Bp. Louis Mascarenhas, Allahabad

Msgr. Mascarenhas, 64, hails from Don Bosco Church, Kelmbett, in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka. He joined the St. Paul’s Seminary, Lucknow in 1978 after finishing his metric schooling, in order to become a priest for the diocese of Allahabad. Msgr. Mascarenhas was ordained as a priest in April 1989. As a priest, he has served in his capacity as pastor, teacher, principal, social work director and finally as the director of Nazareth Hospital. His interview follows:

When is your Episcopal ordination?
On 24th August 2023 in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Prayagraj.

What is your motto as a bishop? Are you going to take the same motto of your priestly life, ‘Every action of mine be something beautiful for God’. What is your experience of following your life’s motto?
I shall definitely continue with my Priestly life Motto. Above Motto is a quote from the life of St. Mother Theresa by whom I am influenced. I tried my best as priest to do everything, however small it is, with love and devotion.
Along with my priestly motto I shall specify my Episcopal motto “ Walking together with love and service.”

Is it a quote, why do you take it as the motto of your call?
Along with my priestly motto I shall specify my Episcopal motto “ Walking together with love and service.” As we are heading towards a synodol church, I follow this motto and try to practice and walk with the people of God.
You are called from Karnataka to head the diocese of Allahabad in Utter Pradesh how do you understand your vocation
I have left Karnataka in the year 1978 to become a missionary and became a priest to serve the People of Utter Pradesh. Last 33 years as a priest, I have served this diocese in various capacities. Now God has called me to lead this Diocese as a shepherd and I surrender to His will.

You were the administrator of Allahabad and now you are called to lead a Catholic population of 13,525 in Allahabad which is a tiny minority in a population of 32,644,000 . How do you understand your minority situation within a vast majority of non-Christians?
The minority catholic population in the Diocese of Allahabad is like the “Salt of the earth” that gives taste and preserves and “the light of the world” through the various ministries such as pastoral, Educational, Health and social development. Though we are small in number yet our contribution to the society is much more than any other communities.
UP is the heartland of Hindi, it is also influenced by the Hindustan ideology, how do you understand the Catholic Mission of Christ’s call?
It’s a big challenge. However, we have a cordial relationship with every community. We live together as brothers and sisters. We are called to serve irrespective of their cast creed and religion. We continue to serve.

Amartya Sen once said “the idea of India is in danger” do you think there is danger in the country for the Constitutional values of equality, fraternity and freedom in the present India?
I think there is a fear in every one. Today the common people are afraid to express their views. There is a gap created between different communities. People are conscious about their religion rather than fraternity and brotherhood.

Religious fundamentalism is the mood of the present world, it has affected every religion, and do you confront persecution being a Christian?
Indirectly- yes. There is an eye on all our movements, actions etc. Its only through prayer we con confront any type of persecution May God give us strength.

The Catholics in different parts of India face difficulties and even violence, in the perspective, how do you evaluate the meeting of the Prime Minister with some bishops of Kerala?
I think the meeting of the Prime Minister with some bishops of Kerala is a positive step towards dialogue. The church should be prompt in its response to various difficulties faced by the Christians. Moreover such meetings should be organized frequently.

How do you envisage your leadership with your clergy, religious and the people in the missionary diocese of Allahabad?

The pope wants a synodal church, a church that walks together. I look forward walking together with the people, the priests and the religious in the diocese of Allahabad. As Holy Father says, sometimes a shepherd has to walk in front of the people, leading them. Sometimes he has to walk in the midst of them, listening to their joys and sorrows. And sometimes he has to walk behind him so that no one gets left too far behind. Hence I look forward a synodal church in the diocese of Allahabad.

How do you pray and what is prayer for you?
I pray that God may give me strength, good health and wisdom to work for His people