Bengaluru, February 29, 2024: Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, recently presided over the Diamond Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration of Most Rev. Dr. Alphonsus Mathias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore, at St. John’s Medical College Hospital in Bangalore. The event was attended by Most Rev. Dr. Lumen Monteiro CSC, Bishop of Agartala, who joined the Eucharistic celebration as a concelebrant, along with many other priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Machado praised Archbishop Alphonsus Mathias as one of the stalwarts of the Indian church. He highlighted Archbishop Mathias' extensive service to the Church in India, having served in various capacities as a priest, bishop, archbishop, and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India. Archbishop Mathias is also noted for being one of the six living bishops in the world who attended the Second Vatican Council as a Council Father.
Archbishop Machado further noted that Archbishop Alphonsus Mathias serves as a model for priests and bishops, inspiring them with his dedication and commitment to the Church.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Peter Machado, Bishop Lumen Monteiro CSC, and the Vicar Generals of the Archdiocese of Bangalore felicitated Archbishop Alphonsus Machado. Additionally, a special issue of Tabor Magazine, dedicated to Archbishop Alphonsus Mathias, was released in the presence of priests, religious, and lay faithful, highlighting his remarkable contributions to the Church.
The Diamond Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration was a testament to Archbishop Alphonsus Mathias' enduring legacy and his significant impact on the Church in India.