by Nirmala Carvalho

The faithful participated in the ceremony of consecration of Mgr Theodore Mascarenhas following native practice. "Pope Francis would be touched by the love Tribals have for Jesus Christ, by their warmth and their openness."

Ranchi (AsiaNews) - Almost 20,000 people took part in a moving ceremony for the consecration of Theodore Mascarenhas as auxiliary bishop of Ranchi, in the eastern Indian state of Jharkahand. The ceremony was held on Saturday at St. Mary's Cathedral in the presence of the diocesan bishop, Card Telesphore Toppo.

Jharkhand is considered the heart of tribal India, since its population is made up mostly of indigenous communities. Card Toppo himself was India's first bishop from a tribal background.

Celebrations followed local traditions, with two rows of women - dressed in red sari - led the procession of cardinals and bishops.

Some 50 choirs accompanied the congregation with hymns, songs and native musical instruments.

Visibly moved, Mgr Mascarenhas turned to the faithful. "I am touched by your devotion, the love with which you serve the Lord and the respect you have for the clergy and people religious. I am from Goa, but now I am a Jharkhandi."

"India's tribal belt is a very important component of our Church," he said. "Pope Francis would be touched by the love Tribals have for Jesus Christ, by their warmth and their openness."

Prior to his appointment, Mgr Mascarenhas lived several years in Italy, serving Popes Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis at the Pontifical Council for Culture.

• india
• jharkahand
• ranchi
• tribals
• theodore
• mascarenhas
• auxiliary
• bishop
• telesphore
• toppo