Archbishop Udumala Bala Installed as Archbishop of Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, April 3, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam witnessed a historic moment as Most Rev. Udumala Bala was solemnly installed as the new Archbishop of Visakhapatnam. The installation ceremony took place on the grounds of St. Peter’s Cathedral campus in Visakhapatnam, drawing a large gathering of clergy, religious, and faithful.  

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Eminence Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, who formally handed over the pastoral staff to Archbishop Udumala Bala. This symbolic act marked the beginning of his pastoral leadership in the archdiocese. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, read the Papal Bull of appointment in Latin, officially announcing the Holy Father’s decision.

The solemn liturgical ceremony was attended by all bishops from the Telugu region. Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, Vice President of the CCBI, Archbishop Raphy Manjaly of Agra, Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur, Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Bishop Henry D’Souza of Bellary, Bishop Peter Abir of Sultanpet, Bishop Niranjan Sual Singh of Sambalpur, Bishop Ignatius Mascarenhas, Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh, Bishop Aplinar Senapati of Rayagada, and Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak of Berhampur concelebrated the Holy Mass.

Representing the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) were Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, and Fr. Gangula Vignan Das, Associate Director of Communio. Their presence underscored the national significance of the occasion.

The event was marked by the presence of over 30 Bishops and Archbishops from across the country, including His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Bishop Emeritus Gali Bali, who delivered the homily. 

Also present were outgoing Visakhapatnam Apostolic Administrator , Bishop of Eluru Most Rev. Jaya Rao Polimera along with more than 500 diocesan priests, 500 nuns, and an estimated 10,000 lay faithful who gathered to witness this significant moment for the Catholic Church in Andhra Pradesh.

Archbishop Udumala Bala succeeds Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu, who led the Archdiocese for twelve years with dedication and was widely respected for his pastoral leadership and contributions to the Church and society.  

In his address, the newly installed Archbishop expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for entrusting him with this responsibility. He also extended his appreciation to his predecessor, the clergy, religious, and laity for their prayers and support. He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of God with humility and dedication.  

Archbishop Udumala Bala described the occasion as a spiritual journey from “Dhanya Bhoomi to Punya Bhoomi.”

“While Warangal is my Dhanya Bhoomi, Vizag is now my Punya Bhoomi,” he said. “I express God’s special blessing in choosing me from Warangal—the blessed land of prime missionaries—to Vizag, the holy land of MSFS missionaries. 

“I thank all the Catholics of Vizag and people of all religions for their love and welcome. Together, let us build a better Vizag, a better Andhra Pradesh, and a better India. This city and its people are blessed, and I pray for God’s grace upon the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam,” he added. 

Following the liturgical celebration, a felicitation programme honoured the new Archbishop, with Church and civic leaders offering their congratulations and prayers. A reception was held, fostering a spirit of communion and joy among those gathered.  

With Archbishop Udumala Bala at the helm, the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam embarks on a new chapter, guided by his pastoral experience and deep commitment to the mission of the Church.

Fr. Pappula Sudhakar 

Director of Amruthavani communications centre