The diocese of Kumbakonam was bifurcated from the archdiocese of Pondicherry and was erected on 1st of September 1899 by the apostolic letter of Pope Leo XIII. It is prestigious to note that the first two bishops were the M.E.P. missionaries. Rt.Rev.Msgr.Hugo M.BOTTERO led the diocese from 1899 to 1913 and Rt.Rev.Msgr.Marie Augustine CHAPUIS from 1913 to 1930. After a year of able guidance by Msgr. M.A. Xavier as its Apostolic Administrator, Rt.Rev. Msgr. Peter Francis became the first indigenous bishop in 1931 and was followed by Rt.Rev.Msgr. D. Paul Arulsamy in 1955. In his tenure of 33 years (1955-88), the diocese witnessed the liturgical and theological renewal of the Second Vatican Council. At his resignation in 1988, Msgr. Antony David as its diocesan administrator led the diocese. The fifth bishop, Rt.Rev. Msgr. Peter Remigius was ordained bishop on 3rd January 1990. Under his able leadership and vast experience both at the national and international level, he has widened up its horizon towards the integral development of people.

The diocese is situated in 12 civil taluks from 5 districts of Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Thiruvarur and a small portion of South Arcot; it covers 7823 sq.kms. Among the total population of 50,44,798, the Catholics form 4.66 %, Muslims 4.24 %, Hindus 91% and others 0.10 %.

The diocese of Kumbakonam has a catholic population of 1,98,048 in 75 parishes and 525 substations grouped under 6 vicariates. The 124 diocesan priests are committed to the diocese with common aims and united efforts with their bishop and brother-priests. About 30 Religious Priests, 17 Religious Brothers and 453 religious Sisters cooperate with the diocesan bishop and priests in the apostolate and exercise their charism in the diocese.

Pilgrim Centres

Pilgrim Centres: