Papal Ambassador installs Udumala Bala as Archbishop of Visakhapatnam

“Building a Better Vizag and a Better Andhra Pradesh in Harmony and Unity is My Agenda,” says the Newly Installed Archbishop, Bala Says Vizag is my Punya Bhoomi

Visakhapatnam: In a solemn and historic ceremony attended by thousands, Most Rev. Udumala Bala was officially installed as the new Archbishop of Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The installation was led by the Papal Ambassador to India and Nepal, His Excellency Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, at a grand Eucharistic celebration held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Grounds, Gnanapuram.

The event was marked by the presence of over 25 bishops and archbishops from across the country, including His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Bishop Emeritus Gali Bali, who delivered the homily. Also present were outgoing Apostolic Administrator Bishop Jaya Rao, along with more than 500 priests, 500 nuns, and an estimated 10,000 lay faithful who gathered to witness this significant moment for the Catholic Church in Andhra Pradesh.

In his first address as Archbishop, Most Rev. Udumala Bala described the occasion as a spiritual journey from “Dhanya Bhoomi to Punya Bhoomi.”

“While Warangal is my Dhanya Bhoomi, Vizag is now my Punya Bhoomi,” he said. “I express God’s special blessing in choosing me from Warangal—the blessed land of prime missionaries—to Vizag, the holy land of MSFS missionaries. The people here have a heart as vast as the sea, and I am truly excited to serve in this land of superabundant graces.”

Archbishop Bala called for unity, peace, and collaboration across all faiths and communities, emphasizing a shared responsibility in shaping a more harmonious society.

“I thank all the Catholics of Vizag and people of all religions for their love and welcome. Together, let us build a better Vizag, a better Andhra Pradesh, and a better India. This city and its people are blessed, and I pray for God’s grace upon the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam,” he added.

Vatican Ambassador Praises Vizag’s Vibrant Communities, Highlights Pressing Issues

At the solemn and joyous occasion of the Installation of Most Rev. Udumala Bala as the Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli addressed the faithful with heartfelt words of encouragement and blessing. He said, “I am pleased to be with all of you on this joyful occasion of the Installation of Most Rev. Udumala Bala as Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, and to give thanks to God for the gift of a new Chief Pastor to the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam.”

He warmly congratulated Archbishop Bala on assuming his new pastoral responsibility and expressed confidence in his leadership. Archbishop Girelli reflected on the vibrancy of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam, noting that it has been blessed with a Catholic population of over one lakh, supported by a strong presence of priests, women religious congregations, and active lay participation in parish activities. He praised the involvement of the laity in pastoral work, the role of catechists in youth faith formation, and the vitality of various pious associations such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Youth Association, and the Altar Servers Association. He also observed that the faithful are deeply engaged in sacramental life and devotional practices, especially in Marian shrines, which reflect the spiritual depth of the region.

However, the Papal Nuncio also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Archdiocese, including economic difficulties, unemployment, the condition of migrants, and environmental vulnerabilities. He said these issues, while serious, are also opportunities for the Church to radiate the light of Christ more brightly and meaningfully.

In particular, Archbishop Girelli praised the newly installed Archbishop Bala for his intellectual and pastoral qualities. He highlighted Archbishop Bala’s richness of knowledge in Moral Theology, his pastoral sensitivity, teaching abilities, and his experience as Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Seminarians, Clergy, and Religious from 2015 to 2023. He expressed hope that these gifts would greatly benefit the Archdiocese in its journey ahead.

The Apostolic Nuncio also expressed gratitude to Archbishop Emeritus Prakash Mallavarapu for his long and dedicated service to the Archdiocese and thanked Bishop Jaya Rao for his pastoral leadership during his tenure as Apostolic Administrator.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of several senior Church leaders from across the country, including Archbishop Emeritus Prakash Mallavarapu, Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore who is also the Vice President of the CCBI, and Archbishop Raphy Manjaly of Agra, along with other archbishops and bishops.

The day began with a grand procession from St. Joseph’s College for Women Grounds, Waltair R.S., to St. Peter’s Cathedral. The installation ceremony was followed by a felicitation program and a festive dinner, with clergy and faithful joining in joyful celebration.

Archbishop Bala previously served as the Bishop of Warangal and has held several significant roles within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. A scholar trained in Rome, he brings with him a deep pastoral experience and a vision rooted in compassion and inclusive growth.

His appointment signals a new chapter for the Church in Coastal Andhra, one rooted in service, dialogue, and dedication to the spiritual and social well-being of all people.