Udupi : The new Diocese of Udupi formally came into existence with Rev Dr Geraald Isaac Lobo installed as the first Bishop of Udupi at a graceful function currently underway  at the Milagres Cathedral Grounds at Kalianpur on  October 15, Monday.

The ceremony began with  a formal reception to the new Bishop along  with Apostolic Nuncio in India, Dr. Salvotor Pennacchio and other dignitaries at  the entrance of the Cathedral.

Mangalore Bishop Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza  is the President of the Installation Ceremony. The official decree received from Vatican about the new Bishop of the Diocese was read out in Latin and Konkani and the new Bishop was seated in the “Kathedra” his official seat marking the formal installation of the Diocese.

A Holy Mass was also held at the Cathedral grounds. Apostolic Nuncio in India, Dr. Salvotore Pennacchio was the principal Prelate along with new Bishop Dr. Gerald Issac Lobo as the main celebrant of the Mass.

Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore Archdiocese, Dr. Ingatius Pinto, Retd Archbishop of Bangalore Archdiocese, Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D�Souza Bishop of Mangalore, together with more than 35 bishops and 300 priests  took  part in the Holy Eucharistic celebrations.

A host of dignitaries including Sri Sugunendra Theetha Swamiji of Puttige Mutt, Udupi Deputy Commissioner Dr MT Reju, several elected reprsenatives and leaders graced the function.