Archbishop Anil Couto Marks Episcopal Silver Jubilee in Delhi

New Delhi, March 7, 2026: Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his episcopal ordination on Saturday, March 7, at the grounds of St. Columba's School, New Delhi.

A solemn Thanksgiving Holy Mass marked the occasion. About 35 bishops and more than 150 priests concelebrated the Eucharist. Among the principal concelebrants were Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI; Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal; Cardinal Oswald Gracias; and Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro.

Hundreds of religious men and women, along with seminarians and thousands of lay faithful from parishes across the Archdiocese of Delhi, joined the celebration. The gathering offered prayers of thanksgiving for the archbishop’s 25 years of episcopal service.

The homily was delivered by Ignatius Loyola Mascarenhas, Bishop Emeritus of Simla–Chandigarh. He reflected on the archbishop’s pastoral commitment and his years of dedicated service to the Church.

In his remarks, Archbishop Couto thanked God and expressed deep gratitude to all who supported him in his ministry. He recalled that his episcopal motto, “That They May All Be One” (John 17:21), continues to guide his mission of unity, communion, and service in the Church.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was held in his honour. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão congratulated the archbishop on behalf of the Church in India. Recalling their days in the minor seminary, the Cardinal shared that Bro. Anil once wished to become a priest of the Archdiocese of Goa. Later, he felt called to missionary service and moved to the Archdiocese of Delhi for theological studies. The Cardinal remarked that what was a loss for Goa became a blessing for Delhi.

Dignitaries and guests from different sectors of society attended the programme to congratulate the archbishop and acknowledge his long years of service to the Church and society.

The CCBI was represented by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General, along with Fr. Chetan Machado, Fr. Jaison Vadassery, and Fr. John Barman, M.S.FS.

By Catholic Connect Reporter