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'{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}} {{Infobox Christian leader | type = Bishop | name = Gilbert Blaize Rego | title = Bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh|Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh]] (emeritus) | image = | alt = | caption = | church = [[Roman Catholic Church]] | archdiocese = | diocese = | see = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh|Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh]] | term = 1971 - 1999 | predecessor = Alfred Fernández | successor = Gerald John Mathias <!-- Orders -->| ordination = 3 December 1953 | ordinated_by = | consecration = | consecrated_by = | rank = <!-- Personal details --> | birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1921|9|3}} | birth_place = [[Mumbai, India]] | death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2012|6|21|1921|9|3}} | death_place = Mumbai, India | previous_post = Prelate | retired = 10 November 1999 }} '''Gilbert Blaize Rego''' (3 September 1921 &ndash; 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 [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh|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.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=UCA Union of Catholic Asian News |date=2023-04-28 |title=Simla-Chandigarh Diocese {{!}} Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh {{!}} Ucanews |url=https://www.ucanews.com/directory/dioceses/india-simla-chandigarh/182 |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=ucanews.com |language=en}}</ref> 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. <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> In his retirement at the Clergy Home, Mumbai, the bishop Emeritus, suffered from Alzheimer until his death at age 90 in 2012.<ref name=":0" /> == Early life and education == Rego was born on 3 September, 1921, into an affluent family of Anthony Cajetan Rego and Otilia Rego, in [[Mumbai]], India, of 10 children and raised in a devout Catholic home, the family lineage from the House of Rego.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geni website |first=Bishop Gilbert. B. Rego family tree |title=Bishop Gilbert Blaize B. Rego |url=https://www.geni.com/people/Bishop-Gilbert-Blaize-Rego/6000000022452760264 |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=geni_family_tree |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=House of Names |first=Rego History, Family Crest and Coat of Arms |date=2000-01-01 |title=Rego Name Meaning, Family History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms |url=https://www.houseofnames.com/rego-family-crest |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=HouseOfNames |language=EN}}</ref> His large and close knit family, the bonding with his siblings in fun and play,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dignity memorial Obituary Clarence Rego (sibling) |date=2009-11-15 |title=Clarence Rego Obituary - Thornhill, ON |url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/thornhill-on/clarence-rego-9063905 |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Dignity Memorial |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Shimla Chandigarh Diocese website |first=Bishop Gilbert Rego |date=2019-01-01 |title=ABOUT RT. REV. GILBERT B. REGO |url=https://www.simlachandigarhdiocese.com/About_Rt_Rev_Bilbert.aspx |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.simlachandigarhdiocese.com}}</ref> 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, Mumbai|St. Xavier's College]],[https://xaviers.ac/about-us/research] 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.[https://www.simlachandigarhdiocese.com/About_Rt_Rev_Bilbert.aspx] == Priesthood == Rego was ordained a priest on 3 December 1953, at age 32, appointed a bishop to the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh|Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh]] on 11 March 1971 and in the same year ordained a bishop on 11 September.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Catholic-Hierarchy website |first=David Cheney |date=2022-11-13 |title=Bishop Gilbert Blaize Rego [Catholic-Hierarchy] |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bregogb.html |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=www.catholic-hierarchy.org}}</ref>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.<ref name=":2" /> The Simla-Chandigarh diocese is one of the eight largest area of Indian Christians in India.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Dr. Aprem |first=Mar |date=2023-05-02 |title=Indian Christian Who is Who |pages=66, 91 |work=Indian christians |url=https://ia902807.us.archive.org/20/items/indianchristianw0000mara/indianchristianw0000mara.pdf |access-date=2023-05-02}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":1" /> == Episcopal ministry and legacy == 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. * The mission stations of Amloh, Pathak, Majri, Jhundan, Devigarh, Rajpura, Ropar, and many more in Bhatinda, Karnal and Shimla surroundings.<ref name=":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.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=gCatholic.org website |first=Christ the king cathedra, Chandigarh, India |date=2023-05-02 |title=Christ the King Cathedral |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/asia/3724.htm |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=GCatholic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trip.com |first=Chandigarh cathedral |title=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 |url=https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/chandigarh/christ-the-king-cathedral-58349920/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=TRIP.COM |language=en-XX}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hindustan times |first=Christ the King cathedra - Good Friday mass |date=2021-04-03 |title=Good Friday observed in Chandigarh among Covid restrictions |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/good-friday-observed-in-chandigarh-among-covid-restrictions-101617392285558.html |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Justdial |first=Church pictures and info |date=2023-05-02 |title=Christ the King church Chandigarh |url=https://www.justdial.com/Chandigarh/Christ-King-Church-Sec-19-Chandigarh-Sector-19/0172PX172-X172-100111150301-Y3J9_BZDET |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Justdial (pics and info on church)}}</ref> * Mother Teresa Charity, Chandigarh, Rego invited the Missionary of Charity MC, to the serve the poor children on 31 May, 1976.<ref>{{Cite web |last=EducationDocBox website |date=2023-01-01 |title=Missionaries of Charity, Chandigarh Foundation history - PDF Free Download |url=https://educationdocbox.com/Private_School/94116382-Missionaries-of-charity-chandigarh-foundation-history.html |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=educationdocbox.com}}</ref> * St. Peter's Academy, Patiala, inspiration and supported by Bishop Rego.<ref>{{Cite web |last=St. Peters Academy |date=2023-05-02 |title=St. Peter's Academy, Patiala |url=https://www.saintpeterspatiala.com/history.aspx |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=www.saintpeterspatiala.com}}</ref> * 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Little Flower of Bethany (sisters) |date=2023-05-02 |title=07. Bethany Convent, Solan |url=https://www.bethanycongregation.org/provinces/northern-province/411-07-bethany-convent-solan |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Bethany Congregation |language=en-gb}}</ref> * 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.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=DelhiProvincesFX website |first=Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier |date=2023-05-02 |title=History Of The Province |url=http://www.delhiprovincesfx.com/History_Of_The_Province.aspx |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=www.delhiprovincesfx.com}}</ref> * Our lady of Rosary, Goa, was inaugurated by Bishop Rego, on 2 October, 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FR EUSEBIO GOMES SFX |date=2023-03-03 |title=GOAN MISSIONARIES IN NORTH INDIA: Pilar Society’s Mission in Punjab, ‘Land of Five Rivers’ |url=https://www.thegoan.net/global-goenkar/goan-missionaries-in-north-india-pilar-society%E2%80%99s-mission-in-punjab-%E2%80%98land-of-five-rivers%E2%80%99/95976.html |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}}</ref> * 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament |first=missionary work in Chandigarh |date=2023-05-01 |title=SABS - Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament |url=http://www.sabsmananthavady.org/home/page/80 |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=www.sabsmananthavady.org}}</ref> * St. Anne's Convent school, Chandigarh. Bishop Rego under the diocese founded the school in 1977.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=admin@webkrafts |first=St. Anne's school - tribute to Rev. Rego |date=2022-11-21 |title=BISHOP GILBERT REGO MEMORIAL INTER SCHOOL I.T. CARNIVAL {{!}} Mirror 365 |url=http://mirror365.com/bishop-gilbert-rego-memorial-inter-school-i-t-carnival/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Mirror 365 website |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=St.Anne's School |first=Bishop of (Simla-Chandigarh), opened this school in 1977 |date=2023-05-02 |title=St. Anne'’S CONVENT SCHOOL, |url=https://sacschd.in/index.php |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=sacschd.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Splash |date=2022-12-17 |title=Volume 1 - December 2022 |url=https://splashmedia.live/2022/12/17/press-note/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Splash Media |language=en-US}}</ref> * 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skoodos website |first=Sophia Convent school |date=2023-05-02 |title=Sophia Convent School |url=https://skoodos.com/school/sophia-convent-school-azad-colony |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=skoodos.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sophia convent school, Kalka |first=Rev. Bishop invitation to start a dispensary run by the nuns |date=2023-05-02 |title=Sophia Convent School Kalka |url=http://www.sophiaconventschool.com/about-us |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=www.sophiaconventschool.com}}</ref> * 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tribune news |date=1998-12-04 |title=Christians protests against attacks |pages=7 |work=Tribune India |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98dec05/chd.htm#7 |access-date=2023-05-02}}</ref> Rego spoke out against violence on the nuns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=UPI archives |date=1993-01-25 |title=Sikhs blamed in church, nun attacks - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/01/25/Sikhs-blamed-in-church-nun-attacks/6596727938000/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref> * The Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Bhurewal, Ambala, was build and blessed by Rev. Rego, in 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tirkey |first=Sanjay |date=2018-02-06 |title=Ambala |url=https://sanjaytirkey.wordpress.com/ambala/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=CSSR - NORTH INDIA |language=en}}</ref><br /> == 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Azad |first=Divya |date=2021-06-14 |title=Bishop Gilbert Rego Charitable Clinic Inaugurated {{!}} WorldWisdomNews |url=https://www.worldwisdomnews.com/bishop-gilbert-rego-charitable-clinic-inaugurated/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=WorldWisdomNews |language=en-US}}</ref> Schools in India has honored him, his legacy by bestowing the Bishop Gilbert Rego Memorial awards, to its achieving students.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chitkara International school |date=2022-01-01 |title=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". - |url=https://www.chitkaraschool.in/panchkula/weekly-news/saksham-jain-of-chitkara-international-school-panchkula-wins-1st-prize-in-the-comic-strip/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=www.chitkaraschool.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> == Retirement (Emeritus) == Rego, fulfilled the sacraments o the Holy order was the longest serving bishop of the diocese, served twenty nine years until he retired on 10 November 1999, at age 77, as bishop emeritus of the Simla-Chandigarh Diocese.<ref>{{Cite web |last=The FreeLibrary website |first=Retired bishops |date=2013-09-01 |title=Priests in retirement. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Priests+in+retirement.-a0346532514 |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}</ref> == 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> == References == {{Reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bregogb.html Catholic-Hierarchy] *[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120622/cth1.htm#16 Gilbert Blaize Rego's obituary] *[https://www.simlachandigarhdiocese.com/About_Rt_Rev_Bilbert.aspx] {{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Rego, Gilbert}} [[Category:20th-century Roman Catholic bishops in India]] [[Category:1921 births]] [[Category:2012 deaths]] {{india-RC-bishop-stub}}'