A New Catholic bishop for Guntur

Pope Francis has appointed Rev Fr Bhagyayya Chinnabathini as the new bishop of Guntur. A bishop in the Catholic Church is an apostle of Jesus Christ and historically he is in Apostolic Succession. One of the titles of the Catholic bishop is ‘Prince of the Church.’

Born of devote parents Ch Mathennaiah and Therojamma on September 19, 1956, the Bishop distinguished himself in studies and holds MA and MEd degrees .As a priest, he served in Germany and England. Fr Bhagyayya will be consecrated bishop in the afternoon of September 8, a specially significant, globally celebrated birthday of Mother Mary.

The concelebrated consecration Episcopal Solemn High Mass will be led by Most Rev Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, the representative of Pope Francis- Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal along with a number of bishops and over a hundred priests. A bishop is also given the honorary degree DD or Doctor of Divinity.

The climax of the consecration Holy Mass is the laying on of hands by consecrating Bishops on the head of the bishop elect with a fervent prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit on him. The Latin Hymn ‘The Veni Creator, the Hymn of the Holy Spirit is sonorously and devotedly chanted.

As a stormy secular honour to him, the new bishop is taken in a horses drawn chariot in a civic procession from St Mother Theresa’s statue in the central part of Guntur to the venue of the ceremony at a specially erected Altar close to Guntur Bishop’s House. A specially trained choir will be singing for the Holy Mass which is the greatest devotion as a reenactment of the sacrifice of salvation of Jesus on Calvary.

Next, the new bishop is felicitated at a civic reception where prominent people not only of the Catholic community but from every walk of life will participate. The function will close with a fellowship meal.

By Dr BF Showrayya