Fr. Stephen Fernandes Ordained as the Mumbai Auxiliary Bishop

Mumbai, January 4, 2026: A significant chapter unfolded for the Catholic community in Mumbai with the ordination of Bishop Stephen Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, an event that brought together senior Church leaders, clergy and faithful from across the city.

The episcopal ordination took place at Our Lady of Salvation Church, a parish closely linked to the new bishop’s own faith journey. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, served as the principal consecrator, assisted by Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay and Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, former Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal and President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in the Vatican.

More than 30 bishops and archbishops participated in the celebration, including Cardinal Oswald Gracias and Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao. Priests, religious, lay faithful and members of the diplomatic community were also present.

Bishop Stephen Fernandes was appointed by Pope Leo XIV, as announced by the Holy See Press Office. A native of Mumbai, he is the son of the late John and Palmira Fernandes and a parishioner of Our Lady of Salvation Church. He holds degrees in Commerce and Education from the University of Mumbai and completed his priestly formation at St. Pius X College, Goregaon.

Ordained a priest in 1990 by the late Simon Cardinal Pimenta, his ministry has included parish pastoral work, seminary formation, advanced theological studies at the Alphonsian Academy in Rome, and teaching Moral Theology at St. Pius X College. He has also served as Executive Secretary of the Commission for Theology and Doctrine of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India and was attached to the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi prior to his episcopal appointment.

In his homily, Archbishop John Rodrigues reflected on the journey of the Magi, linking their search for Christ to the mission entrusted to a bishop in guiding and serving the faithful.

Prayers and messages of support were extended to Bishop Stephen Fernandes as he begins his new ministry as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay.

By PRO

CBCI

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