Mysuru, Oct. 8 (VVH&KS)- Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ was installed as the new Bishop of Mysuru at the installation ceremony organised at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, St. Philomena’s Church in city yesterday.

The new Bishop was installed by Archbishop of Bengaluru Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, who announced that Pope Leo XIV had appointed Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ as the new Bishop of Mysuru.

Following the Eucharistic Celebration, a felicitation programme was held which was presided by Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Most Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Girelli. The event also included a farewell tribute to Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, who had served as Apostolic Administrator of Mysuru Diocese since January 2023.

The installation ceremony, which lasted over two hours, included the reading of the Papal Bull of Appointment, officially marking the beginning of Bishop Serrao’s pastoral leadership in Mysuru. After taking the oath of office, Bishop Serrao was felicitated by several Bishops, Priests, religious leaders, and hundreds of faithful, who had gathered to witness this spiritual milestone.

Speaking after taking charge as the new Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ thanked Pope Leo XIV for giving him the responsibility to take Mysuru Diocese forward and sought the co-operation of Priests, religious leaders and the people.

The present Diocese of Mysuru comprises Mysuru, Mandya, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts. It has over 1.2 lakh Catholic population in 90 parishes, 128 Priests, several religious men and women serving in the Diocese. The diocese was shepherded by Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese. The Mysuru Diocese continues to render its service to the humanity in spiritual, educational, healthcare and social dimensions throughout the 4 civil districts of Karnataka.

Apostolic Administrator of Mysuru Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, Mysore Diocesan Educational Society Secretary Rev. Fr. Edward Saldanha and others were present.

Profile: Born on Aug. 15, 1959, in Moodbidri, Bishop Francis Serrao is the youngest of 11 children in a devout family, with 5 of his brothers serving as priests and one sister as a religious nun.

He was ordained a Jesuit Priest on Apr. 30, 1992, and dedicated his Ministry to serving dalit and tribal communities, while also teaching theology and later serving as Rector of St. Aloysius College in Mangaluru.

On Mar. 19, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the Bishop of Shivamogga, and he was ordained Bishop on May 7, 2014 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga. With his motto “Service of Faith, Fullness of Life,” he guided the diocese with a spirit of pastoral care and social commitment.

Now appointed to shepherd the Diocese of Mysuru, Bishop Serrao brings with him rich pastoral experience, missionary zeal and a deep commitment to faith, education and social justice.