St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore, organized a grand felicitation programme titled “Honor Ad Pastorem – Honor to the Shepherd” to congratulate and honour Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza on his recent appointment and episcopal ordination as the Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi. The celebration commenced with the Holy Eucharist at 6.00 p.m., solemnly celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza. The seminary community joined in prayer, thanking God for His abundant blessings upon the newly appointed bishop and invoking divine guidance as he begins his episcopal ministry.

Following the Holy Mass, the felicitation programme was held in the presence of distinguished dignitaries on the dais, including Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore, Very Rev. Fr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Rev. Fr Maxim D’Souza, Treasurer of the Seminary, and the chief guest, Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza.

The programme began with a warm welcome address by the Rector, Very Rev. Fr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, who expressed the seminary community’s heartfelt joy in celebrating Bishop Leslie's appointment as the shepherd of the Diocese of Udupi. He assured the bishop of the prayers and support of the seminary family as he undertakes his new pastoral responsibilities. Rev. Fr Maxim D’Souza, Treasurer of the Seminary, delivered the felicitation address, tracing Bishop Leslie's journey of priestly ministry and highlighting the qualities that have prepared him for episcopal leadership. The Seminary Choir enriched the celebration with a beautifully rendered felicitation chorus, expressing the seminary community’s heartfelt congratulations and prayers.

Offering words of appreciation, Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza reflected on Bishop Leslie's years of faithful priestly ministry and spoke of his pastoral wisdom, humility, and deep commitment to the people of God. He expressed confidence that Bishop Leslie would lead the Diocese of Udupi with faith, compassion, and courage. Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha congratulated Bishop Leslie on his appointment and acknowledged the trust the Church has placed in him. He encouraged the new bishop to continue shepherding God’s people with zeal and dedication while assuring him of the prayers and support of the Diocese of Mangalore and the seminary community.

Responding to the felicitation, Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm reception and honour accorded to him. Thanking God for His providence and the many people who had accompanied him throughout his vocation, he reflected on the responsibilities of episcopal ministry. Addressing the seminarians, he encouraged them to remain rooted in prayer, cultivate humility, and prepare themselves to become holy and compassionate priests dedicated to the service of God’s people.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Br Sunil Raju, who expressed gratitude to the bishops, priests, formators, choir members, seminarians, and all those who contributed to the success of the celebration. The event was gracefully compered by Br Aashton D'Souza. The evening was a memorable occasion of thanksgiving and fraternity as the seminary community united to honour Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza on his appointment as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi, assuring him of their prayers and best wishes for a fruitful episcopal ministry.