Calcutta Archdiocese Welcomes Coadjutor Archbishop Elias Frank

Kolkata, August 24, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Calcutta welcomed its new Coadjutor, Archbishop Elias Frank, while also marking the second anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination with a Pontifical High Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Murgihatta, on Sunday morning.

The solemn celebration, which began in the morning, was led by Archbishop Elias as the principal celebrant. He was joined at the altar by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta and 20 priests, including Deans, Provincials, and other senior clergy. The liturgy drew a large congregation of clergy, religious, and laity, though attendance was limited mainly to parishioners of the Cathedral, which now serves as the titular See of Archbishop Elias until his succession as Archbishop of Calcutta. To ensure wider participation, the Mass was livestreamed across the Archdiocese, enabling the faithful to share in the historic occasion.

A highlight of the ceremony came when Archbishop Thomas D’Souza felicitated the new Coadjutor with an uthorio and bouquet, after which representatives of the religious and laity extended their greetings. Among them was a young girl, whose offering was warmly acknowledged by Archbishop Elias with a cheerful “high five”, drawing smiles across the congregation.

The congregation also witnessed a symbolic moment when the Letter of Appointment from Pope Leo was read aloud in English by the Chancellor, Fr. Dominic Gomes. The original Latin manuscript was then presented for all to see, underscoring the solemnity of the papal mandate.

Following the liturgical celebration, parishioners were invited to share in light refreshments. This offered a more informal moment for the faithful to personally greet and congratulate Archbishop Elias, strengthening the bond between the shepherd and his flock.

The celebration marked not only a milestone in Archbishop Elias’s own journey but also a significant moment in the life of the Archdiocese. As Coadjutor, he now prepares to eventually assume full responsibility as Archbishop of Calcutta, a role in which he will guide the faithful of one of India’s most historic Catholic sees.

The day’s events reflected both reverence for tradition and a sense of joyful community, as the Archdiocese looked forward to a new chapter in its pastoral leadership.

By Office of Social Communication, I&M, Calcutta Archdiocese

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