ASIA/INDIA - Appointment of the Bishop of Shimoga

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On March 19, 2014 the Holy Father appointed Rev. Fr. Francis Serrao, S.I., Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in India as Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, India.
Rev. Fr. Francis Serrao, S.I, was born on August 15, 1959 in Moodbidri, Mangalore diocese. He entered the Society of Jesus on January 3, 1979 at Mount St. Joseph, Bangalore. He studied Philosophy and Theology at the institutes run by the Jesuits, respectively Satya Nilayam, Chennaim, and Jhana Deepa Vidya Peetha, Pune. He then obtained his Licentiate in Theology at the Vidya Jyoti College of Delhi. He was ordained a priest on April 30, 1992. Since his ordination he has served in a number of pastoral roles: 1992-1993: Pastoral Ministry in Mundgod, diocese of Karwar; 1994-1997: Social Action-Loyola Vikas Kendra, Mundgod; 1998-2000: Director of the Regional Theologate, Bangalore; 2000-2003: Pastor of St. Joseph Church, Anekal, Mangalore; 2003-2004: Superior, Bejapur Jesuit Community; 2004-2009: Rector of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore. Since 2009, he has been the Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in India (Karnataka Jesuit Province). (SL) (Agenzia Fides 20/03/2014)