Rev. Fr Stephen Dsouza Appointed as New Chancellor of the Diocese of Udupi

Udupi : Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, has appointed Rev. Fr Stephen Dsouza as the new Chancellor of the diocese, effective from 31 March 2025.

Rev. Fr Stephen Dsouza officially assumed his office during a prayer service held at the Bishop’s House chapel, presided over by Bishop Gerald Lobo. During the ceremony, he professed his faith and took the Oath of Fidelity and Secrecy. The Bishop extended his heartfelt best wishes as Fr Stephen began his new ministry.

The outgoing Chancellor, Rev. Dr Roshan Dsouza, formally handed over the chancery files to Rev. Fr Stephen Dsouza. Bishop Gerald Lobo expressed his sincere gratitude to Rev. Dr Roshan Dsouza for his dedicated service over the past three years and wished him well in his continuing role as Judicial Vicar of the Diocese.

In addition to his chancellorship, Rev. Fr Stephen Dsouza has taken on the responsibilities of Diocesan Coordinator of Pastoral Commissions, Defender of the Bond and Promoter of Justice for the Diocese of Udupi. The outgoing Diocesan Coordinator, Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, formally transferred the relevant files and the Bishop conveyed his thanks for his service. Marshal Dsouza, the Diocesan Finance Officer, was also in attendance at the event.

Rev. Fr Stephen Dsouza, ordained on April 21, 2009, has served in various capacities, including Assistant Priest at Bejai Parish, Professor of Church History at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Mangalore, Director of Divya Jyothi—Udupi Diocesan Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre and Rector of Divya Dhama—Udupi Diocesan Minor Seminary in Moodubelle. An accomplished author of catechetical books in Konkani, he holds a Licentiate in Church History from Leuven University, Belgium and a Licentiate in Canon Law from Saint Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru.

The Diocese of Udupi congratulates Rev. Fr Stephen Dsouza on his appointment and prays for a fruitful and inspiring ministry.