The Archdiocese of Bombay got two more Bishops who were appointed by Pope Francis on Tuesday. These are Fr Barthol Barretto, Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception (IC) Church, Borivili and Fr Allwyn D’Silva, Parish Priest of St John the Baptist Church, Thane. With the appointment of these two clergy, the total number of Auxiliary Bishops now stands at four in the Archdiocese.

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The previous appointments were of Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes and  Bishop John Rodrigues who were appointed in May 2013. “An Auxiliary Bishop helps the Archbishop. It gives more accessability to the laity and in better governance. They help in the decision and policy making so that it can be done faster,” said Fr. Nigel Barrett, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay. On issues like abortion, property issues, Barrestt said, “On these issues the policy of Church does not change. In case of properties, there are a handful who have been complaining and the entire community does not have any problem. As such we would not want to spoil the celebration by talking about complaints of the handful.”

Sixty-eight-year-old Fr Allwyn D’ Silva and 55-year-old Barretto will continue to be at their respective parishes for time being. While D’Silva is known for promoting environment concerns lately, Barretto is known for his work for Year of Mercy Call that was given by the Pope. Fr Barretto when contacted said, “I will continue to be faithful to the mission and serve God’s people in Archdiocese of Bombay. I choose to do that work and I will continue to serve Holy people. I have been doing that and look forward to continue doing the same.”