Mangaluru: Bishop-elect Dr Peter Paul Saldanha speaks on vision, plans and more


Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jul 19: The newly pointed bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha is all set to take charge as the head of Mangaluru diocese on September 15. Prior to his appointment as bishop by Pope Francis on July 3, he served as the faculty at Pontifical Urban University, Rome. In an exclusive interview with Daijiworld 24x7 channel, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha speaks to Editor-in-Chief Walter Nandalike on his views and plans to develop the diocese.

1. Now you have been appointed as the bishop of Mangaluru diocese. Looking back, how do you remember your childhood? What is the inspiration behind your priesthood?

I was born in Aikala village which is near to Kirem. My parents are Lazarus Saldanha and Eliza Menezes. I am the fourth of their nine children. We had a strong religious atmosphere in our home. I was accompanied by my sister for catechism class prior to my first communion held at Kirem church. The atmosphere of church attracted me towards to the religious life. I was the only person from my home to carry flowers for the novena of nativity feast and walk three kilometres daily to attend mass. However, my parents had an important role to play. We never missed prayer at our home.

My father had a business of Palmyra palm powder. People from various parts of the district visited our home to purchase the powder. During my free time, I too helped him in production of the powder. He always kept advising me on transparency, quality and clean business. His business ethics inspired me a lot.

Fr Abhundius, who was our parish priest during my childhood, is my inspiration. His sincerity, strict religious life and simplicity made me think about joining priesthood. Later, when I completed my SSLC, I met him and told my desire to join seminary. He encouraged me to do the same.

2. After ordination you served at many parishes in the diocese. Did you ever think that you will become a bishop?

Some of the priests were telling me that one day, I will become a bishop. I think they found something special in me and commented like that. I heard from my uncle that once bishop Raymond told him, “In future one of your family members will sit on this chair.” But I never took it seriously. Now after getting the appointment from Vatican, I feel it was a prophecy made by bishop Raymond.

3. What was your reaction when you were appointed as the bishop?

I was summoned by Cardinal Filoni one day and I went to his chamber. He started to explain about Mangaluru diocese. I told him Mangaluru is my diocese and I know about it. Then he said, ‘ We at Urban University will be losing you. Holy Father has appointed you as a bishop of Mangaluru and is waiting for your opinion,’. I thought it’s a plan of God. I should obey him. There itself I confirmed to the Cardinal “I am ready”.

4. Today’s world completely depends upon the use of technology. But Mangaluru diocese is far behind on using the technology. Nowadays communication is very important. To keep a close touch with believers, can we expect something special on this in your tenure?

Yes. My PhD itself is based on ‘Revelation and self-communication of God’ Communication is very essential in this current world. Though it is not very easy to set up a platform for communication at diocese level at once, people can keep in touch with me as I am using WhatsApp. With a prior appointment, they can meet me without any hesitation. I am ready to hear all.

5. The efforts of priests to nurture Konkani language are always appreciated. They are the real saviours of this language. Do you have any special plans to serve Konkani?

We already have our own Konkani weekly ‘Raknno’. We should encourage more young writers to write in Konkani. At the same time, I have a plan to research into cultural symbols used in the communication of our local culture.  It is a form of communication using the symbols from our traditional, cultural and ancient heritage. However, a lot of study, research and planning need to go into this.

6. Catholic youth are not much interested in the teachings of church. On the other hand, divorces are increasing rapidly. What steps you will take address these issues?

I have experience of working in family life centre. Based on that, I can understand the issues clearly and in a better way. I participated in last synod held at Vatican which was mainly called to discuss the family life of Catholics. I will address both issues on priority and definitely will try to find a solution.

7. As per some recent surveys, Mangaluru is in top position for ill treating of elderly people. What is your say on this?

In his ten commandments, God says honour your mother and father. So we Catholics should follow it without fail. It is our responsibility to serve our parents in their old age. In foreign countries parents don’t depend on children for care and support during their old age. There they have security and facilities from government. But in our land we cannot expect such facilities from our government for our elderly parents. We should care for them with high respect. There is no point in shedding tears after their death. Bible says, if we care for our elderly parents, we will get infinite blessings.

8. What are the challenges you face when you take over as the religious head of the diocese?

To construct a bridge between the communities is a major challenge. Our district is well known for harmony. But due to few people, the entire atmosphere is getting dirty. The incidents of hatred are always highlighted. We have to take steps to highlight good things done by other communities. We should not forget to appreciate the good deeds done by the members of other religion. Definitely I will work on this.

9. Earlier there was a demand for archdiocese. Do you have any plans on making Mangaluru an archdiocese?

No. I don’t have complete knowledge on it. It is a huge procedure. It is not in the hands of a single bishop. Many dioceses should come together and take decision on it.



10. Any date finalized for consecration?

We have formed a committee for it and the date is not definitive. The consecration will be held at Rosario Cathedral. We need three bishops as consecrators. So we are looking at the schedules of the other bishops. After consultation with them, we will announce the date officially.

11. As the new bishop of Mangaluru what is your message to Daijiworld viewers and readers?

We all are children of God. We should live in peace and harmony. We should not engage in any conflicts within or outside the community. Faith and hope make us a complete human. So let’s concentrate on these matters. I am also a human and need proper guidance from believers and well-wishers of the church. My office will be always open to all for suggestions and guidance. Thank You. 

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Comment on this article

  • Sr.Premlatha B.S., Basarikatte /Badyar.

    Tue, Jul 24 2018

    Congratulations,dear Rev.Dr.Peter Paul Saldana,for being elected as the Bishop of Manglore.Wish you best of luck. Promise our support and prayers in your great responsibility.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree

  • Alwyn Crasta, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Mon, Jul 23 2018

    Congratulations, Bishop-elect Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha!

    Mangalore Diocese is indeed fortunate that they will be having as their new Bishop, a senior, highly accomplished member of the clergy with all the requisite and desirable qualities of heart and mind.

    May your tenure as Bishop be a smooth, successful and highly rewarding journey. I sincerely wish and pray that, Lord Jesus' blessings and the love and support of His people and all sections of the society enable you to bring about a positive change with peace & progress, in Mangalore Diocese. Wishing you all the best!

    Reply Report Abuse Agree

  • Pius Pinto, Kirem/Dubai

    Sat, Jul 21 2018

    A Simple and humble person, knowledgeable and wise, yet down to earth. He speaks from the heart. Proud that he is from my Parish!
    Wishing him all the best in his new responsibility. I pray that diocese of Mangalore grow in every sense under his leadership.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [3]

  • Arge, Bangalore

    Sat, Jul 21 2018

    Welcome to the new Bishop.i do appreciate his concern for downtrodden and his plans for diocese. A Bishop though even though he represents one community, should remember that in a multicultural society like ours, he should have plans to integrate all communities and social work he plans to do should be inclusive and not exclusive.In the olden times so many schools were opened by Christian missionaries and today they serve millions of children of various communities, who carry very sweet memories of their days on such
    Schools.Similar venutre befitting all communities should be planned by the new Bishop.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [4]

  • Mark Denis D'souza, Niddodi/Sharjah-U.A.E

    Sat, Jul 21 2018

    Thanks for the wonderful interview and introduction of our Bishop-elect Dr.Peter Paul Saldanha to the entire world through Daijiworld.com. Hope the young,highly educated and energetic Bishop lead the faithful by his divine wisdom and love to the unity and better life all of us.
    God bless our Bishop with health and long life.

    Mark Denis D'souza

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [2]

  • Vinod Wilfred Tauro & family, Madanthyar, Dubai

    Sat, Jul 21 2018

    Hearty Congratulations to you Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha. Holy See has appointed you, long awaited Bishop of Mangalore and finally arrived during the feast of St. Peter and Paul.
    Our prayers and good wishes are always with your mission. We wish Bishop Aloysius Paul D Souza with good health and leading our diocese of Mangalore very well. You have gained vast knowledge and education from Pontifical Urban University, Rome and also good leader of Mangalorean community in Rome, will surely help all our members of Mangalore Diocese. All of us to help one another in order to make Mangalore move forward with more success in the days ahead with your blessings.

    Our best wishes to you dear Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha in all your new challenges. May you remain happy, healthy and successful in all your future spiritual goals in Mangalore. Wilfred, Janet, Vijetha and Viveca, Madanthyar, Dubai

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [3]

  • Tony Rodrigues, Mumbai

    Sat, Jul 21 2018

    Congratulations Dear Bishop

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [2]

  • LEENA SALDANHA, Bondel/Mangalore

    Sat, Jul 21 2018

    congratulations Rev Dr Saldanha and welcome you as the Bishop of Mangalore diocese.
    We pray for your good health and Gods blessing on your mission.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [2]

  • Irene D'Souza, Kirem

    Sat, Jul 21 2018

    Dear Rev. Bishop-elect, Peter Paul Saldanha,
    Congratulations. May the Lord grant you the necessary strength and guidance to lead the Catholic community in faith, bring about harmony in our diverse community with different religions. May the Lord bless you with good health and long life. May Our Lady of Remedies, always mediate for you in every difficult situation that comes on your way during your tenure as Bishop and beyond. Your simplicity, knowledge & experience, spirituality will be a great asset in bringing your vision to fruition in the diocese of Mangalore. May the Lord shower HIS blessings as you begin a new chapter, may HE guard, guide and protect you along the way is my prayer.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [2]

  • Dr. Edward& Dr.Nelly Nazareth, Mangaluru

    Fri, Jul 20 2018

    Congratulations dear Rev Msgr Peter Paul Saldanha. You are truly chosen by the Holy Spirit to lead the diocese of Mangalore. Your knowledge,humility and love for fellow human beings will help you to fulfill your vision for the diocese.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Dr. Cajetan Coelho, Goa, India

    Fri, Jul 20 2018

    Wishing the Bishop-Elect strength and stamina. God bless.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • VV, Bajpr

    Fri, Jul 20 2018

    Nice to meet you dear Lord Bishop at brother in law place VGT , Thudam , Damaskatte when you were priest. Your wisdom of words are really great . It’s great to see you as Lord Bishop of mangalore .

    Wishing you all the best in your mission

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Fri, Jul 20 2018

    Congratulations and it is really good to be more expressive and approachable to the people by the bishop

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • alwyn, canada

    Fri, Jul 20 2018

    Congratulation to Bishop Saldhana,.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Fr John Baptist Saldanha, Permannur

    Fri, Jul 20 2018

    Dear Monsignor Peter Paul Saldanha,
    Hearty Congratulations once again.
    The Diocese of Mangalore requires your able leadership to take forward the community of believers to greater heights with a clear vision for 2050. The erudite laity, tirelessly working clergy and people of good will always be ready to support you in your Episcopal ministry. We require your leadership not merely to the catholic community but to the entire society. That means, your ministry is going to be both ad intra and ad extra. Wish you the very best. With prayers, be assured of my support in taking care of His flock.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • JerryMoras.com, Calgary REALTOR, Kuppepadavu, Canada

    Fri, Jul 20 2018

    Watched whole video. Great questions posed by Walter !! Love your critical and analytical questions.
    In my opinion, Bishop Elect Peter Paul upbringing tells lot about his hardship life which will contribute to understand people lives in this diocese. I'm sure with all his religious and administrative experiences, he would be best to deliver what is expected by Mangalorean catholic people. Also great input by bishop elect on youth involvement in the church, communication and media update, inter-religious connectivity, seniors life and many other topics. Cheers.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Fr Victor Machado, Mangalore/Tanzania

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    The new bishop elect seems to have his heart on the right priorities.
    First: building up a harmonious society in the midst of all religions.
    Second: Bonding the parishes to the cetre so that they do not plan and function fully independent.
    Third: spiritual strengthening.
    Fourth: Reaching out to the youth and the familes.
    God belss your mission

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Fr Roopesh Madtha, Director, YCS/YSM, Diocese of Mangalore, Mangaluru

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    Man rich in faith, of simple heart, clear vision, deep thinking, vast knowledge, open mind and wisdom. He is practical and down to earth. Man of joy and also responsibility. Never seen him being partial to his students. Man of action. He would generously help in person, anyone in need of his help especially the sick and needy. I remember, while I was confused when I bought my first bike as a young priest it is he who made time for me to guide and acompany me in the showroom and helped me in choosing one. He was even accompanying the seminarians personally to the hospital when they were sick. More than everything he is a man of prayer. Even on the days he had busiest schedule, I have seen him praying Rosary at the varanda even in the late nights before he went to bed. He is a Bunch of Virtues. I am proud to be his student.Depth of his knowledge and hieght of his goodness will be a blessing to the society in the days to come. I am inspired by him from the day one I saw him in 1996 when I was in First PUC and later as my professor and moderator at the Seminary in 2005. Indeed, God's choice before he was born.

    We pray for you dear Bishop.We are there with you. May God heal the hidden wounds in the society and work wonders through you in the days to come.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Fr. Venus Praveen Colaco, Shimoga

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    Dearest Father Peter Paul Saldhana, I was your student at Jeppu Seminary. You were a great model to me. You were always approachable, understanding, supportive, appreciative, gentle and humane to everyone. I'm sure these qualities will make you a Great Leader after the heart of Christ. Your Vision for the Youth, Families and Religious Harmony will make you a memorable figure in the History of Mangaluru Diocese.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Eric D'souza, mangalore

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    congrajulations fr peter paul saldanha wish u the greetings that you are our new bishop of mangalore may god bless you and your family i will pray for you daily that you may get good health and be in gods protection this i ask for your love sake to god Amen

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Valerian D'Souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    Congratulations dear Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldhana, would be Bishop of Mangaluru diocese.
    Heard / viewed the attached video, very inspiring personality.
    Wish him all the best and may God almighty bless him always.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    May God Bless you abundantly to bear responsibility of the Diocese and Congratulations.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree

  • Valson Mendonsa, Mangalore/USA

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    Congratulations Rev. Bishop Peter Saldhana new Bishop of Mangalore.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    May the Almighty Bless & Guide Dr Peter Paul Saldanha to accomplish his Visions for we Sinners ...

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Lily Grace D Silva, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    Congratulations Rev. bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldhana. May the Lord be with you and our Mother Mary intercede for you in every step you take.

    Its a very interesting and encouraging story of your childhood. Its certain that you will be successful in all the attempts you make and surely the loving people of the archdiocese and Priest will always be with you.

    Glad to know the invitation to meet you with prior appointment.

    May the Lord fill you with His wisdom, Love and power all the days. God bless.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    I join scores of people in saying "GOD BE WITH YOU IN THE WORK AHEAD OF YOU" Lord bishop... you are indeed chosen for a purpose. From your responses to Daijiworld it is clear that your parents played their role in a special way during your formative years. Many do not have this gift of LOVE AND CARE of parents. I am one of them as I did not see my parents.... my father died when I was six months old and my my mother died when I was one and half year old. Divine providence played an important role in my life.

    A lot of hard work is ahead of you but I am sure that with your FUND OF knowledge and experience you will do a very successful job as OUR GOOD SHEPHERD. Prayers of the faithful are with you

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [1]

  • Max and Jessie Rasquinha, Mangalore - Houston/Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    Thank you, Bishop Peter Paul, for your wonderful conversation with Daiji World. Thank you for sharing with us all your past and the present, and we wish you best of luck in all your future, which we are confident will be equally bright and prosperous.

    Your new leadership in the Diocese of Mangalore is very important because the times are changing with new challenges ahead for all of us. The population issues, the economic issues, the religious issues, the climatic issues - all these issues have a great deal of involvement in the vibrant Diocese of Mangalore where your leadership has to continue playing an important role. But you have so many advantages before you, and above all you have the Bishop Emiretas besides you and he has twentytwo years of experience of the Diocese to share with you. With your Doctoral portfolio in Revolution and Communication with God, you will be a most fitting Candidate to lead our Diocese to a higher pedestal.

    We pray for you, Bishop Peter Paul, and we wish you best of everything that you do for our Diocese that is equally surrounded by some of the most distinguished Hindus and Moslems who will look upon your leadership with utmost respect and reverence.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree

  • John.k, Manalore

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    First of all I would like wish all best to the new Bishop Rev P.p saldhana.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree

  • Denver Clouston Roche, Udupi

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    Congratulations dear Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldhana for being elected as the Bishop of Mangalore. We hope you work for the benefit and the betterment of the people.. As a traditionalist, I request you to Introduce Tridentine Latin Mass in Mangalore as it had been allowed in other diosceses around the world.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [3]


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Title: Mangaluru: Bishop-elect Dr Peter Paul Saldanha speaks on vision, plans and more



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