PANAJI: The appointment of Fr Sebastiäo Mascarenhas, S.F.X., as Bishop of Baroda makes him the third bishop from the Society of Pilar.
His brother, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi, and Bishop-Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias are the two other bishops from the religious congregation, which was formed in 1887.
On Saturday, Cardinal Ferrão went to Pilar and read out the Pope’s letter appointing Fr Sebastiäo Mascarenhas, as Bishop of Baroda, which was followed by thunderous applause by priests from the Society of Pilar who were gathered at the Monestary.
Cardinal Ferrão then read the appointment letter and congratulated the bishop-elect in the presence of Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair Alex Dias and Fr Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General of the Society of Pilar.
In his address, Fr Fernandes said this appointment was a recognition by the Universal Church of the missionary dynamism of the Society of Pilar.
"Our joy knows no bound today as the Church has chosen Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas, a member of the Society of Pilar, as the Bishop of Baroda."
“For years, the Church has been searching for a candidate and has found one in the person of Fr Seby Mascarenhas. This is an indication that the church recognises the Society of Pilar as a mature Society,” Fr Fernandes added.
