Most Reverend Francis Serrao, SJ
Bishop of Mysore
Born on August 15, 1959, in the quiet town of Moodbidri, Dakshina Kannada, Most Reverend Francis Serrao, SJ, is a shepherd whose life and vocation are rooted in a profound legacy of faith. The youngest of eleven children born to the late Mr. Joseph Piedade Serrao and Mrs. Gracy Mary Serrao, Bishop Francis belongs to a family of extraordinary spiritual devotion; among his siblings are five fellow priests and a religious sister, all dedicated to the service of the Gospel.
A Life Formed in Service
Bishop Francis began his journey with the Society of Jesus on January 3, 1979. Following a rigorous period of spiritual and intellectual formation, he was ordained to the priesthood on April 30, 1992, by the late Bishop Basil D’Souza.
His early ministry was marked by a deep-seated commitment to social action. Whether working with the marginalized in Mundgod or serving as the acting director of the Regional Theological Centre, he consistently sought to bridge the gap between faith and justice. His leadership capabilities were quickly recognized, leading to pivotal roles as Mission Superior and Parish Priest in Anekal, and later as the Superior of the Bijapur Jesuit Mission.
Ecclesiastical Leadership & Administration
Bishop Francis’s career is a testament to his versatility as both a scholar and an administrator.
- Academic Leadership: As Rector of the prestigious St. Aloysius College in Mangalore, he spent five years shaping the character and intellect of the youth.
- Provincial Governance: In 2009, he was elected the Provincial Superior of the Karnataka Jesuit Province, overseeing the spiritual and administrative health of the order in the region.
- Episcopal Ministry: On May 7, 2014, he was ordained as the Bishop of Shimoga under the motto “Service of Faith, Fullness of Life.” For over a decade, he led the diocese with a rare blend of administrative acumen and a compassionate, humane approach.
The Mission in Mysore
In a significant new chapter of his ministry, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Francis Serrao as the Bishop of Mysore. He was formally installed on October 7, 2025, bringing his signature eloquence and his “preferential option for the poor” to the faithful of this historic Diocese.
Beyond his diocesan duties, Bishop Francis continues to serve the wider Church in several high-level capacities:
- Chairman: CCBI Commission for Ecumenism.
- Chairman: KRCBC Commission for Social Concern and Development.
- Chairman: KRCBC Commission for Justice and Peace.
A Vision of Grace
Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ, is widely regarded as a gifted orator whose homilies are as sincere as they are intellectually profound. As he embarks on his new responsibilities, we pray that his tenure in Mysore be marked by the same wisdom, strength, and love for the marginalized that have defined his distinguished vocation.
“May his leadership continue to be a beacon of grace, guiding the faithful toward a future of spiritual depth and social harmony.”