued health, strength, and wisdom. May the Almighty bless him abundantly and guide him as he continues to lead with faith, hope, and love.
A Personal Reflection
I have been blessed to meet Bishop Gerald on several occasions over the years. Our first encounter was in Barkur on December 28, 2010, when he ordained my cousin, Fr Jason Furtado, along with another Barkurian, Fr Anil D’Almeida, both Jesuits, during his tenure as bishop of Shimoga. His simplicity, humility, and down-to-earth nature left a lasting impression, qualities that remain the hallmark of his character. He is a man of few formalities, approachable and warm, with a genuine concern for everyone he meets. A silent yet determined worker, he is also a patient listener—a rare and admirable trait. His homilies, woven with simplicity and wisdom, resonate deeply with the faithful.
A Testament to Transformation: Physical and Spiritual Progress Under Bishop Gerald’s Leadership
It is only fitting to highlight the remarkable physical and spiritual transformation that has taken place in the diocese of Udupi under the visionary leadership of Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. Since he took charge, numerous churches have been rebuilt, renovated, or refurbished, standing as tangible symbols of faith and progress. Among these are the majestic Mount Rosary Church in Kallianpur, the serene St Francis Xavier Church in Udyavar, the revitalized Our Lady of Health Church in Kalmady, the beautifully restored Holy Family Church in Brahmavar, and the inspiring Our Lady of Fatima Church in Perampally. The historic St Peter Church in Barkur, a treasure trove of memories, has also been lovingly renovated, as has the Our Lady of Fatima Church in Pernal.
In addition to these, the St Lawrence Church in Attur has been elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica, a recognition of its spiritual and historical significance. The St Anthony’s Shrine in Kerekatte has been developed as a pilgrimage destination, drawing devotees from far and wide. The St Joseph Vaz Chapel in Kannadakudru has also been lovingly restored, serving as a beacon of faith and devotion.
Under Bishop Gerald’s guidance, the diocese has also seen significant advancements in education. Several new English-medium schools have been established, while existing institutions have been promoted and strengthened, providing quality education to the youth of the region. The spacious Anugraha Pastoral Centre in Ambagilu stands as a testament to his commitment to creating spaces for spiritual growth and community engagement.
In essence, the northern part of the erstwhile diocese of Mangalore has witnessed visible and remarkable progress over the last 12–13 years under Bishop Gerald’s initiative, support, and encouragement. These developments are not just signs of physical growth but also reflections of a vibrant and thriving faith community.
A Vision for the Future: Restoring Heritage and Building Dreams
While much has been achieved, Bishop Gerald’s vision for the diocese continues to inspire new aspirations. Places like Pethri, once the heart of Christian settlement in the 16th and 17th centuries, await restoration, promising to reconnect the faithful with their rich heritage. Among the many dreams for the future, the establishment of a diocesan hospital, an engineering college, and a nursing college stand out as priorities. These institutions would not only serve the community but also provide opportunities for the youth to excel and contribute to society.
The journey of progress is ongoing, and under Bishop Gerald’s leadership, the diocese of Udupi is poised to achieve even greater heights. His unwavering commitment to faith, service, and community development continues to inspire and guide the faithful, ensuring that the legacy of love and leadership he has built will endure for generations to come.
Ad Multos Annos, Dear Bishop
On Sunday, February 9, the diocese of Udupi will celebrate the jubilee of episcopal ordination at the Milagres Cathedral at 4 pm. The occasion will be graced by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Papal Nuncio to India, along with the archbishop of Bangalore, Dr Peter Machado, and other bishops of the Karnataka province. Hundreds of admirers and well-wishers will gather to honour this remarkable shepherd of faith.
On this joyous occasion, we extend our heartfelt wishes to Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo on his 75th platinum birthday and 25 years of episcopal service. May the Almighty bless him with abundant health and strength to continue his noble mission in His vineyard.