Udupi
Bishop Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza of the Diocese of Udupi has officially announced the transfer and new appointments of priests for the year 2026, as part of the annual administrative restructuring within the diocese.
According to the announcement, several key parish postings have been reassigned across different churches. Fr Denis D’Sa, who was serving as the parish priest of Thottam, has been transferred to Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi. Fr Charles Menezes, the parish priest of Udupi, has been moved to Shirva parish as its new priest.
Fr Pascal Menezes has been appointed as the parochial administrator of Kuntalnagar, taking responsibility for local pastoral and administrative duties. Meanwhile, Fr Stany B Lobo will retire from active ministry and reside at Milagres Home in Kallianpur.
In another significant change, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, who served as parish priest and rector of Milagres Cathedral, has been transferred to Pernal parish. He will be succeeded by Fr Francis Lewis, the former parish priest of Kalathur, who will now serve as the new rector of Milagres Cathedral.
Additionally, Fr Rolwin Fernandes, assistant parish priest of Pangla, has been appointed as the principal of Holy Rosary School and St Mary’s PU College in Kundapur, marking his transition from parish duties to educational leadership.
The diocese stated that these transfers are aimed at strengthening pastoral care, improving administrative efficiency, and ensuring better service across parishes and institutions. The changes are part of routine ecclesiastical practice to bring fresh leadership and renewed focus to various missions.
The new appointments will come into effect as per the diocesan schedule for 2026, with priests directed to assume charge of their respective postings accordingly.
