Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Apr 15: The episcopal ordination and solemn installation of Msgr Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza as the second bishop of the Udupi diocese will be held on April 20 at 9:00 am at the Milagres College grounds, Kallianpur.
Msgr Dr Leslie D’Souza will be consecrated during a solemn eucharistic celebration by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and president of FABC and CCBI. Archbishop of Bangalore Dr Peter Machado and the apostolic administrator of Udupi diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, will serve as co-consecrators.
The historic event will be witnessed by the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, along with several archbishops, bishops, priests, and religious leaders. Political leaders and representatives from various communities are also expected to attend. The organisers anticipate a gathering of over 5,000 people.
Following the religious ceremony, a formal public felicitation programme will be held at the same venue. On behalf of civil society, Udupi district in-charge minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna will felicitate the new bishop.
Outgoing bishop reflects on tenure
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo retired as the bishop of Udupi after serving for 13 years (2012–2026). Known for his humility and concern for the marginalised, Dr Lobo addressed the media expressing his joy over the appointment of his successor. "Msgr Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza is a son of the soil, born in Udupi. He is a knowledgeable, simple, and capable administrator known for his compassionate approach to service," he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr Lobo thanked the media fraternity for their cooperation over the last 13 years and requested continued support for the new administration.
Event details
Providing details of the schedule, diocesan PRO Fr Denis D’Sa said, "The event will commence at 8:15 am with a formal welcome for the new bishop. More than 30 bishops and 300 priests have confirmed their presence. The liturgical rituals will begin at 9:00 am and are expected to last two hours, followed by the public felicitation at 11:30 am."
Profile of Msgr Dr Leslie C D’Souza
Pope Leo XIV appointed Msgr Dr Leslie C D’Souza as the bishop of Udupi on January 31, 2026. Born on August 19, 1962, in Yermal, he studied at St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Mangaluru, and later obtained a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium.
Ordained a priest on May 10, 1990, he has served in various capacities including assistant parish priest at Kundapur and Kulshekar, professor of Moral Theology at St Joseph’s Seminary, and parish priest at Pangala, Kallianpur, and Shirva. He currently serves as the dean of the Shirva deanery.
About Udupi Diocese
Established on July 16, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI, the Udupi diocese was carved out of the Mangalore diocese. It comprises the taluks of Karkala, Kundapura, Kaup, Byndoor, Hebri, Brahmavar, and Udupi. The diocese serves a Catholic population of over 60,000 across 51 parishes.
The diocese is also a significant contributor to regional development, managing 11 nurseries, 44 primary schools, 29 high schools, and several colleges and technical institutes. Its social wing operates hospitals, homes for the aged, and rehabilitation centres.
Rector of Milagres Cathedral Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, chancellor Fr Steven D’Souza, PRO Fr Denis D’Sa, and media coordinator Michael Rodrigues were present at the press meet.