Leo XIV Has Appointed Bishop in India: Tree Plantations, Solar Initiatives, and Ecology Sundays
A Career Under a Syncretistic Bishop
Monsignor Almeida has spent his entire priestly career in the Diocese of Poona. After his ordination in 1990, he served as an assistant parish priest at the cathedral. He then held several diocesan roles, including youth director, seminary formator, and parish priest in multiple parishes. He later returned to the Cathedral as rector.
He also became the Diocese's Economist (financial administrator) and later the Regional Secretary of the Western Region Bishops’ Council.
The career of Monsignor Almeida unfolded under Bishop Thomas Dabre, a prelate who participated in interfaith events and defended yoga programs and syncretic Hindu-Christian rituals.
Builder-Administrator
Monsignor Almeida is known within the diocese as an administrator and constructor.
He built the parish hall and office for the Cathedral, as well as the churches of St. Francis Xavier in Chinchwad and John Paul II in Wakad.
Pictured above are Rev. Almeida and Bishop Dabre at the consecration of the John Paul II church in 2022.
Ecological Engagement and Climate
As Regional Secretary of the Western Region Bishops’ Council, his main focus was synodal meetings and the environment. This coordinating body serves dioceses in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Daman.
He organized regional sessions to align diocesan plans with the national vision of the Indian Bishops' Conference.
Monsignor Almeida has drafted an action plan that promoted environmental stewardship, water conservation, tree planting, solar initiatives, and the celebration of Ecology Sunday in each diocese (CatholicConnect.in, October 28).
#newsQeutfhrwhx