Press Note - Ordination of Msgr. Stephen Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay

Mumbai, January 3, 2026 – The Archdiocese of Bombay joyfully rejoices at the ordination of Msgr. Stephen Fernandes as its new Auxiliary Bishop. The solemn ordination to the episcopate took place today at Our Lady of Salvation Church in Dadar, Mumbai, marking a significant milestone for the local Church.

The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by the principal consecrator, His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. The co-consecrators were His Excellency Archbishop John Rodrigues Archbishop of Bombay and His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, for Nuncio to India and Nepal  President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in the Vatican. The occasion was graced by the presence of over 30 bishops and Archbishops, including His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, and His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao. Also in attendance were His Excellency Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), and Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI). Faithful from across the Archdiocese, along with members of the diplomatic corps, gathered in large numbers to witness this historic event.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed Rev. Fr. Stephen Fernandes as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay, with the announcement made public by the Holy See Press Office at 3:30 p.m. IST on October 25, 2025.

Bishop Stephen Fernandes was born on September 21, 1961, in Mumbai. His late parents, John and Palmira Fernandes, were devoted parishioners of Our Lady of Salvation Church in Dadar. He earned degrees in Commerce (B.Com. and M.Com.) and Education (B.Ed.) from the University of Mumbai. Completing his priestly formation at St. Pius X College (Archdiocesan Seminary) in Goregaon, Mumbai, he was ordained a priest on March 31, 1990, by the late Simon Cardinal Pimenta for the Archdiocese of Bombay.

His pastoral journey began as Assistant Parish Priest at St. John the Evangelist Church in Marol, Mumbai (1990–1992). He then served on the staff of St. Pius X College from 1992 to 1994 before pursuing advanced studies in Rome, where he obtained a Licentiate and Doctorate in Theology from the Alphonsian Academy (1994–2000). Returning to Mumbai, he served as Resident Professor of Moral Theology and Formator at St. Pius X College until 2018. From 2010 to 2018, he also held the position of Executive Secretary of the Commission for Theology and Doctrine at the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

At the time of his announcement, Bishop Fernandes served at the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi, resided at the CBCI Centre. He is the Theological Counsellor to the Catholic Medical Guild of St. Luke, Mumbai, and Ecclesiastical Advisor to the Catholic Nurses’ Guild of India (Archdiocese of Bombay). A recognized expert in the Church’s Social Teaching and Medical Ethics, he has presented scholarly papers at national and international seminars. His experience at the Apostolic Nunciature has deepened his insight into the Church’s mission across India, supported by his exceptional organizational skills.

In his homily during the ordination, Archbishop John Rodrigues emphasized the journey of the wise men in search of Christ, their encounter with Jesus, and their choice to return by a different path, drawing parallels to the spiritual path of the newly ordained bishop.

The Archdiocese of Bombay rejoices in the ordination of Bishop Stephen Fernandes and assures him of its fervent prayers as he embarks on this new chapter of service to the Church.

Press Office

Archdiocese of Bombay