A Grace-filled Thanksgiving: First Anniversary of Our Auxiliary Bishops’ Episcopal Ordination

The Archdiocese of Bangalore gathered in profound joy and gratitude on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral to celebrate the First Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of our beloved Auxiliary Bishops, Rt. Rev. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar and Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan. The Cathedral was filled with priests, religious, and faithful who came together as one family of God to thank the Lord for the gift of their shepherds and the blessings of their ministry over the past year.

The solemn Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, who set the tone of the celebration with words of encouragement and gratitude. In his message, he highlighted the beauty of episcopal service as a call to shepherd God’s people with humility and love. With a fatherly heart, Archbishop Machado reminded us: “Today’s celebration is more than a milestone—it is a testament to God’s guiding hand and the collective faith of our people. We stand united in gratitude, hope, and the promise of service to our Archdiocese.” His words deeply resonated with all present, inspiring us to see this anniversary not only as a commemoration, but as a renewal of our common mission.

The homily was preached by Fr. Arockiaswamy Sebastin, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Basilica, who beautifully reflected on the crosier held by every bishop. He reminded the faithful: “The crosier is not a symbol of power, but of service. Like the shepherd’s staff, it guides, protects, and sometimes even corrects. When we see our bishops carrying the crosier, we are reminded that they are called to walk ahead of us, beside us, and behind us—leading us to Christ, standing with us in our struggles, and seeking out the lost with compassion.” His words drew us into the deeper meaning of episcopal ministry as a living reflection of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Our Auxiliary Bishops too, with simplicity and joy, shared their gratitude with the faithful. Bishop Arockia Raj Satis Kumar, moved by the occasion, expressed: “This past year has been a journey of walking with the people of God—listening, learning, and serving. I thank the Lord for His grace and for the love and support of our Archdiocesan family.” 

Bishop Joseph Susainathan, equally touched, added: “The mission entrusted to us is not ours alone; it belongs to the Church. Together, as priests, religious, and laity, we build up the Body of Christ in Bangalore with faith and hope.” Their words carried the sincerity of shepherds close to their flock, strengthening the bond between the faithful and their pastors.

The liturgy was made more beautiful with the harmonious choir, the prayerful participation of priests and religious, and the silent devotion of the faithful who filled the Cathedral. The atmosphere was one of grace and thanksgiving—where incense rose like prayer to heaven, and hymns echoed the joy of the Church in Bangalore. It was not just a celebration of the past year but also a moment to look forward with renewed zeal for the mission of evangelization, pastoral care, and service to the poor and marginalized.

As the Mass concluded, hearts were lifted in gratitude for the gift of our Auxiliary Bishops, and for the steady guidance of Archbishop Peter Machado, who leads our Archdiocese with wisdom and vision. This first anniversary celebration has become a milestone of faith in the history of the Archdiocese—a reminder that the Church grows not only in numbers but in communion, service, and holiness. Truly, it was a day to remember, a moment of grace, and a joyful sign of God’s enduring presence with His people in Bangalore.

On behalf of the Archbishop, priests, religious, and faithful of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, we lovingly congratulate and prayerfully wish our dear Auxiliary Bishops many more years of fruitful ministry in the vineyard of the Lord.