Udupi: It was a proud and grace-filled occasion for the parishioners of Mount Rosary Church as Rt. Rev. Dr. Leslie C. D’Souza made his maiden visit after assuming office as the Bishop of Udupi. The Bishop, who had earlier served the parish with dedication and distinction as Vicar from 2017 to 2022, received a warm and heartfelt welcome from his beloved flock.
On Sunday, 10th May 2026, as early as 7:45 a.m., parishioners gathered at the main gate to accord a dignified and cordial reception to their much-admired former Parish Priest—now the ’Shepherd of the Diocese’. The atmosphere was festive yet reverent, filled with gratitude, joy, and excitement.
Dozens of school children, gracefully dressed in white, welcomed the Bishop by showering flower petals, with melodious School Band adding charm and solemnity to the occasion.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Rohan Mascarenhas, Sr. Elveena (Superior of the SRA Sisters), Vice President of the Pastoral Council Mr. Baptist Dias, along with other lay leaders, received him with garlands and floral bouquets as he arrived at the beautifully decorated church premises.
At exactly 8:00 a.m., the solemn Holy Mass commenced with a prayerful and uplifting entrance hymn rendered by the choir. During his homily, the Bishop, in his characteristic inspiring and spiritually enriching style, reflected on the Word of God and deeply touched the hearts of the faithful. His message rekindled cherished memories of his earlier years of service and highlighted his enduring spiritual bond with the parish community.
The Holy Eucharist concluded at 9:15 a.m., followed by a brief yet meaningful felicitation programme
The Bishop is celebrating his 36th anniversary of his sacerdotal Ordination, was honoured with a traditional shawl, memento, garland, and a fruit basket as tokens of love and respect from the parish community, presented by the clergy and all office bearers of the Parish Pastoral Council including Mr Valerian Fernandes coordinator of 20 Ayogs.
Though all parishioners were eager to personally greet their beloved Bishop, a structured representative interaction was thoughtfully arranged. Priority was given to the Presidents and key office bearers of various pious associations and parish bodies, including the SRA Sisters, Headmistress of Mount Rosary English High School Sr. Ancilla Roshni D’Mello, Altar Servers, Marian Sodalities, Legion of Mary, YCS & ICYM, SVP, Stree Sanghatan, Franciscan Order, Senior Citizens Club, Catholic Sabha, the Choir team, and Rozaricho Gaanch.
Earlier, in the beginning of the grand Holy Mass the Parish Priest Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza extended a warm and homely welcome to the Bishop recalling the significance, responsibilities and assuring Rosarians prayerful support.
Mr Baptist Dias, Vice President – PPC, delivered a short felicitation address, expressing the immense joy and happiness of the parish community on this blessed occasion.
In his response, the Bishop fondly reminisced about the “five grace-filled years” (2017–2022) he spent in this vibrant and cosmopolitan parish, where he experienced deep love, care, and collaboration in serving God and His people under the patronage of Mother of the Holy Rosary. He also humbly sought the continued prayers of the faithful as he undertakes his responsibility of leading the Diocese.
Ms. Priya Furtado, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, profusely proposed the vote of thanks, while Rev. Fr. Rohan Mascarenhas ensured the smooth and orderly conduct of the entire programme.
The visit was truly a memorable and spiritually enriching event, strengthening the enduring bond between the Bishop and his former parish, and leaving behind a renewed spirit of faith, unity, and joy among all present.
By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Pics by Pravin Cutinho