Description:
On 12 January 1940 the huge diocese of Allahabad was divided to carve out a new diocese – ‘The Catholic Diocese of Lucknow’ situated in Lucknow the then capital of the Central Provinces. Most Rev. Dr. Albert Conrad De Vito, a Capuchin priest was appointed as the first Bishop of Lucknow on 12 December 1946 and took possession of the diocese on 16 February 1947. The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Catholic Diocese of Lucknow was held on 17th February, 2015 at the premises of St Francis’ College, Lucknow. The occasion was graced by the presence of The Chief Guest H.E Most Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. He was welcomed solemnly at the College Entrance and escorted to the stage by The Bishop of Lucknow Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Gerald John Mathias. A meaningful Eucharistic celebration followed as the Platinum Jubilee celebrations culminated with the Holy Mass. A Civic Function was also organized in which the most respected dignitaries of Lucknow Administration were invited. The guest of Honour was The Chief Minister of U.P. Shri Akhilesh Yadav, also present on the occassion were the Mayor of Lucknow, Dr. Dinesh Sharma and Cabinet Minister Shri Rajendra Choudhary. The civic function began with the Prayer Dance by the students of Fatima Nursing School. A Welcome Address was delivered by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald John Mathias followed by releasing of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and DVD on the History of the Diocese by H.E Most Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio alog with his Presidential Address. The celebration then continued with the Reading of Apostolic Blessing by Rev. Fr. Donald De Souza. Most Rev. Albert D’Souza, Archbishop of Agra released a CD with Liturgical Hymns followed by his Message. The Bishop of Lucknow Most Rev. Dr. Gerald John Mathias, on this occassion presented Momentos to the Dignitaries. Golden Couples of the Diocese were felicitated by Most Rev. Ignatius Menezes, Bishop Emeritus of Ajmer. The Retired Priests were Honoured by Most Rev. Oswald Lewis, Bishop of Jaipur. The mayor of Lucknow Dr. Dinesh Sharma then addressed the gathering. A special cover was released on this occassion by the Chief Minister which is a privilege and an International Recognition given by the Chief Postmaster General U.P. Circle. for the Diocese of Lucknow. The C.M. then addressed the gathering and applauded the service rendered by the Diocese in various fields in these past 75 years and wished the very best for the years to come. The Programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Rev. Fr. Ronald D’Souza, Vicar General followed by the National Anthem.