Fr. Santhosh Bapu Assumes Office as Gulbarga Diocese's New Vicar General

Gulbarga, 10 April, 2025: Fr. Santhosh Bapu officially assumed office as the new Vicar General of the Diocese of Gulbarga during a ceremony held at Sugyan, the diocesan pastoral centre. Presided over by Most Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga, the event brought together priests and religious sisters who witnessed the symbolic handover. Fr. Stany Lobo, the outgoing Vicar General, passed on his responsibilities in a spirit of unity and gratitude.

Born on 25 December 1979 in Palahalli, Mandya District, and ordained on 17 April 2008 for the Diocese of Gulbarga, Fr. Bapu is known for his pastoral commitment and social outreach. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and a Diploma in Development Leadership from the Coady Institute, Canada. Over the years, he has served in key leadership roles, including Director of ORBIT and Sevasangama, Director of Kristashram and Sacred Heart Mission in Aland, and Manager of St. Mary School, Aland.

One of his major contributions is the founding of SPARSHA, a home for children living with HIV. Through this initiative, over 100 children have received shelter, care, and dignity. He also serves in diocesan bodies such as the College of Consultors, Council of Priests, and the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

Fr. Bapu has also made a mark through his involvement in civil society. He has donated blood more than 30 times, is a registered eye donor, and is an active member of the Rotary Club, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Indian Red Cross Society, and the Bamboo Society of India. His dedication to public service has earned him several honours, including the Makkala Kalyana Award (2016) from the Karnataka State Government, the Kannada Rajyotsava Award (2015) in Humnabad, and the Blood Donor Award (2015) from DAPCU, Bidar.

As he steps into this new role, the Diocese of Gulbarga looks forward to Fr. Bapu’s compassionate and visionary leadership as Vicar General.

By Fr. Roshan D'Souza