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Puttur: The Episcopal ordination and felicitation of the newly appointed Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was organized on September 15, 2018 at Rosario Cathedral, Mangalore. The Bishop is also the President of the Catholic Board of Education, managed by the Diocese. St Philomena College Puttur is a premier institution of higher learning under the CBE.

      Rev. Fr Peter Paul Saldanha was born in Aikala village which is near to Kirem, Diocese of Mangalore on April 27, 1964. After his primary and secondary education in his village, he did his studies in philosophy and theology at St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore. He obtained a diploma in Depth Psychology and Formation, from the Institute for Formators, Bangalore, in 1994. He was ordained Priest on May 6, 1991, for the Diocese of Mangalore. He also obtained a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, in 2005.

     Rev. Fr Saldanha served the Diocese in the following ministries: Assistant Parish Priest at St Lawrence’s Church, Moodubelle (1991-1992), Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres (1992-1994), Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Vittal (1994-1996), Teacher and Formator at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu (1996-1999) and at the same time, Vice Rector of the same Seminary (1997-1999). From 1999 to 2005 he did his studies in Rome, and on his return he was appointed Professor at St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu (2005-2010), and during 2008-2010 also served as Vice Rector of the same Seminary. Since 2010 he is Professor of Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome. 

    Rev Fr. Saldanha has been a self effacing priest   of Mangalore diocese, held in high esteem and awe among scholars and his students in Rome and many at home. Approachable, jovial with humor to rule and unassuming, down to earth, his special quality is being a good listener, ready to hear anyone with a need. 

    A book he has authored has made waves in many a circle. Titled "The Church: Mystery of Love and Communion", the subject reveals the depth and commitment he has for the church and people. Perhaps, it is with some good reason that many people on his home turf of Mangalore are looking forward to see him work closer to home.

    He was appointed in the year 2011-2015 as Spiritual Father at the Pontificio Collegio Urbano De Propaganda Fide, Rome. The Holy Father appointed him as Consultor of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops on March 14, 2015 and he was appointed as Adiutor Secretarii Specialis of the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in July 2015.

      On this occasion, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Campus Director and Chairman of PG Studies, Prof. Leo Noronha, Principal, Rev. Fr Vijay Lobo, Principal of PU College and the staff of St Philomena College greeted the new Bishop and wished him all success in his ministry.