Fr. Edward Baretto Ordained as Co-adjutor Bishop of Darjeeling

Darjeeling, Jan 21, 2026: In a significant occasion for the Diocese of Darjeeling, Fr. Edward Baretto was ordained as the Co-adjutor Bishop of Darjeeling on 21 January at St. Augustine’s School Ground, Kalimpong, marking an important moment in the life of the diocese. The ordination took place in the presence of Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, underlining the unity of the local Church with the Holy See.

With the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration—the heart of the episcopal ordination rite—Fr. Edward Baretto was ordained to the episcopate and entrusted with his pastoral responsibility as Co-adjutor Bishop of Darjeeling. These central moments unfolded within the Eucharistic celebration, observed in prayer by the assembled faithful.

The gathering brought together Archbishops and Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the region and beyond, reflecting the wider ecclesial importance of the ordination. Their presence highlighted the shared life of the Church and the collective responsibility toward the pastoral mission of the Diocese of Darjeeling.

The ordination ceremony was not only a significant moment for Bishop Edward Baretto personally, but also a moment of thanksgiving and hope for the Diocese of Darjeeling, as it looks forward to renewed pastoral leadership and service in the years to come.

The liturgy was presided over by Elias Frank, Archbishop of the Calcutta Archdiocese, who served as the principal ordaining Bishop, assisted by Vincent Aind, Archbishop of the Ranchi Archdiocese, and Stephen Lepcha, Bishop of the Diocese of Darjeeling.

As the celebration drew to a close, expressions of gratitude and felicitations were extended, and prayers were offered for the new Co-adjutor Bishop and his ministry. The faithful also commended the Diocese of Darjeeling to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary as it enters a new phase of pastoral leadership.

By Fr. Alexander Gurung