By Dr Stephen Alathara
Bengaluru, April 12 (CCBI): Bishop Ignatius Loyola Ivan Mascarenhas (75), Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh, retired on April 12, 2025, marking the conclusion of a 16-year episcopal ministry that commenced on April 3, 2009.
Born on June 3, 1949 in Kadri, Mangaluru, Bishop Ignatius was the eldest of three children of R F S Mascarenhas and Florina Mascarenhas. He was baptised at St Sebastian’s Church, Bendur, and raised in a family rooted in faith and discipline—his father having served in the Indian Air Force.
Educated at St Columba’s School, Delhi, he entered the Minor Seminary in Ajmer in 1966. He later pursued philosophy at St Pius X College, Goregaon, and completed his theological studies at Vidyajyoti College, Delhi. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Delhi on 17 December 1977.
In the early years of his priestly ministry, he served as secretary to Archbishop Angelo Fernandes (1978–1980). His passion for education led him to obtain a Master’s degree in English from Punjab University and a B Ed to support his teaching apostolate.
Deeply committed to youth and priestly formation, Fr Ignatius served as assistant youth director (1985–1991) and later held key roles in seminary formation. He was Rector of Vinay Gurukul Minor Seminary (1992–1997) and rector of Pratiksha Major Seminary (1997–2000). He also served as parish priest of St Teresa’s Church, Pushp Vihar, and played a significant role in the Archdiocesan Synod of 2002.
In 2002, he was appointed director of Small Christian Communities (SCC), and in 2003, director of Prayer Movements. In 2004, he became chairman of the Delhi Diocesan Service Team. Known for his dynamic preaching and pastoral zeal, he conducted retreats and formation programmes for all age groups across India.
In 2006, he was appointed rector of Kristu Jyoti Gurukul, the regional propaedeutic seminary in Kauli, Rajpura, where he contributed significantly to priestly formation in the northern region.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh on February 10, 2009. He was ordained to the episcopate on April 3, 2009. Over the next 16 years, he led the diocese with dedication, nurturing evangelisation, education, and community life.
Bishop Ignatius also served as president of the Simla-Chandigarh Educational Society and remained actively engaged in diocesan development through various pastoral and educational initiatives. At the national level, he served as chairman of the CCBI Commission for Basic Ecclesial Communities from 2019 to 2023. He also held the position of secretary of the Regional Bishops of the North until 2017.
Bishop Ignatius Mascarenhas retires after decades of tireless service, leaving behind a legacy of pastoral care, spiritual leadership, and a deep commitment to the mission of the Church.