Bangalore, 12 April 2025 (CCBI): Bishop Ignatius Loyola Ivan Mascarenhas (75), Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh, retired on 12 April 2025, marking the end of a 16-year episcopal ministry that began on April 3, 2009.
Born on June 3, 1949, in Kadri, Mangalore, Karnataka, Bishop Ignatius was the eldest of three children of R.F.S. Mascarenhas and Florina Mascarenhas. He was baptized at St. Sebastian’s Church, Bendur, and raised in a family grounded in faith and discipline, his father served in the Indian Air Force.
Educated at St. Columba’s School, Delhi, he entered the Minor Seminary in Ajmer in 1966. He later studied philosophy at St. Pius X College, Goregaon, and completed his theology at Vidyajyoti College, Delhi. On December 17, 1977, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Delhi.
Early in his priestly life, he served as Secretary to Archbishop Angelo Fernandes (1978–1980). His passion for education led him to earn a Master’s degree in English from Punjab University and a B.Ed to support his teaching ministry.
A man deeply committed to youth formation, Fr. Ignatius served as Assistant Youth Director (1985–1991) and later held key positions in priestly formation, Rector of Vinay Gurukul Minor Seminary (1992–1997), and Rector of Pratiksha Major Seminary (1997–2000). He also served as Parish Priest of St. Teresa’s Church, Pushp Vihar, and played an active role in the Archdiocesan Synod of 2002.
He was appointed Director of Small Christian Communities (SCC) in 2002, Director of Prayer Movements in 2003, and Chairman of the Delhi Diocesan Service Team in 2004. Known for his dynamic preaching and pastoral presence, he conducted retreats and formation programs for all age groups across India.
In 2006, he was named Rector of the regional propaedeutic seminary, Kristu Jyoti Gurukul, in Kauli, Rajpura, strengthening priestly formation in the northern region.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh on February 10, 2009. He was ordained on April 3, 2009. Over the next 16 years, he led the diocese with dedication, fostering evangelization, education, and community life.
Bishop Ignatius also served as President of the Simla-Chandigarh Educational Society and remained actively involved in diocesan development through various pastoral and educational initiatives. Nationally and led the CCBI Commission for Basic Ecclesial Communities from 2019 to 2023. He was also Secretary of the Regional Bishops of the North until 2017.
By Dr. Stephen Alathara