The news that our beloved Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Sebastiao Mascarenhas, from the Society of Pilar, as the new Bishop of Baroda has filled us 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. He now joins his brother, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, in the episcopal service of the Universal Church. Hearty congratulations!