Bangalore Archdiocese Celebrates Historical Milestone with Ordination of Two Auxiliary Bishops

Bengaluru, August 24, 2024: In a momentous and historic event, the Archdiocese of Bangalore celebrated the ordination of two new auxiliary bishops today in a solemn ceremony held at the grounds of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore was the main celebrant and Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras of Bangalore and Bishop T. Anthony Swamy of Chikmagalur were the main co-celebrants. 

This ordination of Msgr. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar and Msgr. Joseph Susainathan as auxiliary bishops marks a significant milestone for the archdiocese as it is the first time since 1962 that an auxiliary bishop has been appointed in the Archdiocese of Bangalore. Furthermore, it is the first time in the archdiocese's history that two auxiliary bishops have been consecrated simultaneously. 

Archbishop Machado remarked, “The Lord has been kind and gracious to us to accept two more of our brother priests into the apostolic foundation, that is the Bangalore archdiocese.” He highlighted that the appointment of these Auxiliary Bishops is not just an administrative move but a call to strengthen the bonds of faith, hope and love within our community.  

Bishop Gerald Issac Lobo of Udupi and Bishop Lawrence Pius Dorairaj of Dharmapuri spoke about the role of a bishop and the importance of unity, compassion and service in the Church’s mission. 

The apostolic letter announcing their appointment as bishops was read out in three languages. It was read out in Latin by Msgr. Aberto Napolitano, distinguished representative from the Vatican, by Msgr. C Francis in Kannada and by Msgr. S. Jayanathan in Tamil.

The ceremony took place in three languages – Kannada, Tamil and English – and was attended by 24 archbishops and bishops from across India alongside over 500 priests and religious sisters. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Bishop Ignatius Loyola Ivan Mascarenhas of Simla-Chandigarh, Archbishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry-Cuddalore, Bishop Derek Fernandes of Belgaum, Bishop Henry D’souza of Bellary, Bishop Robert Michael Miranda of Gulbarga, Bishop Duming Dias of Karwar, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore, Bishop Francis Serrao of Shimoga including bishops from North India, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala symbolizing the unity of the Church across regions. 

Msgr. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar was born and raised in St. Anthony's Parish in Guddadahalli, Bengaluru. He began his religious journey in 1994 by joining the minor seminary. A graduate in Arts, he served various parishes in the Archdiocese of Bangalore before earning a Master's in Canon Law at St. Peter's Pontifical Institute. After completing his doctoral studies in Rome, Msgr. Satis Kumar returned to Bangalore to assume leadership roles. He was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Coordinator of Major Seminarians and Professor at St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary and Institute.  

Msgr. Joseph Susainathan, the second new auxiliary bishop, hails from KGF and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Bangalore. He was serving as the parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Bangalore. Msgr. Susainathan has served in several key roles, including Diocesan Youth Director for the "Young Christian Students" Movement, Secretary for the Pontifical Mission Societies, Spiritual Director of the World Apostolate of Fatima (Archdiocesan Unit), Director for the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN) of the Archdiocese and National Responsible for the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests.   

The ordination ceremony was followed by a felicitation programme in which Archbishop Machado emphasized that the selection of the two Bishops was not based on their intelligence, linguistic abilities, or administrative experience, but on their humility and simplicity. He assured the congregation that they would serve all people, regardless of culture, language, or tradition, with particular attention to the poor, marginalized and those facing hardships.  

In a gesture of compassion, the collection taken during the Holy Mass was dedicated to the survivors and victims of the landslides in Wayanad, Kerala.

By Catholic Connect Reporter