Udumala Bala installed as new Archbishop of Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: In a solemn ceremony, Most Rev Udumala Bala was installed as the new Archbishop of Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The installation was led by the Papal ambassador to India and Nepal, His Excellency Most Rev Leopoldo Girelli, at a grand Eucharistic celebration held at St Peter's Cathedral grounds, Gnanapuram here.

The event was marked by the presence of over 25 bishops and archbishops from across the country, including His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Bishop Emeritus Gali Bali, who delivered the homily. Also present were outgoing Apostolic administrator Bishop Jaya Rao, along with more than 500 priests, 500 nuns, and around 10,000 people.

In his first address as Archbishop, Most Rev Udumala Bala described the occasion as a spiritual journey from "Dhanya Bhoomi to Punya Bhoomi.""While Warangal is my Dhanya Bhoomi, Vizag is now my Punya Bhoomi," he said.

"I express God's special blessing in choosing me from Warangal—the blessed land of prime missionaries—to Vizag, the holy land of MSFS missionaries. The people here have a heart as vast as the sea, and I am truly excited to serve in this land of superabundant graces."

Archbishop Bala called for unity, peace, and collaboration across all faiths and communities, emphasizing a shared responsibility in shaping a more harmonious society.

"I thank all the Catholics of Vizag and people of all religions for their love and welcome. Together, let us build a better Vizag, a better Andhra Pradesh, and a better India. This city and its people are blessed, and I pray for God's grace upon the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam," he added.

Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli said, "I am pleased to be with all of you on this joyful occasion of the Installation of Most Rev. Udumala Bala as Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, and to give thanks to God for the gift of a new Chief Pastor to the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam."