Iringa, Tanzania — On Sunday, 27 April 2025, the Diocese of Iringa in Tanzania witnessed a momentous occasion as Romanus Elamu Mihali, an alumnus of Mar Ivanios College, was consecrated and installed as its sixth indigenous Bishop. This solemn ceremony was celebrated with reverence and joy, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the spiritual leadership of the diocese.
Born in 1969 in Itulituli, Mufindi, Tanzania, Bishop Romanus Mihali’s journey reflects a profound blend of African roots and Indian formation. Having pursued higher education at Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences and a Master’s in Zoology, alongside a Bachelor of Education from Mar Theophilos Teachers’ Training College, he exemplifies the fruitful cross-cultural connections nurtured by the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.
Ordained a priest on 13 July 2000, Monsignor Mihali faithfully served in various pastoral and formational roles within the dioceses of Iringa and Mafinga. His dedication as parish priest, teacher, and episcopal vicar has been marked by steadfast commitment to the spiritual and communal well-being of the faithful.
The consecration ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, Archbishop Emeritus of Dar-es-Salaam, with the participation of Bishop Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa, Bishop Emeritus of Iringa, and Archbishop Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga, Archbishop of Mbeya. The gathering united clergy, religious, and lay faithful in prayerful celebration, underscoring the apostolic continuity and shared mission entrusted to Bishop Mihali.
For the Malankara faithful, this consecration resonates deeply. It reflects the Church’s global reach and its role in forming leaders who carry the spirit of Mar Ivanios—visionary, reconciler, and missionary. Bishop Mihali’s journey through Mar Ivanios College highlights the enduring bonds between the Syro Malankara Catholic Church and the broader universal Church, embodying the commitment to evangelisation and pastoral care across continents.
As Bishop Romanus Elamu Mihali embraces his new role, the faithful of both Tanzania and the Malankara Church offer prayers for his ministry, that he may shepherd his flock with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith.
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