The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Liturgy has appointed Fr. Rudolph Raj Pinto, OCD, from the Karnataka Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, as its new Secretary.
The appointment was made during the CCBI Executive Committee meeting held in Bangalore, South India, from September 10 to 11, 2024.
Fr. Rudolph brings extensive academic and liturgical expertise to his new role. He holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from the University of Madras, as well as a Licentiate and Doctorate in Liturgy from the Pontifical Athenaeum of Sant’ Anselmo, Rome. In addition, he is licensed in liturgical music from the same institution.
His academic contributions include a Licentiate thesis titled "The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Its Historical and Theological Perspectives," and a Liturgical Music thesis, "One Rite but Many Expressions: A Study of the Musical-Liturgical Treasury of Vocal Diversity in the Communion Rite of Missale Romanum 2002."
His doctoral work, Munus Musicae Sacrae Ministeriale in Dominico Servitio, delves into the ministerial role of sacred music within liturgical formation, focusing on the application of Vatican II’s musical reforms within multicultural communities.
Born on September 1, 1976, in Gurpur, Mangalore, Fr. Rudolph began his early education at Pompei Primary School in Kandavara and completed his high school studies at Rosa Mystica High School in Kinnikambla, Mangalore. He entered the Order of Discalced Carmelites, completing his novitiate at the Carmelite Monastery in Margao and his philosophical studies at Pushpashrama in Mysuru.
During his regency at Tapovana in Kushalnagar, Kodagu, he pursued theological studies at St. Joseph's Interdiocesan Seminary in Jeppu, Mangalore. Fr. Rudolph made his solemn profession on May 31, 2003, and was ordained a priest on December 28, 2004, at Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte, Mangalore.
His ministry includes serving as assistant parish priest at San Salvadore Church in Honnavar, Diocese of Karwar, and later as parish priest at St. Sebastian Church in Matadakeri, Honnavar. He also served as superior at Stella Maris in Honnavar and as director and superior at Ranipura, Mangalore.
In addition to his pastoral roles, Fr. Rudolph is an esteemed visiting professor of liturgy at several institutions, including Kristu Jyoti College in Bangalore, Vijnananilayam Institute of Philosophy and Religion in Eluru, St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary in Mangalore, and various institutes of spirituality in Mysuru, such as Dhyanasadhana, Dhyanavana, and Ryshivana.--- With input from Stephen Alathara
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