FR. LOUIS MASCARENHAS IS APPOINTED AS BISHOP OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ALLAHABAD

His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, has appointed Fr. Louis Mascarenhas as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Allahabad. Presently, the Director of Nazareth Hospital, Prayagraj, the Bishop-designate is expected to assume the new charge shortly.

Most Rev. Raphy Manjaly, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Agra, making the papal announcement here on Saturday at 3.30 pm IST, welcomed the new Bishop elect and said that he was happy with the appointment of Fr. Louis as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Allahabad for he is the fitting candidate to shoulder this great responsibility of the Diocese.
Msgr. Mascarenhas, 64, hails from Don Bosco Church, Kelmbett, in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka. He joined the St. Paul’s Seminary, Lucknow in 1978 after finishing his metric schooling, in order to become a priest for the diocese of Allahabad. He studied philosophy and theology at St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary in Prayagraj. He obtained bachelor’s degrees in theology and education and masters in arts.

Msgr. Mascarenhas was ordained as a priest in April 1989. As a priest, he has served in his capacity as pastor, teacher, principal, social work director and finally as the director of Nazareth Hospital. His tenure as the Principal of St. Joseph’s College from 2005-2014 is noteworthy. He also held the responsibilities as the member of the College of Consultors, Vicar General of the Diocese, Member of Finance and Construction Committee.

The Bishop-designate played a significant role as the Administrator of the Diocese of Allahabad for the last 30 months besides holding the post of the Director of Nazareth Hospital, Prayagraj simultaneously.
Msgr. Louis Mascarenhas is a man of prayer who is very well known for his social work. He has a kind and soft heart towards the poor and needy. While Director of DDWS, Msgr. Louis has worked hard for the up-liftment of many downtrodden and economically backward families. He has also worked for the empowerment of women and especially those of rural background such as giving them education, making them self-dependent in financial matters etc. Msgr. Louis has helped so many flood-stricken people and provided them shelter, food and clothes.
Msgr. Mascasrenhas said he would do everything for the glory of God and his people in his capacity as the Bishop of the Diocese of Allahabad. “I need your cooperation and prayerful support to dispense my responsibility with commitment for the betterment of the poor and marginalized people of Allahabad and its surrounding districts.” he said.