Anthony Theodore Lobo

Anthony Theodore Felix Lobo was a Pakistani Roman Catholic bishop and theologian. He served as the Bishop of Islamabad–Rawalpindi after holding the position of Auxiliary Bishop of Karachi.

Early life and education

Lobo was born in Karachi, British India, on 4 July 1937. His parents, Joseph and Ermina Lobo, were Catholics of Goan origin. He attended Saint Patrick's High School for his early schooling. After completing his initial studies, he underwent religious training at the Christ the King seminary in Karachi. He was ordained a priest in Karachi on 8 January 1961.

His academic pursuits led him to various international institutions. He earned degrees from the University of Karachi, Harvard, and Paris.

Career

Lobo dedicated much of his life to the Pakistani education system. He served as the Principal of St. Lawrence's Boys School in Karachi. Later, he held the principalship at Saint Patrick's High School. In November 1986, he founded St. Michael's Convent School. Because he wanted to improve local teaching standards, he sought assistance from Australia to establish the Notre Dame Institute of Education in Karachi in 1991.

The religious hierarchy appointed him to several high-level roles. On 8 June 1982, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Auxiliary Bishop of Karachi. He later became the Bishop of Islamabad–Rawalpindi on 28 May 1993. Due to ill health, he resigned from his position as Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi on 18 February 2010. Bishop Rufin Anthony succeeded him automatically.

Lobo held numerous administrative and advisory positions throughout his career. He served as the Chairman of the Education Commission of Pakistan. He also acted as the Secretary General for the Catholic Bishop Conference of Pakistan. His leadership extended to the Federation of Asian Bishop's Conference, where he was the Chairman of the Office of Education. He contributed to academia as a Member of Senate for Shah Abdul Latif University in Khairpur and Sindh University in Jamshoro.

His influence reached beyond Pakistani borders. He was a member of the board for Oasis magazine in Cairo, Egypt—a publication that focuses on peace and interreligious dialogue. Within his local community, he served as the Spiritual Director of the St. Vincent's Home for the Aged in Karachi. He also wrote many books regarding education.

Personal life

Lobo died on the morning of 18 February 2013 at Rawalpindi-Islamabad. He was buried in the compound of St. Joseph's Cathedral, Rawalpindi. Following his death, Yolande Henderson, a former headmistress of St Patrick's, wrote a tribute to him for The Express Tribune.

Awards and recognition

The President of Pakistan recognized his contributions to literature and education. In 1990, he was conferred the Presidential Pride of Performance Award.