Mangaluru: At the Rosario Cathedral, the solemn rituals and observances are being witnessed by over ten thousand people, at least 28 Bishops and 480 priests are at the ceremony as estimated. The venue is a super effort and has all arrangement under a pleasant canopy.

Those present here are comfortably seated and are watching the whole solemn ritual since 9 am, many have arrived earlier too from all directions around Mangaluru. The beautiful venue is very well managed, the central stage is visible from all corners and for those who need huge LCD screens too are there, huge fans/blowers are keeping the fully covered area cool , the volunteers over 600 of them take care of all needs of the allotted block and are watching the holy event.

At noon the civic felicitations will follow before lunch is served for all. This event is considered a blessing from God for the times to come and see a beginning of a Divine process in all events. Rev Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha becomes the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese.

A synonym for consecrate is to sanctify, ’anointing’ is relevant and matches the Indian term ’Abishek’. Episcopal ordination, is the term now more common and preferred. Following is a condensed step by step explanation of the solemn rituals. The Episcopal consecration, will have some similarities to the rite of priestly ordination, and is also referred to as the “Episcopal Ordination.

Conducted by Cardinals and several Bishops. The venue is a fitting and prime location as thousands will attend with several dignitaries and VVIPs present. The local Minsters, elected representatives, senior officials have all extended co-operation for this holy event and declared it to be a celebration of the entire population without differentiation. September 15, 2018, at 9 am, at Rosario Cathedral commenced and event is expected to go on till about 2 pm and end with lunch for all. There are traffic and parking restrictions in place around the Rosario area.

The principal consecrator (in this case Rev.Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore) with two other consecrating bishops, (Rt.Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore & Rev Dr. Gerald Lobo, Bishop of Udupi). The procession moves to the altar in the usual way, a deacon carries the Book of the Gospels; he is followed by the priests who will concelebrate, the new bishop designate, between the priests assisting him. ,

The consecration / ordination of a bishop begins after the gospel. All stand, the hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus is sung, The principal consecrator and the consecrating bishops, wearing their miters, go to the seats prepared for the ordination and sit.

Presentation of the Bishop-Elect : One of the priests addresses the principal consecrator – Asks to ordain this priest, Rev Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, for service as bishop of Mangalore.

The bishop-elect then rises and stands in front of the principal consecrator, questions him: An age-old church custom that a bishop designates be questioned before the people on his resolve to uphold the faith and to discharge his duties faithfully.

Apostolic Letter : The principal consecrator asks him for the mandate from the Holy See. Lets it be read. After the reading, all present give their assent to the choice in some other way, according to local custom. Then the principal consecrator, while all are sitting, briefly addresses the clergy, people, and the new bishop designate, on the duties of a bishop as is appropriate in the circumstance. He then addresses the bishop designate suitably as demanded by the situation.

The principal consecrator and the consecrating bishops stand at their places, facing the people. The new bishop designate rises, goes to the principal consecrator, and kneels before him. The principal consecrator lays his hands upon the head of the bishop-elect, in silence. Then the other bishops present do the same. Then the principal consecrator places the open Book of the Gospels upon the head of the bishop-elect; two deacons, standing at either side of the bishop-elect, hold the Book of the Gospels above his head until the prayer of consecration is completed.

The blessing of the ring, pastoral staff, and miter may takes place at a convenient time prior to the ordination service. Thus the newly consecrated bishop is vested with : Miter for holiness and spirituality, Crosier for healing and guiding, Ring for fidelity and authority, simultaneously he will have full sway over the Diocese empowered by the Holy See. These are placed on the new bishop.

The new bishop is officially invited to occupy the chair; the principal consecrator sits at the right of the newly ordained bishop. The newly ordained Bishop then sets aside his staff and receives the kiss of peace from the principal consecrator and all the other bishops.

It is most appropriate for all the consecrating bishops and the priests assisting the new bishop to concelebrate the Mass. Since the consecration takes place at Rosario, the new bishop’s own church, many priests of his diocese may also concelebrate. Also, since, consecration is in the bishop’s seat church, the principal consecrator may ask the newly ordained bishop to preside over the celebration of the Eucharistic liturgy. The rite for the concelebration of Mass is followed

At the conclusion of the prayer after communion, the newly ordained bishop is led by the consecrating bishops through the church, and he blesses the congregation. After the hymn, the new bishop may stand at the altar or at the chair with staff and miter and address the people briefly. The ceremony comes to a close with special blessings.

The sacred ceremony will be followed by a civil public felicitation.The new bishop Rev Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, will be welcomed, honoured and felicitated profusely at this juncture to give the confidence and support in his new role and great responsibility. All ends well as Mangalore has a new Bishop – Good wishes and a long successful ministry for the good of peoples.