Archbishop John Rodrigues Takes the Cathedra as Bombay’s New Spiritual Leader

Mumbai, February 11, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Bombay witnessed a historic and jubilant celebration on Tuesday as the faithful gathered at the Holy Name Cathedral to welcome their new spiritual leader, Archbishop John Rodrigues, during a solemn Thanksgiving and Welcoming Eucharist. The solemn liturgy, attended by eminent Church leaders, was also broadcast globally, allowing Catholics worldwide to join in prayer and celebration.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop John Rodrigues and concelebrated by Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Filipe Cardinal Neri Ferrão, and Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. They were joined by Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur, Bishop Dominic Savio (Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay), Bishop Barthol of Nasik, Bishop Emeritus Felix Lourdes Daniel of Nasik, Bishop Thomas D’Souza of Vasai, and Bishop Emeritus Alwyn DiSilva of Bombay. Adding a personal dimension to the celebration, Fr. Savio Rodrigues and Fr. Luke Rodrigues, SJ, the Archbishop’s brothers, also concelebrated the Mass.

Nearly 200 priests, along with religious sisters and lay faithful, filled the cathedral, creating an atmosphere of deep faith and unity. The ceremony began with the reading of the Papal Bull appointing Archbishop John Rodrigues as Coadjutor Bishop of Bombay, followed by Cardinal Gracias’ formal resignation, which officially elevated Archbishop Rodrigues as the new shepherd of the archdiocese. In a solemn moment, he took his place on the cathedra, symbolising his leadership. He then blessed the congregation with holy water, signifying renewal and purification.

In his homily, Archbishop Rodrigues emphasised six key themes: the Church as a mother nourishing her children through Scripture and sacraments; the law of love replacing rigid old laws; hope in suffering as a path to grace; the family as the domestic Church; acknowledging human imperfection to be filled with God's grace; and striving for spiritual perfection with God’s guidance. Concluding in Marathi, he deeply resonated with the local faithful, calling them to discipleship.

Marking the World Day of the Sick, Cardinal Neri led a special blessing for the sick, followed by Archbishop Rodrigues extending his first official pastoral outreach by blessing the inmates of Mother Teresa’s Home. This act of compassion set the tone for his leadership, centered on faith, service, and renewal, as the Archdiocese of Bombay embraced its new Archbishop.

By Fr. Nigel Barrett