Bangalore 7 May, 2022 (CCBI): The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil OIC (66) Bishop of the Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom of Gurgaon (Delhi) of the Syro-Malankara, transferring him from the Eparchy of St. Ephrem of Khadki (Pune) of the Syro-Malankara. 

Bangalore 7 May, 2022 (CCBI):The Syro Malankara Synod having received the prior Papal Assent, canonically elected Rev. Dr. Antony Kakkanatt as the Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and Rev. Dr Mathew Manakkarakavil as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archeparchy of Trivandrum.

Appointment of bishop of Krishnagar, India

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Nirmol Vincent Gomes, S.D.B., until now deputy director of the novitiate of the Salesian Society of Saint John Bosco in Darjeeling, as bishop of the diocese of Krishnagar, India.

Curriculum vitae

Fr. Nirmol Vincent Gomes, S.D.B., was born on 8 February 1959 in Ranaghat, diocese of Krishnagar. After entering the minor seminary of the Salesians of Don Bosco as an aspirant, he completed his novitiate at Sunnyside, Shillong. He carried out his studies in philosophy in Sonada, Darjeeling, and in theology at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, where he was awarded a doctorate in science of education. He gave his religious vows in the Salesian Society of Saint John Bosco on 24 May 1979. He was ordained a priest on 22 July 1989.

After ordination, he was awarded a licentiate in pedagogy (1988-1991) and a doctorate in pedagogical science (1997-2000) from the Pontifical Salesian University, UPS. He served as dean of studies (1991-1997) and rector (2000-2006) of the Salesian College in Sonada, confessor (2006-2007) and rector (2007-2009) of the Don Bosco School in Krishnagar, parish coadjutor in Bongaon (2009-2010), vice rector (2010-2013) and rector (2013-2014) of the Don Bosco School in Siliguri, provincial of the Salesians of Saint John Bosco in Calcutta (2014-2020) and, from 2020 to date, deputy director of the novitiate of the Salesian Society of Saint John Bosco in Darjeeling.

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Francis Kalist, currently Bishop of Meerut, as Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore (India)

Pope appoints new bishop in Quilon, India

On April 18, the Pope appointed Fr. Paul Antony Mullassery the new Bishop of Quilon, in Kerala state.

Pope Francis on Wednesday appointed a new bishop in southern India’s Kerala state. Fr. Paul Antony Mullassery, the Vicar of Quilon Diocese is its new bishop. The 58-year old priest takes over from Stanley Roman, who has stepped down having reached the canonical retirement age of 75 in 2016.

Born on January 15, 196o in Kaithakody, in the Diocese of Quilon, Fr. Mullassery studied at Quilon’s St. Raphael’s Minor Seminary, at the Trinity Lyceum and did his philosophy and theology at St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. He was ordained priest on December 22, 1984 for the clergy of the Diocese of Quilon. He has a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome.

After ordination, Fr. Mullassery was entrusted with the following responsibilities:

1985-1986: Assistant parish priest of St. Michael's Church, Kumbalam
1986-1987: Parish priest of Three Kings' Church, Vadakkumthala 
1987-1988: Parish priest of St. Joseph's Church, Padappakara 
1988-1990: Joint director of Catechesis and Bible Apostolate and Prefect of the Minor Seminary of St. Raphael, Quilon 
1990-1994: Studied for doctorate Canon Law in Rome 
1995-2002: Parish priest of Infant Jesus Cathedral, Quilon 
Since 1995: Judge of the Diocesan Tribunal 
1997-2006: Chancellor of the Diocese 
2002-2004: Parish priest of Holy Cross Church, Tangasseri 
2004-2006: Rector of St. Raphael's Seminary, Quilon 
2006-2010: Pro-Vicar General, Quilon 
2006-2012: Episcopal Vicar for pastoral care. 
2013-2017: Judicial Vicar, Quilon 
2014-2017: Spiritual director of St. Raphael’s Seminary, Quilon 
Since 2017: Vicar General of Quilon Diocese

Pope Has Appointed Bishop Peter Machado Of Belgaum As Archbishop Of Bangalore (19-03-2018)

His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Grace Most Rev. Bernard Blasius Moras from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, according to Canon Law 401 § 1, and has appointed H. E. Msgr. Peter Machado, until now Bishop of Belgaum, as the new Archbishop of Bangalore.

His Grace Most Rev. Bernard Moras will remain as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese until the day of the canonical taking possession of the new Archbishop.

This provision was made public in Rome on Monday, 19th March, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Bishop Peter Machado was born on May 26, 1954, in Honavar. He was ordained a priest on December 8, 1978, for the Diocese of Karwar, which had been created in 1976.

He was appointed Bishop of Belgaum on Feb. 2, 2006, and was ordained bishop on March 30 that year. Prior to his episcopal appointment, he completed doctoral studies in Rome in Canon Law and served as procurator, judicial vicar, consultor and secretary of the Karnataka regional bishops' Laity Commission, based in Bangalore.

Pope appoints new Bishop of Idukki, Kerala, India

Fr. James Athikalam the Director of Nirmal Jyoti Mental Health Programme, Bhopal is the new Bishop of the Eparchy of Sagar.

Pope Francis , receiving the request of the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church, has appointed Rev. Fr. James Athikalam, MST, as the new Bishop of the Eparchy of Sagar in Madhya Pradesh State of India, on Friday. He is until now Director of Nirmal Jyoti Mental Health Programme, Bhopal, India. He takes over from Bishop Anthony Chirayath, who retired from the office upon completing the age of 75.

Rev. Fr. James Athikalam, MST, was born on 5^th July, 1958, at Pulincunnoo, Changanacherry. He was ordained priest on 22^nd March, 1984, for the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle (MST). He has obtained a licentiate in Biblical Theology and Doctorate in Patrology from Augustinianum Institute in Rome. As a priest he worked at Barnagar in the Diocese of Ujjain, and later was appointed professor and procurator of the Diocesan Minor Seminary of Ujjain and professor at the MST Minor Seminary. In 1991, he was appointed Director of the Missionary Orientation Course at Jeevan Jyothi, Mandya, professor of Patrology in Ruhalaya Major Seminary, Ujjain, of which he was later appointed Rector. He became the Director General of the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle and was serving in that office till last year. At present he is the Director of Nirmal Jyoti Mental Health Programme, Bhopal.

He knows Malayalam, English and Hindi very well. Besides, he knows Latin, Greek, Syriac, Italian, French and German.

Pope acknowledges appointment of Bishop of Idukki, Kerala, India

Fr. John Nellikunnel, the present Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at Saint Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha in Kerala is the new bishop of Idukki.

Pope Francis on Friday acknowledged the appointment of a new bishop to Idukki diocese in southern India’s Kerala state belonging to the eastern rite Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. The Syro-Malabar Church Synod elected Fr. John Nellikunnel, the present Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at Saint Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha. Unlike in the Latin-rite Church where the Pope directly appoints bishops, the synods of eastern-rite Catholic churches have the autonomy of appointing their own bishops, to which the Pope gives his assent. Fr. Nellikunnel takes over from Bishop Mathew Anikuzhikattil, the first bishop of Idukki who has retired.

Born March 22, 1973, Fr. John Nellikunnel did his initial priestly studies first at the Saint Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Kothamangalam and then at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor. He was ordained priest on December 30, 1998. He then exercised his priestly ministry in various parishes of his diocese. He was then sent to Rome for his highter studies and obtained a Licentiate and Doctorate in Philosophy at the Pontifical University of San Tommaso. On returning to his diocese he served as the Eparchial Chacellor, Secretary to the Bishop, Director of Catechesis and the Biblical Apostolate, Professor and then Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at Saint Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary Mangalapuzha.

Pope appoints a coadjutor bishop to Alleppey Diocese in India

Pope Francis on 7^th December 2017 appointed Mons. James Raphael Anaparambil, thecoadjutor bishop to the Diocese of Alleppey in Southern India’s Kerala state. Unlike an auxiliary bishop a coadjutor bishop has the right to succession.

Mons. James Raphael Anaparambil was born on March 7, 1962 in Kandakadavu (Diocese of Alleppey). After his studies at the Major Seminary of Alwaye, he was ordained a priest on December 17, 1986 for the same Diocese.

After his priestly ordination he held the following positions:

1986-1987: Chaplain, St. Thomas Church in Thumply;

1987-1988: Chaplain, Monte Carmelo Cathedral in Alleppey;

1989-1993: Prefect and Procurator of the Sacred Heart Minor Seminary in Mayithara, Cherthala, Allappuzha;

1993-1998: Doctorate in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome.

1998-2009: Teacher of Biblical Theology and Hebrew Language at the Pontifical Seminary St. Joseph, Carmelgiri, Aluva, and Diocesan Director of the Vocational Center of Kerala.

2009-2011: Rector of the Pontifical Seminary St. Joseph, Carmelgiri, Aluva;

2011-2014: Lecturer at the St. Joseph Seminary, Carm elgiri, Aluva;

2014-2016: Assistant Vicar General for the clergy, religious and seminarians of Alleppey;

since 2016: Serves as a member of the Bible revision core team at the Center for Pastoral Orientation in Ernakulam.

The Diocese of Alleppey was erected on June 19, 1952. It has an area of 333 sq. kms with Alleppey and Ernakulam districts. The Catholic population here is 167,565. The diocese has 52 parishes and 22 chapels with resident priests. It also has 22 substations. It is served by 109 Diocesan priests, 23 Religious priests, 2 Religious brothers, 362 Religious sisters from 59 Religious houses and 81 Diocesan seminarians.

Provisions for the Syro-Malabar Church, 10th October 2017

The Holy Father Francis has adopted the following provisions for the Syro-Malabar Church:

- Erection of the eparchy of Shamshabad, India, and appointment of the first bishop;

- Erection of the eparchy of Hosur, India, and appointment of the first bishop;

- Extension of the boundaries of the eparchies of Ramanathapuram and Thuckalay.

Erection of the eparchy of Shamshabad, India, and appointment of H. E. Msgr. Raphael Thattil

The Pope has erected the eparchy of Shamshabad, India, and appointed as first bishop H. E. Msgr. Raphael Thattil, currently Auxiliary of Trichur,transferring him from the titular see of Buruni

H. E. Msgr. Raphael Thattil was born on 21 April 1956 in Trichur. After his seminary formation in Vadavathoor, he received a doctorate in Oriental canon law from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. He is fluent in Malayalam and English, and knows Italian and German.

He received priestly ordination on 21 December 1980, and has held the following positions: assistant vicar in Aranattukara (1981), prefect of the minor seminary (1982), vice Chancellor of the eparchial Curia (1988), vice rector of the minor seminary (1991 ), director of the Diocesan Biblical Catechetical Liturgical Centre(1992-1995), chancellor and eparchial judge (1995-2000), first rector of the “Mary Matha” seminary (1998-2007), where he made an important contribution to the growth of the major seminary , and protosyncellus of the archieparchy of Trichur (2007-2010).

He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as titular bishop of Buruni and auxiliary of Trichur, and received episcopal ordination on 10 April 2010. Since 23 December he has been apostolic visitor for the Syro-Malabar faithful resident in India outside his own territory.

Information

The territory of the new eparchy is vast: it includes the entire country of India not already included in existing eparchies. The pastoral life of the territory is already quite organized thanks in particular to the ministry of the Apostolic visitor, Msgr. Raphael Thattil, now the first bishop of Shamshabad. The Syro-Malabar communities are formed in their own traditions, especially with regard to the liturgy and catechesis. There are 88 priests working, both eparchial and religious.

The see of Shamshabad is located 50 km from Hyderabad, in the state of Telangana, where there are 500 Syro-Malabar families. Awaiting the completion of the Cathedral, the pro-Cathedral will be Saint Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kukatpally, near Hyderabad. For the moment there will also be the Chancellery and the bishop’s residence. The eparchy of Shamshabad will be under the patronage of Saint Thomas the Apostle and Saint John Paul II.

Erection of the eparchy of Hosur, India, and appointment ofRev. Fr. Sebastian (Jobby) Pozholiparampil

The Pope has erected the eparchy of Hosur, India, and appointed as first bishop the Rev. Fr. Sebastian (Jobby) Pozholiparampil, currently syncellus (episcopal vicar) of the eparchy of Irinjalakuda.

The Rev. Fr. Sebastian (Jobby) Pozholiparampil, born on 1 September 1957 in Pullur, in the eparchy of Irinjalakuda, entered the minor seminary in Trichur. Following his studies at the Saint Thomas Apostolic Seminary in Kottayam, he was ordained a priest on 22 December 1982. He obtained a licentiate in theology (ecclesiology) from the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University in Rome. Aside from English and Malayalam, he knows Hindi, Italian and German.

He has held the following offices: pastor of various parishes, including the Cathedral of Irinjalakuda; procurator and then rector of the Saint Paul’s Minor Seminary; director of the Charismatic Catholic Movement, Apostolate for the Bible and Jesus Youth; coordinator of the mission in Chennai; bursar and syncellus of the eparchy of Irinjalakuda.

Information

The eparchy of Hosur includes the northern part of Tamil Nadu state, where there are around 50,000 Syro-Malabar faithful in the city of Chennai and another 15,000 in the nearby cities of Chingleput, Dharmapuri, Vellore and Pondicherry. Their pastoral care is entrusted to 22 priests, from the eparchy of Irinjalakuda, and responsible for 44 pastoral centres. There are also 73 women religious working in the region, who manage eight schools and other pious works.

Despite the concentration of the Syro-Malabar faithful in Chennai, the new eparchy will have as its see the city of Hosur. The Cathedral and Chancellery will in any case be close to Chennai: Saint Antony’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Noothenchery and the Saint Thomas Pastoral Centre in Aynavaram.

The Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, gathered at Mount St. Thomas, Kerala, having received prior Papal Assent according to CCEO can. 184, canonically elected to the office of Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Trichur, Rev. Fr. Tony Neelankavil, till now Rector of Marymatha Major Seminary, Trichur. The Auxiliary Bishop-Elect has been assigned the Titular See of Masuccaba. This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 1st September, 2017.

Rev. Fr. Tony Neelankavil was born on 23rd July, 1967, at Valappad, in the Archeparchy of Trichur. After the school studies, he joined Trichur Minor Seminary in 1984. He had his Philosophy and Theology course from St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor (1986-1993). He was ordained Priest on 27th December, 1993. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at Ollur (1994-95) and Palayur (1995). Then he was sent for higher studies in Leuven, Belgium, where he took Licentiate in 1997 and Doctorate in Theology in 2002. He joined as Professor at Marymatha Major Seminary in 2002 and served the Seminary as Animator, Dean of Studies, Lecturer of Systematic Theology, Director of Mary Matha Publications, Spiritual Father, etc. He served the Archeparchy of Trichur as member of Theological Commission, Chaplain of different formation centres and convents, member of Presbyteral Council, etc.

He was the Pro-Vicar of Manjakkunnu (2003-2005) and Priest-in-charge of Nadampadam Station Church (2012-2014). From March 2017 he is the Rector of Marymatha Major Seminary, Trichur. He is also member of the Theology Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church and of the Liturgical Research Centre. He was also member of CBCI Bishops-Theologians Colloquium. He is proficient in Malayalam, English and German.

Fr. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal Curia Bishop of Syro-Malabar (01-09-2017)

The Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, gathered at Mount St. Thomas, Kerala, having received prior Papal Assent according to CCEO can. 184, canonically elected to the office of Curia Bishop Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, of the clergy of Kanjirapally, till now Vice Chancellor of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia. The Curia Bishop-Elect has been assigned the Titular See of Troina. These ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 1st September, 2017.

Fr. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal was born on 29th March, 1967, at Mulamkunnu, in the Eparchy of Kanjirapally. After his school education he joined the eparchial Minor Seminary and had his philosophical and theological formation in St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor. He was ordained Priest on 30th December, 1992. After ordination he served as Assistant Parish Priest at St. George Forane Church, Kattappana (1993-1995) and Director of Yuvadeepti, Eparchy of Kanjirapally (1995-2000), Vicar of St. Mary’s Church, Pazhaya Koratty (1998-99). Later he was sent to Rome for higher studies (2000-2005), where he took his Doctorate in Oriental Canon Law from the Holy Cross University, Rome. After his return, he served as Judge of the Eparchial Tribunal, Kanjirapally (from 2005), Vicar, St. Thomas Church, Poomattam (2005-2009), Judicial Vicar (2006-2014), Vicar, St. George Church, Chennakunnu (2009-2012), and Vicar, Infant Jesus Church, Mulamkunnu (2012-2014). From September 2014, he has been serving as Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Vice Chancellor.

Fr Joseph Pamplany Auxiliary Bishop of Tellicherry Archdiocese (01-09-2017)

The Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, gathered at Mount St. Thomas, Kerala, having received prior Papal Assent according to CCEO can. 184, canonically elected to the office of Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Tellicherry, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pamplany, till now Secretary of the Doctrinal Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church. The Auxiliary Bishop-elect has been assigned the Titular See of Numluli. This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 1st September, 2017.

Fr. Joseph Pamplany was born on 11th December, 1969, at Charal in the Archeparchy of Tellicherry. After the school studies, and completing his pre degree at Nirmalagiri College, Kuthuparamba, he joined St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Tellicherry (1986-1988). He did his philosophical and theological studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye (1988-97). He was ordained Priest on 30th December, 1997. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at Peravoor (1998-99) and was Parish Priest at Deepagiri (1999-2001). From 2001-2006 he did his studies on Sacred Scripture and obtained Doctorate from Leuven University, Belgium. On his return, he was appointed Director of Bible Apostolate in the Archeparchy from 2006 onward. He is the Founder Director of Alpha Institute of Theology from 2007 onward.

He is member of the Consulters’ Body of the Archeparchy and of the Administrative Council. He is Secretary of the Doctrinal Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church, KCBC and CBCI. He is also member of the Doctrinal Commission of FABC. He is visiting professor of Holy Scripture in different major Seminaries and Institutes. He is proficient in Malayalam, English, German and French.

Syro Malankara Catholic Church erected new diocese Parassala in Kerala for its faithful and appointed His Excellency Most Reverend Thomas Mar Eusebios Naickamparambil as its first bishop.

Syro Malankara Catholic Church Elected of Reverend Father George Kalayil as Bishop of the Eparchy of Puthur.

This was made public on Saturday 5th August 2017 at 3.30pm.

Fr. Peter Sebastian Goveas is Appointed as the New Bishop of Bettiah (22-7-2017)

Pope Francis on Saturday appointed a new Bishop to the Diocese of Bettiah in eastern India’s Bihar state. Fr. Peter Sebastian Goveas, the Vicar General of Bhagalpur Diocese, also in Bihar, is the new bishop of Bettiah. The see of Bettiah has been vacant since July 13, 2013, when Pope Francis transferred Bettiah’s first Bishop Victor Henry Thakur to the Archdiocese of Raipur.

Fr. Goveas was born on 8 February 1955 at Hosabettu, Hospet, Mangalore, in southern India’s Karnataka state. After completing his secondary school, Fr. Goveas entered St. John’s Regional Minor Seminary, Bhagapur, to become a priest for the Diocese of Bhagalpur. He did his philosophy studies at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi (1975) and at Morning Star College, Barrackpore, West Bengal state (1975-1978) and his theology at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi (1979-1983). While doing his regency at Maheshmunda (1989-1979), he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Calcutta University (1978).

Fr. Peter Goveas was ordained priest on December 9, 1983 for the Diocese of Bhagalpur, following which he served the diocese in various capacities:

Bettiah Diocese, erected in 1998, is a suffragan of Patna Archdiocese. Its jurisdiction extends over an area of more than 10,500 sq km, where Catholics number nearly 6,000 out of a total populatin of 14.5 million. Pastoral care is provide 55 priests (19 diocesan and 36 religious), 43 religious brothers and 133 sisters in 13 parishes. There are 13 major seminarians aspiring to be priests.

Fr. Nazarene Soosai is Appointed as the New Bishop of Kottar (20-5-2017)

The Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Nazarene Soosai, pastor of the Our Lady of Ransom parish of Kanyakumari in Kottar, as the bishop of the diocese of Kottar, India.

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Kottar, India, presented by His Excellency Msgr. Peter Remigius.

The Rev. Nazarene Soosai was born in Rajakkalamngalamthurai in the diocese of Kottar on 13 April 1963.

He studied at the St. Aloysius’ minor seminary in Nagercoil, concluding his philosophical and theological studies at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Poonamallee, Chennai. He obtained a licentiate in theology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, and a doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He also holds a master’s degree in political sciences from the University of Madurai.

On 2 April 1989 he received priestly ordination for the diocese of Kottar.

He has performed his priestly ministry in the following offices: deputy priest of the Our Lady of Presentation church in Colachel (1989-1990); prefect of studies at the Tamil Nadu Xavier Mission Home in Nagercoil (1990-1992), and at the same time secretary of the diocesan Commission for vocations; pastor of the St. Helen’s parish in Enayam, and ecclesiastical assistant of the Christian Life Community and secretary of the Diocesan Priests Personal Board (1992-1998); student, specializing in theology, in Leuven, Belgium (1998-2000); student, obtaining a doctorate in Rome (2000-2003); dean and professor of theology at the Sacred Heart seminary in Poonamallee, Chennai (2003-2011); since March 2012, pastor at the Shrine of Our Lady of Ransom in Kanyakumari and vicar forane of the vicariate of Kanyakumari, and at the same time visiting professor at the Sacred Heart seminary in Poonamallee, Chennai, and at various other universities and institutes (Madras University, Chennai; CRI Theological Institute, Bangalore; Sason Sambalpur, Odisha; Salesian Theological Institute, Chennai; St. Paul’s seminary, Tiruchirapalli; Arul Kadal, Chennai).

Fr. Kannikadass William Antony is Appointed as the New Bishop of Mysore (25-1-2017)

His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Kannikadass William Antony (52), of the clergy of Mysore, as the new Bishop of Mysore. This provision was made public in Rome on Wednesday, 25 January 2017, at noon local time, 16:30 hours, IST.

Rev. Fr. Kannikadass William Antony, was born in Pollibetta, in the Diocese of Mysore, on 27th February, 1965. He studied at the St. Mary’s Minor Seminary and at St. Philomena’s College in Mysore. He completed his philosophical and theological studies and acquired a Master’s Degree in Canon Law (1996-1998) at the St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Christianity from the University of Mysore. He was ordained a priest on 18th May, 1993 for the Diocese of Mysore and has exercised his priestly ministry in the following assignments: Assistant Parish Priest of St. Thomas Church in Thomayarpalayam (1993-1994); Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Martalli (1994-1995); Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gundlupet (1995-1996); Parish Priest of Holy Family Church in Hinkal, Mysore (1998-2003); Financial Administrator and Chancellor of the Diocese of Mysore (2003-2009); Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Mysore and Dean of Mysore (2009-2015).

Since 2015, he has been the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church in Jayalakshmipuram, and Secretary of the Mysore Diocesan Educational Society (MDES). He is a member of the Diocesan College of Consultors, of the Diocesan Financial Council and of the Mysore Diocesan Society (MDS), as well as the Diocesan Public Relation Officer (PRO) and the Defender of Bond at the Diocesan Tribunal, in the Diocese of Mysore.

His Excellency Most Reverend Giambattista Diquattro (21-1-2017)

His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed His Excellency Most Reverend Giambattista Diquattro, till now Apostolic Nuncio to Bolivia, as the new APOSTOLIC NUNCIO to INDIA and NEPAL.

This ecclesiastical provision is made public in Rome today, Saturday 21st January 2017, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

The Most Reverend Giambattista Diquattro was born in Bologna (Italy) on March 18, 1954. He was ordained a priest in Ragusa on August 24, 1981. He received his Master’s Degree in civil law from the University of Catania, his Doctorate in Canon Law (JCD) from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, and his Master’s Degree in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

He joined the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See on May 1, 1985, serving continuous missions in the Pontifical Representations in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad, the United Nations (in New York), and later in the Secretariat of State of His Holiness – Section for Relations with States, and in the Apostolic Nunciature in Italy.

On April 2, 2005, Saint John Paul II appointed him Titular Archbishop of Giromonte and Apostolic Nuncio to Panama. His Episcopal Ordination took place on June 4, 2005, in the cathedral of Ragusa, and he began his mission in Panama on July 12, 2005.

On November 21, 2008, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Bolivia.

He is fluent in French, Spanish and English.

Fr. Thomas Tharayil as the Aux. Bishop of Changanacherry (14-1-2017)

The Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, gathered at Mount St. Thomas, Kerala, having received prior Papal Assent according to CCEO can. 184, canonically elected to the office of Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Changanacherry Rev. Fr. Thomas (Tomy) Tharayil, till now Director of Danahalaya, Institute of Formation, Punnapra, Allapuzha. The Holy Father Pope Francis has assigned to the Auxiliary Bishop-Elect the Titular See of Agrippia.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Saturday, 14th January, 2017, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Tharayil was born on 2nd February, 1972 at Changanacherry in the Archeparchy of Changanacherry. He had his schooling at Changanacherry and his further secular studies at SB College, Changanacherry. He had his priestly formation at St. Thomas Minor Seminary, Kurichy, and philosophical and theological studies at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor. He was ordained priest on 1st January, 2000. He was Secretary to Archbishop Joseph Powathil. He has a doctorate in Psychology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He has served as Parochial Vicar at Athirampuzha, Nedumkunnam and Edathua and as Vicar Administrator at Thazhathu Vadakara. He is at present Director of Danahalaya Institute of Formation, Punnapra, Alapuzha. He has taught at various Major Seminaries and Institutes. He has written a few books on Psychology. He is proficient in Malayalam, English, German, Italian and Spanish.

Appointment of Fr. Allwyn D’ Silva & Fr. Barthol Barretto as Auxiliary bishops of Archdiocese of Bombay (20-12-2016)

The Holy Father has appointed two Auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Bombay, India, Fr. Allwyn D’Silva and Fr. Barthol Barretto.

Fr. Allwyn D’Silva, Episcopal Vicar of Bombay was born on April 20, 1948 and ordained to priesthood on April 19, 1975 and Fr. Barthol Barretto, parish priest and Vicar Forane of the Archdiocese of Bombay was born on September 16, 1961 and ordained on April 8, 1989.

Fr. Allwyn D’Silva, is assigned the titular see of Dura and Fr. Barthol Barretto is assigned the titular see of Strongoli.