Most Rev Dr Peter Machado Installed Archbishop of Bangalore and also Archdiocese bids Farewell to Archbishop Bernard Moras

Bengaluru: May 31: Most Rev Dr Peter Machado was installed the new Archbishop of Bangalore at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral grounds on Thursday, May 31. Several Archbishops, bishops, scores of priests besides nuns and thousands of lay faithful and special invitees witnessed the two and a half hour installation ceremony. The process of installation began with Msgr. S Jayanathan, (Vicar General), reading out the Papal Letter to this effect. Fr Xavier Fernandez, representative of Vatican Ambassador read out the same content in Latin as well. Archbishop Bernard Moras presented a brief introduction and before commencing the Holy Mass he quoted 2 Tim 4:7 said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Installation ceremony began after the readings. Most Rev Dr Peter Machado was seated on the cathedra (a special canopy like chair) and presented him with the keys of the cathedral and he was also presented with a mitre and staff. The new Archbishop recited the creed and read out a list of commitments both religious and temporal which come within the scope of his duties to look after the Church and its affairs.

The Archbishop Peter Machado’s homily was intermittent with witticism and wisecracks. He said he had so far only visiting visa but now he has a permanent visa. He spoke from the context of Mary visiting Elizabeth. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth and When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, in a loud voice she exclaimed:

Why did Mary visit Elizabeth? It is a spiritual visit and a pastoral one to empower Elizabeth and all others. This was a timely help and to give solace to the needy. God has given us a call. It is a holy call, a pastoral call. Holy Father said on Holiness that Holiness is the most apposite face of the Church. Mary’s visit, indeed, empowered Elizabeth in her special situation. Archbishop Peter Machado made it amply clear to empower the laity. It is also sacred to care for the poor as poverty is the face of the Church. We are called to remember and take along the poor and take care of them. Most Rev. Dr Machado also depicted the role of St Joseph in our lives as in the Church. He urged all presented to have strong faith in God at all times. The new Archbishop also reminded the faithful that service to humanity is service to God. Dr Machado whose appointment as Archbishop was announced on March 19, 2018 greeted all in their own languages, namely Tamil, Malayalam, and Konkani. He also spoke briefly in Tamil, though read out text written in Kannada, he admitted.

After the Eucharist, Archbishop Moras was thanked before bidding farewell. Msgr C Francis, Vicar General, spoke high of Archbishop Moras and highlighted his leadership qualities and development works he had carried out during the past 14 years for the Archdiocese of Bengaluru. Msgr Francis had a long list to narrate on several aspects of Archbishop Moras besides his exuberant and able leadership to guide the diocese tirelessly taking along all with him. He wished him good health, long life of peace and joy. Fr Xavier Fernandes from Delhi Nunciature also appreciated Archbishop’s committed work for the Lord. The Vatican Ambassador also enumerated the many achievements of Archbishop Moras.

A number of people felicitated the new Archbishop. They included public servants, religious heads and general public. All the bishops of Karnataka and many from other parts of the country were presented with a shawl and a garland. A cultural programme enthralled all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On attaining the Bishopric superannuation age of 75 years, the outgoing Archbishop Most Rev. Bernard Moras demitted his office. To fill this ecclesiastical position, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Bishop of Belgaum, as the new Archbishop of Bangalore on 19.03.2018.