Jaipur Diocese inaugurated, Bishop Oswald Lewis installed first bishop

Jaipur – The new diocese of Jaipur has been formerly inaugurated on August 28, 2005, on the lawns of St. Anselm’s School, Pink City, Jaipur. Bishop Oswald Lewis was installed as the first Bishop of the new diocese carved out from Ajmer–Jaipur.

Apostolic Nuncio in India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana presided over the solemn ceremony and formally inaugurated the new diocese.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by 16 bishops, including Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Agra, Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi, Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes of Gandhinagar and Bishop Ignatius Menezes of Ajmer.

In his message, Archbishop Quintana highlighting the role of a bishop, saying, “Bishops are successors of the apostles. They are shepherds of the people of God. It involves a solemn responsibility of teaching, sanctifying and administering the diocese.”

The Apostolic Nuncio stressed on the commitment of the Catholic Church for an ongoing dialogue with people of different religions. Appreciating the cultural diversity of Rajasthan, he stated that Rajasthan is a “colourful State”.

Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Mr. Anil Vaish was the guest of honour at the public reception accorded to the new Bishop. He appreciated the “humble, peace–loving, Christian communities” which has “enriched” the country through its variety of services.