Anand David Xalxo ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi

Ranchi, August 8, 2026: Fr. Anand David Xalxo, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ranchi, was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi on August 8 at Loyola Ground, Ranchi, in the presence of several bishops and thousands of faithful from Jharkhand and neighbouring regions.

Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi was the principal consecrator of the new bishop. Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi, Archbishop Sebastian Kalapura, Archbishop Elias Pranckh and other bishops participated in the Eucharistic celebration.

The ordination marks a new stage in the pastoral leadership of the Archdiocese of Ranchi and comes after Bishop Xalxo’s two decades of priestly ministry in pastoral, administrative, social and formation-related responsibilities.

In his homily, Archbishop Aind focused on the responsibilities attached to episcopal ministry, describing the bishop’s role primarily as one of service rather than authority or prestige. He called on Bishop Xalxo to remain close to the people entrusted to his care and to exercise his ministry with humility, fidelity to the Gospel and pastoral commitment.

Referring to Christ’s words, “Do not be afraid,” Archbishop Aind encouraged the new bishop to face the demands of episcopal ministry with courage and confidence in God’s grace. He also urged him to promote communion and to be a source of hope and encouragement to the faithful.

Msgr. Andrea Francia, representing the Holy See in the absence of the Apostolic Nuncio, highlighted the importance of ecclesial communion and collaboration. He said the ministry of bishops and priests is directed towards proclaiming the Gospel and serving the People of God.

The ordination was attended by priests, religious men and women, seminarians and lay faithful from different parts of the Archdiocese. The participation of people from across the Church of Chotanagpur also reflected the region’s distinctive cultural and ecclesial identity, expressed through liturgical music, traditional dances and other cultural elements.

In his address of gratitude, Bishop Xalxo said his vocation and new ministry were rooted in God’s grace. He expressed his readiness to serve the Church with humility and dedication.

He thanked Pope Leo XIV for appointing him to the episcopate and Archbishop Aind for ordaining him. He also acknowledged the bishops, priests, religious, seminarians and faithful who participated in the celebration.

Bishop Xalxo paid particular tribute to his mother, Sibiriya Xalxo, for her love, sacrifices and support, and remembered his late father and other members of his family who had contributed to his vocation.

The occasion also drew greetings from public representatives. Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey congratulated Bishop Xalxo and said his experience and commitment to service would enable him to contribute to justice, peace, harmony and social development. Former Education Minister Bandhu Tirkey also conveyed his greetings.

A message from Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was conveyed during the celebration. He extended his congratulations to Bishop Xalxo and acknowledged the Church’s contribution to the people and communities of the region.

The new bishop was born on November 20, 1975, in Mandar, in the Archdiocese of Ranchi. After his early education in Mandar, he studied at St. John Vianney Minor Seminary, Kolkata, St. Albert’s College and St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. He completed his theological formation at St. Albert’s College.

Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Ranchi on May 15, 2006, he served as private secretary to Cardinal Telesphore Toppo from 2006 to 2009. He later pursued postgraduate studies in Hospital Administration at Muller’s Hospital, Mangaluru.

His assignments have included Associate Director of the CBCI Society for Medical Education, Secretary to the Secretary General of the CBCI in Delhi, Public Relations Officer, Administrator of the Archbishop’s Residence, Parish Priest and Assistant Vicar of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Director of the Social Development Centre and Director of Seminarians.

He was appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ranchi in 2024.

Pope Leo XIV appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi on June 24, 2026, assigning him the titular See of Thinisa in Numidia.

With his ordination, Bishop Xalxo now joins the pastoral leadership of the Archdiocese of Ranchi, bringing to the episcopate his experience in parish ministry, Church administration, social apostolate and formation.

By Fr. Praful Bara