Vasai, Bagdogra, Nellore, and Vellore Dioceses in India Welcome New Bishops

Bangalore, November 9, 2024 (CCBI): The Holy Father Pope Francis has made new appointments to four Indian dioceses, naming Fr. Thomas D’Souza (54) as the Bishop of Vasai in Maharashtra, Fr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu (58) as the Bishop of Vellore in Tamil Nadu, and Rev. Anthony Das Pilli (51) as the Coadjutor Bishop of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, he has transferred Bishop Paul Simick (61), previously the Apostolic Vicar of Nepal, to serve as the Bishop of Bagdogra. The appointments were announced on November 9, 2024.

Bishop Paul Simick: Born on August 7, 1963, in Gitdubling in the Diocese of Darjeeling, Bishop Simick holds a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. Ordained a priest on April 9, 1992, for the Diocese of Darjeeling, he has served in a range of roles, including Hostel Prefect at Namchi Public School, Pastor of St. Maurice Church in Suruk, Professor of Sacred Scripture at Morning Star College, and Dean of East Sikkim Deanery. Appointed as Apostolic Vicar of Nepal in 2014, Bishop Simick received his episcopal consecration that same year.

Bishop Thomas D’Souza: Born on March 23, 1970, in Chulne in the Diocese of Vasai, Bishop D’Souza studied Philosophy and Theology at St. Pius X College in Goregaon. Ordained a priest on April 18, 1998, for the Diocese of Vasai, he holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and Religion from Madras University. Bishop D’Souza has held multiple pastoral and educational roles, including Rector of the Minor Seminary in Remedy and Pastor of Divine Mercy Church in Bhiwandi. Since 2019, he has served as Pastor of Holy Spirit Church and Principal of St. Joseph High School and Junior College in Nandakhal.

Coadjutor Bishop Anthony Das Pilli: Born on August 24, 1973, in Donakonda, Bishop Das Pilli studied Philosophy and Theology at St. John’s Regional Seminary and earned a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. Ordained on April 24, 2000, for the Diocese of Nellore, he has served in various roles, including Secretary to the Bishop of Nellore, Pastor of Gudlur, Rector of St. John’s Minor Seminary, and Professor of Dogmatic Theology.

Bishop Ambrose Pitchaimuthu: Born on May 3, 1966, in Cheyyur, Tamil Nadu, Bishop Pitchaimuthu pursued his priestly studies at Sacred Heart Seminary, Chennai. He later completed a Doctorate in Philosophy at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Ordained on March 25, 1993, he has served as Assistant Pastor, Professor, and Vice-Rector at Sacred Heart Seminary, and later as Vicar General of Chingleput. Since 2018, he has been National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in India and Executive Secretary of the Commission for Proclamation of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

By Dr. Stephen Alathara