Indian Diocese of Vasai gets new bishop

(Nov.11,2009): Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday appointed Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado of Nashik in India’s western Maharashtra State, as the new bishop of Vasai Diocese in the same State. Archbishop Machado is also a former Undersecretary of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Born 6 June 1948, he was ordained priest in Bombay 30 Oct. 1976, incardinated priest of Vasai 22 May, 1998, consecrated bishop of Nashik
8 March 2008, and appointed Bishop of Vasai 10 Nov. 2009.
The Diocese of Vasai which was created on May 22, 1998 by late Pope John Paul II, has an area of some 7,596 sqm. In its total population of a little over 3 and a half million, Catholics number 122.000, and there are many vocations. The diocese today has 33 churches, 56 convents, 4 hospitals,
3 Senior and 2 Junior Colleges, 23 High Schools and 56 Primary Schools. It also has orphanages, Homes for the Aged, dispensaries, Leprosy Homes and other humanitarian facilities. Vasai Diocese is served by 139 priests and 499 religious.