Calcutta Archdiocese Welcomes Archbishop Frank, Bids Farewell to Archbishop Thomas

Kolkata, September 29, 2025– The Archdiocese of Calcutta came together on Sunday to celebrate both continuity and transition in its leadership, as a Thanksgiving Mass honoured the ministry of outgoing Archbishop Thomas D’Souza and welcomed the new Archbishop, Dr. Elias Frank, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Murgihatta.

The liturgy began with dancing tribal women leading the entrance procession of bishops and priests, accompanied by the voices of a Santali hymn.

Introducing the celebration, Cathedral Pro-Vicar Dr. Franklin Menezes described the day as an occasion of gratitude and welcome, thanking Archbishop Thomas for his faithful service since 2013 and greeting Archbishop Frank as the 10th Archbishop of Calcutta.

The congregation included bishops from across the Bengal region, civic leaders and diplomats such as Derek O’Brien MP, Italian Ambassador Antonio Enrico Bartoli, and French Consul General Thierry Morel, alongside parish representatives from across the archdiocese.

Preaching on the Gospel of Luke, Archbishop Frank urged priests and parishioners to identify the “Lazaruses” in their communities. “Visit those in need and spend time with them,” he said. “Sometimes a few moments of presence can speak more powerfully than any material help.”

Following the Eucharist, a felicitation ceremony honoured both archbishops and the Nuncio, each receiving a specially crafted statue or artwork symbolising their ministry. The Nuncio praised Archbishop Thomas’s steadfast leadership and welcomed Archbishop Frank as the new “chief Pastor of Calcutta Archdiocese.”

Fr. Moloy B. D’Costa, the diocese’s Financial Administrator, highlighted Archbishop Thomas’s achievements, while Archbishop Emeritus Thomas himself struck a heartfelt note of gratitude in his farewell address. After greeting the congregation in Santali, he said: “My heart is filled with many feelings today. But the dominant one is gratitude.”

He emphasised his commitment to interfaith harmony and acknowledged the support of the West Bengal government, especially Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Quoting Luke 17:10, he reflected: “I have not done anything special, but only my duty – the mission of service and love entrusted to me.” His words drew a standing ovation from the faithful.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Fr. Dominic Gomes, former Vicar General and Chancellor. Outside on the Rosary Path, priests, bishops and laity mingled joyfully, sharing refreshments and capturing memories with countless photographs.

By the Office of Social Communication, Information & Media, Archdiocese of Calcutta

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