Bishop Barthol Barretto, formerly Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, was installed officially as Bishop of Nashik Diocese at the Cathedral of St Anne, Nashik, on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The Cathedral was packed with clergy, religious men and women and Lay Faithful, not just from Nashik, but also from Mumbai and other places to witness the momentous occasion. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli and a host of other Bishops were also present for the Installation Ceremony.
The ceremony began with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bombay, His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, presenting Bishop Barthol to the representatives of the Nashik clergy at the main door of the Cathedral. Bishop Lourdes Daniel, Emeritus Bishop, Nashik Diocese, presented Bishop Barthol with a crucifix and a sprinkler filled with Holy Water. Bishop Barthol sprinkled himself first and then sprinkled the clergy present and the lay faithful sitting outside the Cathedral.
The installation ceremony began with the reading of Pope Francis’ Letter of Appointment by Fr Robert Pen SDB, Chancellor after which Bishop Barthol was led to his Cathedra by His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias completing the Act of the Installation of the new Bishop.
In the Homily which was bi-lingual, Bishop Barthol highlighted the Sermon on the Mount, in particular, the Beatitudes which Pope Francis refers to as the Christian’s identity card, as the formula for Christian Living. Bishop Barthol urged the faithful to follow the example of Jesus who motivates His disciples to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors. Bishop Barthol also highlighted the celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025 as a roadmap of mercy, reconciliation and synodality, mapped out by Pope Francis through a two-year of study and prayer. Referring to the theme of the Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Mercy, Bishop Barthol motivated those present in the Congregation to become witnesses of mercy to those at home, in the neighbourhood and in our society.
The Eucharistic celebration was followed by the Felicitation Ceremony where the dignitaries were presented with a shawl and bouquet. At the end of the entire ceremony, a simple buffet lunch was served to all those present for the Installation Ceremony.