Belagavi: Bishop of Karwar Most Rev Derek Fernandes was on Wednesday installed as the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Belagavi at a largely attended religious ceremony in the Fatima Cathedral at Camp here.
Msgr Javier Fernandez, delegate of the Apostolic Nuncio from Rome in Delhi, representing Pope Francis, handed over the letter of authority to Bishop Fernandes in the presence of Archbishop of Bengaluru Peter Machado, Archbishop of Goa Filipe Neri Ferrao, president of Catholic Bishops Conference of India, Archbishop Emeritus of Bengaluru, Bernard Moras and 11 other bishops.
About 400 priests, sisters and large number of Christians were present for the religious function and the civic reception.
In his preaching during the religious ceremony, Bishop Fernandes emphasizing on the motto ‘Caste your net on the other side,” urged people to listen to Gods word and be obedient to him as obedience leads to strong faith and humanitarian services.
Bishop Fernandes also said he is privileged to be back to serve the people of Belagavi and north Karnataka region and would toil tirelessly for the welfare of the people of region, especially the poor and the marginalized irrespective of caste and creed.
At a civic function that followed Administrator of the Diocese of Belgaum Fr Eusebio Fernandes briefed about the diocese of Belagavi and said the people were privileged to have Bishop Fernandes, a priest of the diocese, back as the bishop of Belagavi. Bishop Fernandes was felicitated on behalf of the people of Belagavi. DCP Seema Latkar, Dr Vivek Saoji, vice chancellor of KLE University and Dr Sanjay Pujari, head of Angadi Group of Institutions expressed their solidarity to the Christians of the region.
“It has been my privilege to be associated with the Christian community and also feel that we belong to one family,” Seema Latkar said.
Karnataka Regional Council of Bishops also felicitated Bishop Derek at the hands of Archbishop Peter Machado.
Civil dignitaries comprising elected representatives and senior officials were also present for the felicitation.
The Goan Network