India News

By Fr Elvis Fernandes SFX

Goa, Jan 1 , 2023 : The news that Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas, from the Society of Pilar, as the new Bishop of Baroda has filled the congregation with great joy. Fr. Sebastiao has been an outstanding member of the Society of Pilar, having served his Society and the Church in various important ministries, such as Professor and Rector at the All India Mission Seminary at Pilar, Provincial Superior of the Mumbai Province of the Society of Pilar, Superior of the Mission of Daman of this Archdiocese and, finally, as the Superior General of the Society of Pilar. In all these capacities he showed a keen sense of responsibility, serenity and wisdom while dealing with problems and with people.

"In the name of the Church in Goa and Daman and in my own name, I extend warm congratulations to Fr Sebastiao on this new and challenging appointment at the service of the Church and I wish him choicest blessings from God in the carrying out of his new mission", said Cardinal Ferrão.

He now joins his brother, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, in the episcopal service of the Universal Church. Hearty congratulations!

Superior General, Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes Congratulates Bishop Elect Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas

His Eminence Cardinal Ferrão congratulates Bishop Elect

Profile of Bishop Elect Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas : 

Name: Sebastiao Mascarenhas
Father: Joaquim Mascarenhas
Mother: Maria Joaquina Barreto
Sister: Maria Dias
Brother: Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas
Brother: Albert Mascarenhas

Date of Birth: 29.07.1959
Place: Camurlimde Salcete, Archdiocese of Goa Daman

Mother tongue: Konkani
Other Languages: Gujarati, Hindi,Marathi, English, German, French

High School: Fr. Agnel School, Pilar, Goa (SSC 1974)
Graduation:
St Frances de Sales college, Nagpur University
B A in Economics and English Literature (1979)

Ecclesiastical Philosophy: St Charles Seminary, Nagpur, India 1976-1979
Regency: Curdi, Goa (1979-1980)
Theology: All India Mission Seminary, Pilar, Goa, India (1980-84)
Licentiate: Missiology, Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule, Sankt Augustin, Germany (1994)
Doctorate: Systematic Theology, University of Freiburg, Germany (2000)

First Profession: 20.06.1976
Final Profession: 1983

Ordination: 06.05.1984 at Mission Seminary, Pilar, Goa

1984-1988:
APP Our Lady of Velankanni Church Vapi, Gujarat
Principal, Mother of Hope School, Vapi, Gujarat
In charge, St Mary School, Chanod, Gujarat

1988-1990:
APP Our Lady of Piety Church, Silvassa, Nagar Haveli
Principal, Fr. Agnel School, Silvassa, Nagar Haveli

1990-1992:
Chaplain, Our Lady of Rosary Chapel, Shelti, Nagar Haveli
In Charge, Nirmal Mata School, Shelti, Nagar Haveli
Director, Social Service Adivasi Society, Khanwel, Nagar Haveli

1992-1994:
Licentiate in Missiology, at Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule, Sankt Augustin, Germany

1994-1996:
Chaplain, St. Francis Xavier Chapel, Dudhni, Nagar Haveli
Principal, St. Francis Xavier School, Dudhni, Nagar Haveli
Visiting Professor, Mission Seminary, Pilar Goa

1996-2000:
Doctorate, Systematic Theology, University of Freiburg, Germany
Assist at: Pfarrei St Peter und Paul & Pfarrei St Georg, Freiburg

2000-2002: Professor and Animator, Mission Seminary, Pilar

2002-2009:
Rector and Professor,Mission Seminary, Pilar
Guest Professor: St. Pius X Pastoral Centre, Old Goa

2009-2012:
Provincial Superior, Mumbai Province, Society of Pilar
Visiting Professor, Mission Seminary, Pilar
Guest Professor: St Pius X Pastoral Centre, Old Goa

2013-2017:
Superior of Mission of Daman (Daman, Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli)
Parish Priest, Our Lady of Remedios Church, Moti Daman
Parochial Administrator, Holy Name Church, Fort Daman
Visiting Professor, Mission Seminary, Pilar

2017-2022:
Superior General, Society of the Missionaries of St Francis Xavier, Pilar Goa
Visiting Professor, Mission Seminary, Pilar

2022: Appointed to Khempur Mission, Ahmedabad