An India-born vicar, who grew up in a leprosy hospital in Bangalore where his mother was a nurse, has been consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England with a staff, or crozier, made of Indian rosewood.

The Right Reverend Malayil Lukose Varghese Muthalaly, known as Saju, aged 42, became one of the youngest bishops when he was consecrated at a Eucharist service in St Paul’s Cathedral in London by the Archbishop of Canterbury on Tuesday.

“I have been preparing for this service very much aware of what a great privilege it is that people around the world are praying for this moment. There is a very strong sense of the wider church affirming this calling,” said Rev. Saju.

Two of his four children, Zipp and Abraham, joined him for prayers during the service this week.

While he has started work towards his new role, Rev. Saju will be formally installed and known as Bishop of Loughborough only after a welcome service with guests and representatives of the diocese at Brockington Church of England Academy in Enderby, Leicestershire, on February 5.

The service in London marked the feast day of the conversion of St Paul the apostle, and an insightful sermon was preached on that topic by Dr Selina Stone, tutor and lecturer in theology at St. Mellitus College.