Udupi: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza as the new Bishop of the Udupi Diocese. He is currently serving as the parish priest of the Shirva Arogya Matha Church.

The appointment was officially announced on January 31 at 12 noon in Rome and at the same time at the Milagres Cathedral, Kalyanpur. The post had remained vacant after the then Bishop, Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, retired two years ago and continued in office in the absence of a new appointment.

Primary Education:

Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza was born on August 19, 1962, at Ermal village to Lawrence D’Souza and Cecilia. He completed his primary education at Saraswati Mandir Higher Primary School, Uchila, and high school education at the Government Fisheries High School, Ermal. He studied PUC at Poornaprajna College, Admar.

Along with priestly training, he pursued higher studies. While studying philosophy at St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Mangaluru, he obtained a BA degree from the University of Mysuru. He later earned a degree in theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome, an MA in English literature from the University of Mysuru, a diploma in Depth Psychology and Formation from Bengaluru, a Licentiate in Theology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, and a Doctorate in Moral Theology.

He was ordained as a priest for the Mangaluru Diocese on May 10, 1990. His priestly service began as assistant parish priest at Holy Rosary Church, Kundapur, and Holy Cross Church, Kulshekar, Mangaluru. He later served as parish priest at St John the Evangelist Church, Pangala/Shankarpura, and Mount Rosary Church, Kalyanpur–Santhekatte.

Since June 2022, he has been serving as parish priest of the Shirva Arogya Matha Church and as coordinator of Don Bosco and St Mary’s educational institutions. He has also played a key role in the administration and management of the Udupi Diocese.

Shirva Arogya Matha Church: Felicitation

Meanwhile, a felicitation programme was held at Shirva Arogya Matha Church on Saturday to honour Dr Leslie D’Souza on his appointment. Members of the parish council and devotees honoured him with floral bouquets. Outgoing Bishop Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo offered his blessings on the occasion.

In his blessings and said that, during the annual feast of Our Lady of Health, by the grace of the Mother, Dr. Leslie D’Souza has received a high opportunity to serve God. He added that may Mother Mary bless him with the strength to serve by bringing everyone together.

Bishop-designate Dr Leslie D’Souza expressed gratitude to the parish council, finance committee and devotees for their love and support during his service.

Speaking on the occasion, the designated Bishop Rt Rev Dr Leslie D’Souza said that Mother Mary has granted him a great opportunity to serve God. He expressed his gratitude to the parish council, the finance committee and the faithful for the love and trust shown to him during his service.

Parish priests from various churches, including Rev George D’Souza, Rev Anil D’Souza of Udyavar, Rev Henry Mascarenhas of Ajekar, assistant parish priests Rev Anil Rodrigues, SDB Rev Roshan D’Souza, Rev Rolvin Aranha, vice-president of the parish council Julian Rodrigues, secretary Gilbert Pinto, former vice-president Melvin Aranha, church commission coordinator Shalini Korda, the sisters of the Nativity Convent, members of the church finance and parish councils, and the faithful were present.

It may be noted that Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, who had earlier served as assistant parish priest at the same church, became the first Bishop of the Udupi Diocese. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza has now been appointed as the second Bishop of the Diocese.