Pics: Nithin Periera / Sany Digital Studio Udupi
By Prof Peter Archibald Furtado / Justin D'Silva
Udupi, Apr 20: The air in Udupi was filled with devotion and delight on April 20, as the Diocese gathered in its thousands—over 5,000 strong—to formally welcome its newly ordained Bishop, Rt Rev Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza.
Following the long and sacred liturgical rites, the public felicitation programme unfolded as a tapestry of faith, gratitude, and communal joy, bringing together clergy, religious, and the lay faithful in one resounding celebration.
It was Vidya Martis and her graceful team who opened the event, their prayer dance weaving a spirit of reverence into the atmosphere before a single word was spoken. As dignitaries were ceremoniously led to the dais—a gesture steeped in symbolism of unity and honour—the stage was set for an event to remember.
Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves stepped forward to welcome the distinguished assembly, grounding the occasion in its profound historical significance for the young Diocese of Udupi. His words carried warmth and conviction as he voiced the collective trust that the new Bishop would lead the faithful with wisdom, humility, and pastoral zeal.
The evening then turned to a moment of heartfelt acknowledgement. The Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, was honoured with the draping of a traditional shawl, a gesture rich in cultural tenderness, as the gathering expressed appreciation for his five dedicated years of diplomatic service in India. With warm wishes and prayerful hearts, all present bid him farewell as he prepares to take up his new mission in Croatia.
In his address, the Nuncio conveyed the blessings and greetings of the holy father. His message was clear and tender: "a Bishop is not called to be served, but to serve." He urged Bishop Leslie to be a compassionate shepherd, rooted in prayer and genuinely close to his people.
Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and president of FABC and CCBI, was next to be honoured, receiving a traditional shawl, a memento, and a bouquet as tokens of deep love and respect. His address was both weighty and inspiring.
Speaking of the immense responsibility carried by a Bishop as a successor of the Apostles, the Cardinal drew attention to Bishop Leslie’s rich academic formation, seasoned pastoral experience, and quiet simplicity of life — gifts, he said, that would steer the Diocese towards spiritual growth and genuine unity.
Then came the moment the Diocese had gathered for. Bishop Leslie Clifford D’Souza was formally felicitated by his flock. Rising to speak, the new Bishop offered words that were as humble as they were hopeful — gratitude poured out to God, to his family, to those who had mentored him, and to the faithful who now look to him as their shepherd.
Honest about the road ahead, he anchored his confidence not in himself but in divine providence. “I come not with my strength,” he said, “but with faith in the Lord who calls and sustains. Together, let us build a Church rooted in love, service, and truth.”
Family representatives added their own tender felicitation, while a melodious choir lifted the moment into something luminous with pride and joy.
Speaking in Tulu, Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza said, “I belong to Tulunadu. I was born near Ucchilla temple, studied in Saraswati School, Government Fisheries High School, Admar PU College, and spent a large part of my childhood in the surroundings of Tulu culture. I received my education in Tulunadu. There is no religion above love; this consecration is an ordination of love. Peace and brotherhood should prevail. No one should be hungry, and I want to see happiness on everyone’s face. Being the children of Kannada mate, let us live with love, and your love and brotherhood should continue, and I too will be part of this.”
The programme also turned its attention to Rt Rev Dr Peter Machado, who was duly honoured before offering his own tribute. His address cast a warm light on the retiring Bishop Emeritus, Rt Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, whose faithful stewardship of the Diocese of Shimoga and patient nurturing of the infant Diocese of Udupi over thirteen and a half years has left a legacy of quiet greatness.
Bishop Machado painted a portrait of a visionary shepherd whose dedication laid the very foundation on which the Diocese now stands.
Perhaps the most emotionally charged passage of the evening was the formal expression of gratitude to Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo himself. Speaker after speaker recalled his tireless dedication, his fatherly presence, and the vision he had carried since the Diocese’s earliest days.
In a moment filled with reverence and deep affection, Cardinal Ferrão, Bishop Machado, and Bishop Leslie together stepped forward to felicitate the retiring Bishop Emeritus. Bishop Gerald Lobo received the honour with characteristic humility, thanking the clergy, religious, and laity whose steadfast support had carried him through. His parting counsel was generous and clear: “The Diocese is in safe and capable hands. Continue to walk together in faith and unity.”
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Emeritus Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, “We thank the almighty for the blessing of giving Dr Leslie as the new Bishop of our Diocese. After serving for 13 years in Shivamogga, the Lord chose me as the first Bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Udupi. Udupi is an amazing Diocese. I convey my wishes to all the clergy and lay faithful. With their help, the Diocese has reached today’s milestone. The lay faithful are loving and co-operative; they have supported me in every manner, especially in pastoral planning and other projects. We had dreamt of many things during the formation; some have become reality, and many are pending. I seek your blessings in my future mission as well.”
As the formal proceedings drew to a close, shawls and mementoes were presented to the attending Bishops, donors, and dignitaries. Dr Roshan D’Souza then delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who had contributed to the success of the event.
The programme concluded as it had begun — prayerfully — with grace before meals and the announcement of lunch arrangements. The faithful dispersed carrying with them a deep sense of gratitude and renewed hope for the journey ahead, as the Diocese of Udupi steps into its next chapter.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat, J R Lobo, Abhayachandra Jain, Coastal Development Authority president M A Gafoor, MLC Ivan D’Souza, KPCC Campaign Committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake, Denis D’Silva, and others.
Dr Roshan D’Souza, judicial vicar, proposed the vote of thanks. The formal felicitation programme was compered by Fr Denis D’Sa. PRO of the Diocese of Udupi and Leslie Aroza, assisted.