Msgr. Felix Machado Consecrated Bishop Of Nashik Diocese

NASHIK, MARCH 09, 2008, (CBCI News/Raymond Machado):

In a grand liturgical ceremony, the newly appointed Archbishop Felix Machado was consecrated by Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, on Saturday March 08 at 11 a.m. as the new Bishop of Nashik diocese in northern Maharashtra.

The appointment was made by Pope Benedict XVI on 16 January 2008, while Msgr. Machado functioned as the Undersecretary at the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue in the Vatican.

The See of Nashik was left vacant after Bishop Thomas Bhalerao, S.J. turned in his resignation to the Pontiff on 31 March 2007 on grounds of health.

Eighteen bishops from various dioceses in Maharashtra, including Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata –Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Vatican, more than 200 priests, hundreds of nuns and about twenty thousand people thronged at St. Xavier's High School grounds, Nashik Road, Nashik, to witness the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Machado. The Principal Consecrator Cardinal Gracias was assisted by co-consecrators Bishop Valerian D'Souza of Pune and Bishop Emeritus of Nashik Msgr. Bhalerao.

Born June 06, 1948, Felix Machado studied Philosophy at St. Pius College, Goregaon, Mumbai and did his theology in Leon, France . He was ordained a priest on 30 October 1976. Through his dissertation on Sant Jnaneshvar, Fr. Machado obtained his doctorate from Fordham University, New York, in 1984.

Over the years, as a professor Fr. Machado taught at Hofstra University in Hempstead, LI, USA; St. Pius College, Mumbai; K.J. Somaiya Peetham, Mumbai; Regina Mundi Pontifical Institute, Rome and Auxilium University, Rome.

He has written numerous articles in various Indian and foreign journals of philosophy and theology in languages such as Marathi, English, French and Italian. Msgr. Machado has participated in national and international National seminars and conferences, delivered key-note addresses and major talks in various countries.

The consecration ceremony began at 11 a.m. when the Bishop-elect was led in procession from the Shrine of Infant Jesus to the huge grounds, where a colossal Shamiyana and an altar was erected. As the angelic girls led the procession with their religious dance, the bishops were welcomed with an Aarti by Suhasinis, who placed Tilaks on their foreheads.

After the Liturgy of the Word, the Bishop-elect was presented to the Principal Consecrator for Episcopal Ordination. Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Peter Dias then read the Papal Bull, - an official document signed by Pope Benedict XVI, appointing Archbishop Machado as the Bishop of Nashik – for which all the gathered faithful thanked God.

"This is the Day which the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it…", rejoiced Bishop Thomas Dabre of Vasai in his homily. Overjoyed with the appointment of Msgr. Felix as the new Bishop of Nashik, Bishop Dabre briefly narrated all the duties the newly consecrated Bishop has to fulfill and the responsibilities he has to shoulder while guiding his flock to the heavenly abode.

The Principal Consecrator, Cardinal Gracias, questioned the Bishop-elect before the people, on his resolve to uphold the faith and to discharge his duties faithfully. Msgr. Machado then prostrated in all humility and submission to God and to St. Peter's successor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the person of Oswald Cardinal Gracias, while the Litany of Saints was sung and the Power of the Holy Spirit invoked.

As per the Ordination Rite, the Principal Consecrator and each participating bishop laid hands on the new Bishop as a sign of collegiality and unity. For his role as a Teacher of the Word of God, the Book of the Gospels was placed on the new Bishop's head. The Consecrator and participating bishops then said Prayers of Consecration. As a Sanctifier the new Bishop's head was anointed with the Holy Oil. To preach the Word of God with unfailing patience and sound teaching, the Principal Consecrator presented him the Book of the Gospels. The ring worn in the finger signified the newly ordained bishop's "conjugal fidelity" to the Church.

As Shepherd and Administrator, a Miter was placed on his head and crosier (staff) given in his hand. Then the Consecrator invited the new Bishop to occupy the Chair. The newly ordained Bishop then received the Kiss of Peace from the Principal Consecrator and all Bishops present. In a novel way, the newly ordained Bishop also received prominent leaders of other religions to exchange the Kiss of Peace.

At the end of the Holy Eucharist, the newly ordained Bishop of Nashik, Archbishop Felix Machado imparted his first Episcopal Blessings to the thousands of faithful who had gathered to witness the consecration ceremony. Thereafter, Archbishop Felix Machado was felicitated by a cultural programme performed by various groups from the diocese.

The diocese of Nashik was carved out of Pune diocese by late Pope John Paul II in 1987. It consists of civil revenue districts of Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar and Ahmednagar in the western Indian state of Maharashtra . It is spread over 57,532 Sq. Kms. and out of total population of 1,35,00,000, more than 78,000 are Catholic. Languages spoken are Marathi, Hindi, Konkani, English, Tamil and Malayalam. The diocese has 29 parishes, numerous educational, technical and health institutions, being served by 27 diocesan clergy, 95 religious men and 266 religious women.