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Death of Rev. Rego. Final chapter of a great life lived for almost 60 years of service to the poor, the faithful, the masses within the community, all whom he loved and dedicated his life to, faithfully.
→Death and succession: Succesor Gerald Mathias
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== Death and succession ==
== Death and succession ==
Rego, suffered from Alzheimer and poor eyesight in his retirement at the Clergy Home in Mumbai. His death on 21 June, 2012, at age 91, marked the end of a 'Golden Architect' of the Diocese of Shimla-Chandigarh.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=The Hindustan Times |first=Content (images for sale) - not sure what that means? Need permit?? |date=2023-04-28 |title=Bishop Gilbert Blaize Rego dies in Mumbai |url=https://www.contentgarden.in/news/Bishop-Gilbert-Blaize-Rego-Dies-In-Mumbai/200192;p1=200192 |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.contentgarden.in}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=St.Stephen's school, Chandigarh |first=Tribute to Rev. Rego -by Fr.Thomas Anchanikal (fromer Vicar General) |title=Tribute to Bishop Rego |url=http://stephenschandigarh.com/Articles.php?pageid=95&pageType=4 |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=stephenschandigarh.com}}</ref>The mortal remains of the bishop was brought by air from Mumbai to Chandigarh on 23 June, 2012, for public homage. The funeral mass at Christ the King Cathedra was presided by Rev. Vincent Concessao, Rev. John Mathias, Rev. Patrick Nair, the catholic community, and to public at large on 24 June, 2012<ref name=":1" />.
Rego, suffered from Alzheimer and poor eyesight in his retirement at the Clergy Home in Mumbai. His death on 21 June, 2012, at age 91, marked the end of a 'Golden Architect' of the Diocese of Shimla-Chandigarh.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=The Hindustan Times |first=Content (images for sale) - not sure what that means? Need permit?? |date=2023-04-28 |title=Bishop Gilbert Blaize Rego dies in Mumbai |url=https://www.contentgarden.in/news/Bishop-Gilbert-Blaize-Rego-Dies-In-Mumbai/200192;p1=200192 |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.contentgarden.in}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=St.Stephen's school, Chandigarh |first=Tribute to Rev. Rego -by Fr.Thomas Anchanikal (fromer Vicar General) |title=Tribute to Bishop Rego |url=http://stephenschandigarh.com/Articles.php?pageid=95&pageType=4 |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=stephenschandigarh.com}}</ref>The mortal remains of the bishop was brought by air from Mumbai to Chandigarh on 23 June, 2012, for public homage. The funeral mass at Christ the King Cathedra was presided by Rev. Vincent Concessao, Rev. John Mathias, Rev. Patrick Nair, the catholic community, and to public at large on 24 June, 2012<ref name=":1" />.

Some thirty years earlier, when the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh had started with from a newly creation split from Delhi with little resources, Rev. Gilbert Rego, had grown the diocese to over to successor, Rev. Gerald John Mathias, 30 parishes, 32 substations spread in 39 communities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Apostolic nunciature - India and Nepal |first=Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh |date=2017-01-01 |title=Apostolic Nunciature, India & Nepal |url=https://www.apostolicnunciatureindia.com/DiocesesofIndiaDispFull.aspx?DID=321 |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.apostolicnunciatureindia.com}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 01:29, 3 May 2023

Gilbert Blaize Rego
Bishop of the Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh (emeritus)
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
SeeDiocese of Simla and Chandigarh
In office1971 - 1999
Retired10 November 1999
PredecessorAlfred Fernández
SuccessorGerald John Mathias
Previous post(s)Prelate
Orders
Ordination3 December 1953
Personal details
Born(1921-09-03)3 September 1921
Mumbai, India
Died21 June 2012(2012-06-21) (aged 90)
Mumbai, India

Gilbert Blaize Rego (3 September 1921 – 21 June 2012) was an Indian Prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, ordained a priest at age 32 in 1953, served for eighteen years before being ordained a bishop of the Diocese of Shimla-Chandigarh, India at age 50, in 1971. As a new bishop, his presence was needed in the new city of Chandigarh when he undertook the decision to shift the residence from the headquarter of Shimla to Chandigarh, even though it lacked its physical church.[1][2] Over the next forty six years, Rego, fulfilled the holy orders, representing the catholic church in its doctrines as he shepherded the new flocks. He sanctified the congregation while also governed and administered in church planting through many initiatives, invitations, cooperation with various religious groups and missionaries, providing support, assistance and aid under his pastoral guidance until at age 78, when he retired in 1999.

The bishop whose spiritual life and presence drew reverence, admiration, gratitude, and his leadership in humbleness, humility, wisdom, was spiritually drawn and gifted in his natural person and personality, both in episcopal ministry and as an administrator. These inherent qualities were consistent throughout his pastoral-ship.

Rego, throughout his ministry, exemplified God's love for every human being, as a 'Golden Architect', the bishop of the poor, the bishop of the masses, a missionaries bishop dedicated himself to the church, to the diocese, to the unknown poor. [1][3] In his retirement at the Clergy Home, Mumbai, the bishop Emeritus, suffered from Alzheimer until his death at age 90 in 2012.[4]

Early life and education

Rego was born on 3 September, 1921, into an affluent family of Anthony Cajetan Rego and Otilia Maria Rego, in Mumbai, India, of 10 children and raised in a devout Catholic home, the family lineage from the House of Rego.[5][6][7] His large and close knit family, the bonding with his siblings in fun and play,[8] the athletic, quick witted and charismatic brother and son was loved by family and friends and this personality of his would carry on throughout his priesthood.[1] He completed high school from St. Mary's school in Mazagaon, Mumbai, then entered Diocesan Seminary of Parel, Bombay, in 1946.[9][7] in 1964, Rego headed to Canada for more studies, where he received his diploma.[7] Following his calling, Rego, took the path of priesthood with the blessings of his parents as he set about in reaching his vocation. After his schooling, Rego went to St. Xavier's College,[1] Marine Lines, Mumbai, then as an ordained priest in 1953, he performed pastoral works wherever he was sent. He obtained further studies in theology, ecclesiastical and secular subjects and Divinity in the USA and in Rome.[2]

Priesthood

Rego was ordained a priest on 3 December 1953, at age 32 at St. Peter's church in Bandra, appointed a bishop to the Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh on 11 March 1971 and in the same year ordained a bishop on 11 September.[4]When his predecessor Bishop Alfred Fernandez was transferred to Allahabad in 1970, Rego was ordained a bishop of the newly created city of Chandigarh, its Union Territory and surrounding areas to form the new diocese with no physical building or church of its own, but a borrowed chapel hall from Carmel Convent School nun's residence in Chandigarh, where the Sunday masses were held. The new bishop started with a near empty coffer, lacking of resources of priests, being borrowed from various places. The feat of such bareness before him, the distance of the old parish church away in the hills of Shimla, Rego, determined to traverse the beginning of his lifelong vocation, undeterred, unshaken at the prospect of an enormous tasks ahead, to lead, to build, to shepherd a combined of twenty six civil districts, a spread of 83,560 sqkm, under the new diocese.[2] The Simla-Chandigarh diocese is one of the eight largest area of Indian Christians in India.[3] Rego, knowing the fulfillment of the Holy One in whom he had answered the call, only knew by faith that such provision would be present as he undertook this ministry.[1]Under his leadership, Rego was a 'man of deep prayer, solid faith and undeterred resolve he brought hope, growth and brilliance to the face of the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh.', in a tribute by Rev. Anchanikal.[10]

Episcopal ministry

Endowed by the Holy Spirit, Rego, inclined not only towards missions to serve the poor but begun his tenure by opening, supporting and blessing in various ministries such as missions, missionaries, churches, schools and orphanage centers.

  • Roman Catholic Mission, Talasari, where Rego chose to start missionary work as a young priest in 1954.[7]
  • Missionary of Dohad, Rego served amongst the poor in 1960.[7]
  • Missionary of Talasari, his field work without any fanfare but guided by the spirit of service to the poor in 1961.[7]
  • Bishop of Chandigarh, Rego was elected to the newly formed Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh, in 1971.[7]
  • The mission stations of Amloh, Pathak, Majri, Jhundan, Devigarh, Rajpura, Ropar, and many more in Bhatinda, Karnal and Shimla surroundings.[1]
  • In time, under Rego, he built the much needed church, now an architectural landmark of the 'city beautiful' of Chandigarh. The newest, simplistic church with an enlarged holy cross for the congregation to gather for worship, the Christ the King Cathedral, in sector 19-A.[1][11][12][13][14]
  • Rego was the former Director of Caritas, New Delhi, India in 1967.[10]
  • Mother Teresa Charity, Chandigarh, Rego invited the Missionary of Charity MC, to the serve the poor children on 31 May, 1976.[15]
  • St. Peter's Academy, Patiala, inspiration and supported by Bishop Rego.[16]
  • Bethany Convent nuns in Solan. Rego invited the Bethany Sisters to run St. Luke's school (started in 1958), from which the sisters found a calling to service a new community by providing trade skills, training programs to those not academically inclined.[17]
  • Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, Delhi province. Rego laid the foundation stone of the new school building of the society's 15 acres land, on 17 October, 1993.[18]
  • Our lady of Rosary, Goa, was inaugurated by Bishop Rego, on 2 October, 1986.[19]
  • Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS), Rego's generousity and supported given the sisters in their missionary work on their arrival to the Simla-Chandigarh diocese.[20]
  • St. Anne's Convent school, Chandigarh. Bishop Rego under the diocese founded the school in 1977.[21][22][23]
  • Sophia Convent school, Panchula. Answering the request of bisop Rego, Mother General Jovita, formed the first community to run a dispensary for the poor, social work along with imparting education.[24][25]
  • Rev. Rego, was a voice of calm and strength when the Christians were went through a distrubance of secular rights of religious freedom by sections of the community. He led a peaceful protest to demand actions from the officials.[26] Rego spoke out against violence on the nuns.[27]
  • The Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Bhurewal, Ambala, was build and blessed by Rev. Rego, in 1991.[28]
  • Lifelong involvement in CBCI, as Chairman of Justice and Peace, youth, ecumenism and dialogue.[7]

Ministerial legacy

Rev. Bishop Rego, spent a lifetime dedicated his life in episcopal ministry, with a soft heart especially for the helpless poor. To sum up fifty eight years of service in one gesture, the diocese of Simla-Chandigarh, Rev. Ignatius Mascarenhas, in memory of him inaugurated the Bishop Gilbert Rego Charitable Clinic in Chandigarh.[29]

Schools in India has honored him, his legacy by bestowing the Bishop Gilbert Rego Memorial awards, to its achieving students.[30][21][18]

Retirement (Emeritus)

Rego, fulfilled the sacraments of the Holy order was the longest serving bishop of the diocese, having served twenty nine years until he retired on 10 November 1999, at age 77, as bishop emeritus of the Simla-Chandigarh Diocese.[31]He received tender care by the Sisters at the Clergy Home and its Director, in Bandra, Maharashtra, and from the archdiocese of Bombay, Rev. Oswald Cardinal Gracias.[10]

Death and succession

Rego, suffered from Alzheimer and poor eyesight in his retirement at the Clergy Home in Mumbai. His death on 21 June, 2012, at age 91, marked the end of a 'Golden Architect' of the Diocese of Shimla-Chandigarh.[1][32][10]The mortal remains of the bishop was brought by air from Mumbai to Chandigarh on 23 June, 2012, for public homage. The funeral mass at Christ the King Cathedra was presided by Rev. Vincent Concessao, Rev. John Mathias, Rev. Patrick Nair, the catholic community, and to public at large on 24 June, 2012[1].

Some thirty years earlier, when the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh had started with from a newly creation split from Delhi with little resources, Rev. Gilbert Rego, had grown the diocese to over to successor, Rev. Gerald John Mathias, 30 parishes, 32 substations spread in 39 communities.[33]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Shimla Chandigarh Diocese website, Bishop Gilbert Rego (1 January 2019). "ABOUT RT. REV. GILBERT B. REGO". www.simlachandigarhdiocese.com. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  2. ^ a b UCA Union of Catholic Asian News (28 April 2023). "Simla-Chandigarh Diocese | Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh | Ucanews". ucanews.com. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  3. ^ a b Dr. Aprem, Mar (2 May 2023). "Indian Christian Who is Who" (PDF). Indian christians. pp. 66, 91. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  4. ^ a b Catholic-Hierarchy website, David Cheney (13 November 2022). "Bishop Gilbert Blaize Rego [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  5. ^ Geni website, Bishop Gilbert. B. Rego family tree. "Bishop Gilbert Blaize B. Rego". geni_family_tree. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  6. ^ House of Names, Rego History, Family Crest and Coat of Arms (1 January 2000). "Rego Name Meaning, Family History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms". HouseOfNames. Retrieved 26 April 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h St Stephen's school website (2 May 2023). "Bishop Rego". stephenschandigarh.com. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  8. ^ Dignity memorial Obituary Clarence Rego (sibling) (15 November 2009). "Clarence Rego Obituary - Thornhill, ON". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  9. ^ the Bombay Seminary, Bandra (26 September 2020). "THE BOMBAY SEMINARY: The Parel – Bandra Agreement". PottyPadre. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d St.Stephen's school, Chandigarh, Tribute to Rev. Rego -by Fr.Thomas Anchanikal (fromer Vicar General). "Tribute to Bishop Rego". stephenschandigarh.com. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  11. ^ gCatholic.org website, Christ the king cathedra, Chandigarh, India (2 May 2023). "Christ the King Cathedral". GCatholic. Retrieved 2 May 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Trip.com, Chandigarh cathedral. "Christ The King Cathedral attraction reviews - Christ The King Cathedral tickets - Christ The King Cathedral discounts - Christ The King Cathedral transportation, address, opening hours - attractions, hotels, and food near Christ The King Cathedral - Trip.com". TRIP.COM. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  13. ^ Hindustan times, Christ the King cathedra - Good Friday mass (3 April 2021). "Good Friday observed in Chandigarh among Covid restrictions". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  14. ^ Justdial, Church pictures and info (2 May 2023). "Christ the King church Chandigarh". Justdial (pics and info on church). Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  15. ^ EducationDocBox website (1 January 2023). "Missionaries of Charity, Chandigarh Foundation history - PDF Free Download". educationdocbox.com. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  16. ^ St. Peters Academy (2 May 2023). "St. Peter's Academy, Patiala". www.saintpeterspatiala.com. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  17. ^ Little Flower of Bethany (sisters) (2 May 2023). "07. Bethany Convent, Solan". Bethany Congregation. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  18. ^ a b DelhiProvincesFX website, Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier (2 May 2023). "History Of The Province". www.delhiprovincesfx.com. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  19. ^ FR EUSEBIO GOMES SFX (3 March 2023). "GOAN MISSIONARIES IN NORTH INDIA: Pilar Society's Mission in Punjab, 'Land of Five Rivers'". The Goan EveryDay. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  20. ^ Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, missionary work in Chandigarh (1 May 2023). "SABS - Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament". www.sabsmananthavady.org. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  21. ^ a b admin@webkrafts, St. Anne's school - tribute to Rev. Rego (21 November 2022). "BISHOP GILBERT REGO MEMORIAL INTER SCHOOL I.T. CARNIVAL | Mirror 365". Mirror 365 website. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  22. ^ St.Anne's School, Bishop of (Simla-Chandigarh), opened this school in 1977 (2 May 2023). "St. AnneS CONVENT SCHOOL,". sacschd.in. Retrieved 2 May 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ Media, Splash (17 December 2022). "Volume 1 - December 2022". Splash Media. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  24. ^ Skoodos website, Sophia Convent school (2 May 2023). "Sophia Convent School". skoodos.com. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  25. ^ Sophia convent school, Kalka, Rev. Bishop invitation to start a dispensary run by the nuns (2 May 2023). "Sophia Convent School Kalka". www.sophiaconventschool.com. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  26. ^ Tribune news (4 December 1998). "Christians protests against attacks". Tribune India. p. 7. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  27. ^ UPI archives (25 January 1993). "Sikhs blamed in church, nun attacks - UPI Archives". UPI. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  28. ^ Tirkey (Blogger website), Sanjay (6 February 2018). "Ambala". CSSR - NORTH INDIA. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  29. ^ Azad, Divya (14 June 2021). "Bishop Gilbert Rego Charitable Clinic Inaugurated | WorldWisdomNews". WorldWisdomNews. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  30. ^ Chitkara International school (1 January 2022). "Saksham Jain of Chitkara International School, Panchkula wins 1st prize in the "Comic Strip Making Competition" organised under the "Bishop Gilbert Rego Memorial, Interschool I.T. Carnival 2022". -". www.chitkaraschool.in. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  31. ^ The FreeLibrary website, Retired bishops (1 September 2013). "Priests in retirement. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  32. ^ The Hindustan Times, Content (images for sale) - not sure what that means? Need permit?? (28 April 2023). "Bishop Gilbert Blaize Rego dies in Mumbai". www.contentgarden.in. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  33. ^ Apostolic nunciature - India and Nepal, Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh (1 January 2017). "Apostolic Nunciature, India & Nepal". www.apostolicnunciatureindia.com. Retrieved 3 May 2023.


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