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Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-21/2011 July 6, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Death of Most Rev. John Perumattam, MST, Bishop Emeritus of Ujjain. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, With deep regret and great sorrow, I inform you that Most Rev. John Perumattam, Bishop Emeritus of Ujjain, passed away on 18th June, 2011. This 89 year old Prelate exercised his episcopal ministry for 34 years with much dedication and great pastoral zeal. Most Rev. John Perumattam was born on 3rd November, 1921, at Kakkoor in Kerala. On completion of his higher secondary education in 1942, he joined the St. Thomas Minor Seminary, Chaganacherry, in June of the same year. After his philosophical and theological studies he was ordained priest on 11th March, 1951. Six months later he was sent to Rome for higher studies. He obtained a Doctorate in Church and Civil Law (JDU) from St. John Lateran University in 1956. After his return to India, he served the Diocese of Palai in different capacities: as Procurator, Professor, Vice-Rector and Spiritual Father. In 1968 he became Rector of the Good Shepherd Minor Seminary. After his committed service for the Church in Kerala for a period of 12 years, he proceeded to Ujjain in 1968 to take up the leadership of the missionary team which intended to work for the development of the area comprising of Ujjain, Shajapur and Rajgarh Districts. On 22nd February, 1968 a pious union was created as The Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle (MST) and Fr. John Perumattam was appointed as its first Director General. On 28th July, 1968 Pope Paul VI erected the Apostolic Exarchate of Ujjain and appointed Mgr. John Perumattam Apostolic Exarch of Ujjain. On 26th February, 1977 the Apostolic Exarchate was elevated to Eparchy/Diocese and Mgr. John Perumattam was appointed its first Bishop and was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Ujjain on 15th May, 1977. Since then Bishop John Perumattam with the help of a few Priests and Religious Sisters undertook the great challenge of the missionary work in these areas. As a zealous pastor he was committed to work for the upliftment of the poor, to care for the sick and to ensure basic education to the totally illiterate people. For the past 42 years he spent his entire life and energy in Ujjain by proving knowledge and motivation, service and love for the people. In the field of social development Bishop John Perumattam started schools, hospitals, dispensaries, boardings and old age homes keeping in mind the social, economic and educational progress of the area. The only solace for the local people at that time was the St. Mary’s Convent School, Ujjain, which provided only primary education. Realizing that illiteracy was the root cause of most of the existing social evils, he started primary, middle, high schools and balwadies in each district and tehsil of the diocese. With a view to restoring health and hygiene, he started three hospitals and many dispensaries in the Malwa region. In order to uplift the financially backward youth and to enable them to achieve technical skills and stand on their own feet, he established technical training centers in Ujjain. Another milestone in the pioneering social work of Bishop John Perumattam was the formation of the ‘Kripa Social Welfare Society’, which through its widespread network today, stands as a great monument of social reformation and educational transformation. Bishop John is always remembered with deep gratitude by thousands of people for his utmost concern and care for the weaker sections of society for whom he started another organization called ‘Madhya Pradesh Vikalang Sahayatha Samiti’, which was intended to look after the disabled people, both mentally and physically challenged. Today, there are 14 such centers spread over the three districts of Ujjain, Shajapur and Rajgarh that witness the farsightedness and preferential love of Bishop John Perumattam for the differently abled people. As a good shepherd, Bishop John was devoted to the wellbeing of the poor and marginalized, specially of those dwelling in the rural areas and deprived of the basic facilities of life. With his good example, he would inspire, create awareness and motivate people around to become ever more sensitive towards the poor and the disabled in society. The funeral service of Bishop John Perumattam held on 21st June, 2011, at the Cathedral Church of Ujjain, was largely attended by several Bishops, hundreds of priests, religious and lay faithful. May God of Mercies grant this zealous Pastor and faithful servant of the Church eternal bliss and heavenly reward! You are kindly requested to offer one Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Bishop John Perumattam, late CBCI member. Yours sincerely in Christ, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-20/2011 June 21, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Rev. Fr. James Thoppil appointed Bishop of Kohima. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, In light of the Statement received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I am greatly pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Rev. Fr. James Thoppil, Rector of OriensTheologicalCollege, as the new Bishop of Kohima. This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome, on Thursday, 16th June, 2011, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time. The Bishop-elect James Thoppil was born on 12th May, 1959 at Neezhoor, Kerala. After his primary and high school studies in Kerala, he joined the St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Dibrugarh, Assam in 1974. Subsequently, he did his Philosophy at the Christ King College, Shillong (1977-1980) and after his Regency he did his Theology at the Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong (1982-1986) after which he was ordained priest on 12th January, 1986. He obtained B. A. from the St. Anthony’s College, Shillong (1978-1980) and B. A. (Hons) from the Manipur University, Imphal (1989). He holds also three M. A. degrees in Political Science, in Philosophy and Religion and in Sociology from M. K. University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He proceeded to Rome for his higher ecclesiastical studies in 1994 and obtained a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Urban University, with specialization in Ecclesiology. We extend to Most Rev. James Thoppil, our hearty congratulations and wish him all the very best in his new mission as Bishop of Kohima and assure him of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration with regard to his Diocese. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-16/2011 May 26, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, The 115th Meeting of the CBCI Standing Committee took place at St. John’s, Bangalore, from May 4-6, 2011. On 4th May the Standing Committee met as the Caritas Council, which is the General Body of Caritas India. During the three sessions, the Annual General Report was given by Fr. Varghese Mattamana, Executive Director of Caritas India and the Audited Statement of Accounts as well as the Budget presented were approved. Besides, out of the four Policies presented in a draft form by Caritas India, three were approved, namely, ‘Caritas India Policy Against Sexual Harassment at Work Place’, ‘Operational Guideline for Protecting the Rights of Children in Caritas India’ and ‘National Disability Policy for the Catholic Church in India’. This latter will be promulgated by the CBCI. In the fourth session of the day, the Standing Committee members met as the General Body of the CBCI Society for Medical Education, North India, during which the Annual Report was read out by Bishop Felix Toppo. 1. On 5th May, at the first session, after His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias extended a warm welcome to all, the Report of the previous Standing Committee was tabled by the Secretary General for approval and thereafter passed. Following are some of the important points of action taken or to be taken: i) The general feeling of the house was that the “Guidelines for Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults”, which after detailed discussion by the Standing Committee, had been earlier presented by Cardinal Oswald Gracias to the Holy See for approval, could be promulgated without much delay. ii) The Imprimatur to the New Community Bible has been granted. iii) The work of redesigning of the CBCI Website is going on and most probably the redesigned Website will be launched in the month of July 2011. 2. With regard to the next General Body Meeting of CBCI, after some deliberations the following decisions were taken: i) Venue: St. John’s, Bangalore. 3. The Revised Statutes of NVSC were presented by Bishop Felix Toppo and, after few suggestions proposed, the house approved them. 4. The proposal of establishing a Regional Coordination Centre in Bhubaneshwar for the Orissa Region made by Bishop Thomas Thiruthallil, Chairman of the OCBC, was well taken and it was recommended that all the Dioceses in India could contribute towards it. 5. The following Appointments/Confirmations/Extensions were made: i) In place of Fr. Alwyn D’Souza, who will be completing his term of office in August 2011, Fr. Franklin Phillip D’Souza from the Diocese of Shimoga has been appointed Secretary of the Office for Youth. ii) Fr. Vincent Chinnadurai from the Diocese of Chingleput has been appointed new Secretary of the Office for Laity. Mr. Edward Edezhath, Joint Secretary of the Office for Laity was confirmed for five years. iii) Sr. Teresa Joseph, FMA, has been appointed Secretary of the Office for Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism to succeed Fr. M. D. Thomas, MST, on completion of his term of office. 6. The following will be the Bishop-Representatives on the FVTRS and NEG-FIRE: i) Bishop Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath of Ernakulam-Angamaly has been re-nominated on the FVTRS for another term of two years and Archbishop William D’Souza of Patna has been nominated for a term of two years to represent the CBCI. ii) Archbishop Francis Kallarakal of Verapoly has been nominated as Bishop-Representative on the NEG-FIRE in place of Bishop Thomas D’Souza, Coadjutor Archbishop of Calcutta, who has completed two terms. Archbishop Joseph Augustine Charanakunnel of Raipur will continue to represent the CBCI for another term of two years. 7. Three members have been appointed for a term of four years on the Governing Board of Caritas India, namely, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kerketta, Bishop of Jashpur for Chhattisgarh Region; Dr. (Ms.) Jaya Peter for M. P. Region and Sr. Valsa Mattathilani, SCSC, for BIJHAN Region. 8. A brief update on the issue of Dalits was given by Bishop Anthonisamy Neethinathan, Chairman of Office for SC/BC, who announced July 28, 2011, as a Day for a Dharna-cum-Rally to be held in Delhi. 9. The proposed Budget of the CBCI for 2011-2012 presented by the Deputy Secretary General was approved by the house. Similarly, the Budgets of the CBCI Offices presented by the respective Bishops-in-Charge were also approved. 10. The CBCI-CRI Joint Meeting took place on 6th May (morning). 11. The next Standing Committee Meeting will take place at St. John’s, Bangalore on September 28 (General Body Meetings of St. John’s and of NBCLC); September 29-30 (Standing Committee proper); October 1, morning (CBCI-CRI Joint Committee Meeting). With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, Albert D’Souza
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-14/2011 April 27, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Death of His Eminence Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, With deep regret and great sorrow, I inform you that His Eminence Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, former President of CBCI, passed away on 1st April, 2011. This 83 year old Prelate exercised his episcopal ministry for 14 years with much dedication and great pastoral zeal. His Eminence Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil was born on 29th May, 1927 at North Parur, Travancore, Kerala. He had his school education at North Parur and Thiruvananthapuram, and his college education at the University College, Thiruvananthapuram and St. Joseph’s College, Trichy. He joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and professed as its member on 2nd August, 1947. After completing his studies in Philosophy and Theology he was ordained priest on 12th June, 1954. In 1959 he obtained a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome on ‘The Origin and Progress of the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy’. He served as Professor of Canon Law for 25 years at the Redemptorist Major Seminary, Bangalore. In 1972 he obtained Master’s Degree in Philosophy from Karnataka University. He also taught different subjects in several other Seminaries in Bangalore. From 1978 to 1984 he was the Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist Provinces of India and Sri Lanka and was President of the CRI from 1984 to 1985. His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Asirvanam Benedictine Monastery at Bangalore in 1990. On 18th December, 1996 Fr. Varkey Vithayathil was nominated Titular Bishop of ‘Antinoe’ and Apostolic Administrator of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church and of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. He was consecrated Bishop in Rome by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on 6th January, 1997. He assumed charge of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church and of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly on 18th January, 1997. On 23rd December, 1999 His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed Mar Varkey Vithayathil as the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and as the Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly. His enthronement as the Major Archbishop took place at the St. Mary’s Basilica, Ernakulam on 26th January, 2000. His Holiness Pope John Paul II nominated Mar Varkey Vithayathil a member of the College of Cardinals on 21st January, 2001, and raised him to that dignity at the Consistory on 21st February, 2001. He was one of the Cardinal electors who participated in the 2005 Papal Conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. He was a member of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts and of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Unity of Christians. The General Body of the CBCI during its Meeting held at Varanasi in 1998 elected him Vice-President II of the CBCI for a term of two years and during the General Body Meeting held at Jamshedpur in 2008 he was elected President of the CBCI for a term of two years. His Presidential Address that was read out in his absence during the last Plenary Assembly of the CBCI held at Guwahati in 2010 remains for us like ‘his last testament’, which reflects some of his deep concerns for the Church in India and society at large, in particular, his preferential option for the cause of the poor and marginalized. A thorough gentleman, Cardinal Varkey, ever soft spoken and obliging, always exuded human warmth that made any one in his presence feel at ease. The hallmark of his endearing personality was his simplicity coupled with kindness. From his deep love for the Church and for his country came forth his uprightness and forthrightness, particularly when he took strong and clear positions on several socio-political and religious issues that constantly challenged the Church in India and the wider society. Cardinal Varkey has truly left an indelible mark of unflinching loyalty to the Church and its teaching. In his passing away, the entire Catholic Church in India has lost a deeply committed and ever courageous spiritual leader and the CBCI, in particular, is ever grateful to him for his wise guidance and great sense of leadership. His funeral service held on 10th April, 2011, at the St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam, was largely attended by many Bishops, hundreds of priests, religious and lay faithful. May God of Mercies grant this zealous Pastor and faithful servant of the Church eternal bliss and heavenly reward! You are kindly requested to offer one Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of His Eminence Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, late CBCI member. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-13/2011 April 18, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub:Most Rev. Raphael Cheenath, SVD, Archbishop of Cuttack- Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the Archbishop Raphael Cheenath was born on 29th December, 1934 at Manalur, Pallissery in the Archdiocese of Trichur, Kerala. He completed his high school studies at his home town, Cherpu. He joined the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in 1953. After obtaining Licentiate in Philosophy and Theology from the Papal Athenaeum, Pune, he was ordained priest on 21st September, 1963. During the first nine years of his priesthood he was in charge of formation of seminarians. He spent four years in the Minor Seminary at Changanacherry and five years in the Major Seminary at Pune as Procurator, Prefect, Rector, Novice Master, Spiritual Director and Vice-Provincial. In 1972 he was elected Provincial of the SVD South Indian Province, which post he held only for six months as the General Chapter of the Society in Rome elected him one of the six Consultors General of the Society in the same year. On 28th February, 1974 he was appointed Bishop of Sambalpur and was ordained One of his cherished dreams was to build up a self-reliant and responsible community in the three dioceses where he worked, i.e., Rourkela, Sambalpur and Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. He believed that financial self-sufficiency is essential for the upliftment of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in his Archdiocese and in the State of Orissa. In order to promote full participation of the lay faithful in the life of the Church, he encouraged the establishment of the Parish Pastoral Councils and Diocesan Pastoral Councils and most of them are functioning well. He also promoted Small Christian Communities (SCCs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and appointed priests to foster them. He believed that the Catechists are the wheels of the mission. Therefore, he appointed full-time Catechists in order to carry on the mission work in the parishes. For the same reason, village Catechists were appointed to conduct prayers and take care of the religious and community life of the people in the villages. He constructed a Pastoral Centre, Divya Jyoti, at Konjamendi meant for the training of the Catechists and other pastoral activities and to organize recollections and retreats. He also believed that education is the stepping stone for progress. Kandhamal has In our Christian faith perspective, we could rightly say that the crown of Archbishop We do appreciate his constant solicitude for not only trying to provide relief and rehabilitation to the countless victims but also for his sincere efforts in promoting social amity and peaceful neighbourhoold. Archbishop Cheenath served the Orissa Bishops’ Regional Council (ORBC) first as While we feel truly proud of Archbishop Raphael Cheenath and of his caring and able pastoral leadership and thank the Almighty God for his generous services for the Church in India and the society at large, we wish him God’s countless blessings and many more years of fruitful apostolate as a retired Archishop. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-12/2011 April 15, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Most Rev. John Moolachira, Bishop of Diphu, appointed Coadjutor Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, In the light of the Statement received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I am greatly This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Saturday, 9th April, 2011, Most Rev. John Moolachira was born on 14th December, 1951, at Puthusserykadavu, Kerala, in the Eparchy of Mananthavady. After his primary and high school studies at his native village, he entered the St. Thomas Minor Seminary at Chennai, as a candidate for the Diocese of Tezpur. He did his Philosophical studies at Christ King College, Shillong, and graduated After serving as Parish Priest of Udalguri (1996-2005), he was sent for higher studies to Rome where he obtained his Doctorate in Ecumenism. Besides, he has been member of different Commissions of the Diocese of Tezpur as well as member of the College of Consultors. He was appointed Bishop of Diphu on 14th February, 2007 and was ordained Bishop on 15th April, 2007. During his four years of episcopal ministry, his top priority was the work of As a caring pastor, Bishop John visited the village communities till the remote corners of the diocese, winning their love and appreciation. With the wholehearted collaboration of both priests and religious, he was able to continue the work of his predecessors in the field of health care and agricultural development. Keen in celebrating the Holy Mass and other Sacraments in the tribal languages of his diocese, he encouraged the production of religious literature such as the new editions of the New Testament in Karbi and Tiwa languages. We extend to Most Rev. John Moolachira our hearty congratulations and wish him With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-09/2011 April 15, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Most Rev. Thumma Bala, Bishop of Warangal, appointed Archbishop of Hyderabad. Most Rev. Thumma Bala is also appointed Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Warangal. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, In the light of the Statement received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I am greatly
pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. These ecclesiastical provisions were made public in Rome on Saturday, 12th March, 2011, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time. Most Rev. Thumma Bala, was born on 24th April, 1944, at Narimetta village in Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh. He had his schooling at Narimetta, Kanchapally and Fatimanagar. After completing his priestly studies at St. Pius X Seminary, Fatimanagar and at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, he was ordained priest for the Diocese of Warangal on 21st December, 1970. He obtained Licentiate in Pastoral Theology and Catechetics from the Pontifical Salesian University, Rome (1980-1983). As a priest of his Diocese he served as Asst. Parish Priest at Karimnagar and as Under his able pastoral leadership, Warangal Diocese developed in various fields. Well aware of the fact that education is the only way for development, he gave much Bishop Thumma Bala has also organized systematically and strengthened the social and health services, and launched many social programs such as Farmers Association, Water Harvesting, Women Self-Help Groups, hospitals for AIDS patients, etc. At the Regional level, he was Chairman of A. P. Regional Youth Commission (1987- We extend to Most Rev. Thumma Bala our hearty congratulations and wish him all With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-09/2011 April 15, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Most Rev. Thumma Bala, Bishop of Warangal, appointed Archbishop of Hyderabad. Most Rev. Thumma Bala is also appointed Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Warangal. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, In the light of the Statement received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I am greatly
pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. These ecclesiastical provisions were made public in Rome on Saturday, 12th March, 2011, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time. Most Rev. Thumma Bala, was born on 24th April, 1944, at Narimetta village in Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh. He had his schooling at Narimetta, Kanchapally and Fatimanagar. After completing his priestly studies at St. Pius X Seminary, Fatimanagar and at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, he was ordained priest for the Diocese of Warangal on 21st December, 1970. He obtained Licentiate in Pastoral Theology and Catechetics from the Pontifical Salesian University, Rome (1980-1983). As a priest of his Diocese he served as Asst. Parish Priest at Karimnagar and as Under his able pastoral leadership, Warangal Diocese developed in various fields. Well aware of the fact that education is the only way for development, he gave much Bishop Thumma Bala has also organized systematically and strengthened the social and health services, and launched many social programs such as Farmers Association, Water Harvesting, Women Self-Help Groups, hospitals for AIDS patients, etc. At the Regional level, he was Chairman of A. P. Regional Youth Commission (1987- We extend to Most Rev. Thumma Bala our hearty congratulations and wish him all With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-08/2011 April 12, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Most Rev. Joseph Kalathiparambil, Bishop of Calicut, appointed Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, In the light of the Statement received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I am greatly pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. Joseph Kalathiparambil, until now Bishop of Calicut, as the new Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome, on Tuesday, 22nd February, 2011, at noon local time, corresponding to 16.30 hours, Indian Standard Time. Most Rev. Joseph Kalathiparambil, was born on 6th October, 1952 at Vaduthala, Kerala. He was ordained priest on 13th March, 1978. He served as Assistant Priest at Francis Assisi Cathedral, Ernakulam from 1978 to 1979. On completion of his Doctorate in Canon Law from the Urbaniana University, Rome, he was appointed Vice-Rector of Collegio San Paolo, Rome, from 1984 to 1989. In 1989 he was made Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Verapoly and was its Vicar General from 1996 to 2002. He was nominated Bishop of Calicut on 19th April, 2002 and was ordained Bishop on 19th May, 2002. At the very outset of his episcopal ministry, Bishop Joseph had to face difficult times due to various factors, specially on account of a critical economic situation in his Diocese. But he faced bravely the initial challenges by building up self-confidence among his own clergy. With wholehearted cooperation of laity, religious and clergy he erected the St. Paul’s Minor Seminary at Marikkunnu. He also resumed the work of construction of some important Churches at Calicut, Mananthavady and Andoor and of various presbyteries as well as built several schools. The Mater Dei Cathedral (Calicut), a nearly dilapidated historical edifice and some Shrines were completely renovated with generous cooperation of the faithful. In view of the 90th anniversary of the erection of the Diocese of Calicut and its subsequent Centenary to be held on June 12, 2023, a Renewal Program was already begun in 2005 under Bishop Joseph’s pastoral leadership. Co-ordination of the various ministries and a common vision and orientation of the Diocese are the priorities of this Program which has been enthusiastically accepted by the clergy and the faithful in most of the parishes. This has encouraged Bishop Joseph to plan for a Diocesan Synod before the 90th anniversary celebrations. We extend to Most Rev. Joseph Kalathiparambil our hearty congratulations and wish him all the very best as the new Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People and assure him of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-07/2011 April 12, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Bishop of Bagdogra, appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Calcutta. Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza is also appointed Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Bagdogra. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, In the light of the Statement received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I am greatly pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza till now Bishop of Bagdogra as Coadjutor Archbishop of Calcutta. Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza is also appointed as Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Bagdogra. These ecclesiastical provisions were made public in Rome on Saturday, 12th March, 2011, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time. Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza was born on 26th August, 1950, at Adyarpadav, Neermarga Parish, in the Diocese of Mangalore. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Darjeeling on 16th April, 1977. When the Diocese of Darjeeling was bifurcated in 1997, he was appointed the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Bagdogra on 14th June, 1997, and ordained Bishop on 25th January, 1998. As the Shepherd of the newly erected Diocese of Bagdogra, Bishop Thomas endeared himself to the nearly 53,000 Catholics most of whom were Adivasi Tribals working in the local Tea Gardens as daily labourers. Besides the growth of the Diocese in numbers, the sterling quality of faith was made possible through thrusts for evangelization, faith formation, education and healthcare services very specially for the poor and marginalized, involving diocesan priests, men and women religious and lay leaders. His commendable initiatives for Ecumenism have brought many Christian denominations together for a common witness to Christian faith very specially in Siliguri. As Secretary of the Bengal Regional Bishops’ Council, he kept the Regional Bishops well informed about the decisions taken at different levels. He was nominated as Bishop Representative on the New Education Group Foundation for Innovation and Research in Education (NEG-FIRE) for two consecutive terms (2007-2009 and 2009-2011). We extend to Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza our hearty congratulations and wish him all the very best as Coadjutor Archbishop of Calcutta and assure him of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration with regard to his Archdiocese. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-06/2011 March 3, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, appointed Apostolic Administrator of Rourkela. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, as the Apostolic Administrator “ad nutum Sanctae Sedis” of the Diocese of Rourkela. The ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome, on 11th February, 2011, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time. With kind regards and best wishes, Yours sincerely, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-04/2011 March 2, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Most Rev. Percival Joseph Fernandez, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay, retires. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Most Rev. Percival Joseph Fernandez, as Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay. This 75 year old Prelate served the Archdiocese of Bombay with much dedication and great pastoral zeal and exercised his episcopal ministry for 10 years till his retirement on 4th January, 2011. Bishop Percival Joseph Fernandez was born on 20th December, 1935, at Mangalore, Karnataka. After completing his philosophical and theological studies in the Bombay Diocesan Seminary, he was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Bombay on 21st December, 1960. From 1960-1978 he served as Parish Priest, Director of Archdiocesan Caritas and Co-ordinator of Rehabilitation among the Bangladesh Refugees. He joined St. John’s Medical College in the year 1978 as the Administrative Officer of the College, and functioned in this capacity for two years. In 1980 he was deputed by the CBCI to do his post graduate studies in Management in U.S.A. After completing his Master’s in Business and Public Administration (MBPA) with Health as Major, and securing a Doctorate (PhD) in Health Management, he returned to Bangalore in 1984 and was appointed Director and Chief Executive of St. John’s Institutions in 1985. In 1988, when St. John’s Medical College celebrated the Silver Jubilee of its foundation, the Institutions under the CBCI Society for Medical Education were christened as St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences. Apart from the improvements brought about by Fr. Percival in the Human Relations sector with regard to the Staff, Students, Patients and the Public, which could be considered as a major achievement of Fr. Percival during his tenure as the Director of SJNAHS, some of the major events handled by him successfully were: (1) The danger posed by the Bangalore University and the Government of Karnataka in planning to derecognize St. John’s as a Minority Institution was challenged in the High Court of Karnataka, which gave a judgement in favour of St. John’s, holding the institution as a Minority Institution; (2) The danger posed by the Government of Karnataka to take over the admission procedure of St. John’s, was challenged in the Supreme Court of India, which in 1993 allowed St. John’s to admit 100% of the intake with 75% Catholic students and 25% others, as was done by St. John’s always, and in addition counted St. John’s as among the “Two Medical Institutions stand on a different footing altogether: CMC, Vellore, and St. John’s, Bangalore, because these two institutions have an All India Entrance Test; they admit students by merit; and they do not charge capitation fee.”; (3) Construction of additional residential accommodation to the Staff; (4) Growth of the Nursing School into a College of Nursing; (5) Construction of an excellent Auditorium for the Institution and dedicating the same to the Alumni and Alumnae of St. John’s Medical College; (6) Starting of Post Graduate and Super Speciality Courses in the Medical College and the MSc Programmes in the college of Nursing; besides several other initiatives which brought St. John’s from an unknown entity to national and international recognition! On 13th March, 2001, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay and Titular Bishop of Bulla and was ordained Bishop on 21st April, 2001. He was the Zonal Bishop of the Northern area of the Archdiocese from Bandra to Dahisar, consisting of 4 Deaneries and 41 parishes. He was in charge of all Religious in the Archdiocese as well as of all matters pertaining to Education and Healthcare. Besides, he was the Chairman of the Governing Body of Our Lady’s Home, which is an Orphanage for boys as well as Chairman of the Project Selection Committee of the Social Action Centre of the Archdiocese. Since 2006 he is involved in raising funds to create a Corpus Fund meant for meeting the health care needs of the poor and the disadvantaged in the Archdiocese. Bishop Percival served as the Secretary General of CBCI for two terms from 2002-2004 and from 2004-2006. In February 2008, Bishop Percival was appointed Chairman of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences for a period of 4 years. While we feel truly proud of Bishop Percival Fernandez and of his caring and able pastoral leadership and thank the Almighty God for his generous services for the Church in India and the society at large, we wish him God’s countless blessings and many more years of fruitful apostolate as a retired Bishop. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely in Christ, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira dsg/pm.
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-02/2011 February 7, 2011 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, Sub: Most Rev. Joseph KArikkassery, Auxilary Bishop of of Verapoly, appointed Bishop of Kottapuram. I am greatly pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. Joseph Karikkassery, Auxiliary Bishop of Verapoly, Bishop of Kottapuram. The ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome, on Saturday, 18th December, Most Rev. Joseph Karikkassery was born on 13th February, 1946, at Karthedom, Kerala. On 31st May, 1960 he joined the Minor Seminary at Ernakulam. After completing his philosophical studies at the St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Aluva, he did his theological studies at the Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha. He was ordained priest on 19th December, 1973. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at St. Michael’s Church, Kottapuram for three years; as Vicar at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Elamkulam for five years; as Director of the Holy Angel Institute, Kalamassery. He also served as Parish Priest at Perumanoor, Palarivattom, Chathiyath, Cheranellor and Kuttikattukara. After being the Vice-Rector at the St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, he was made Rector of the Minor Seminary, Kalamassery, in March 2002. On 1st February, 2006 he was appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Verapoly.Subsequently, he was nominated Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly and Titular Bishop of Buxentum (Capo Della Foresta) by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on 25th November, 2006 and was ordained Bishop on 28th December, 2006. After the unexpected demise of His Grace, Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil, he assumed the office of the Archdiocesan Presently Bishop Karikkassery is the Vice-Chairman of the KCBC Commissions for Laity and Labour as well as the Chairman of KRLCBC’s Commission for Laity. We extend to Most Rev. Joseph Karikkassery our hearty congratulations and wish him all the very best in his episcopal ministry and assure him of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration with regard to his Diocese of Kottapuram. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, dsg/pm
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-24/2010 November 29, 2010 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, Sub: Most Rev. Lourdnada Daniel, Bishop of Amravati, appointed Bishop of Nashik. Cordial Greetings from the CBCI Centre, New Delhi! I am pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. Lourdnada Daniel, Bishop of Amravati, Bishop of Nashik. In the meantime, he is also appointed Apostolic Administrator “ad nutum Sanctae Sedis” of the Diocese of Amravati. The ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome, on Thursday, 11th November, 2010, at noon local time, corresponding to 16.30 hours, Indian Standard Time. Born on 19th February, 1947, at Dehu Road, Pune, Most Rev. Lourdnada Daniel, graduated first at the University of Pune and obtained the degree of B.A. in Sociology from University of Bombay. Thereafter he joined the St. Pius X College, Mumbai for his Philosophical and Theological Courses and was ordained priest on 19th April, 1980. He pursued his higher studies in Spirituality at the Adhyatna Vidyapeetam, Bangalore. After exercising pastoral ministry in several places from 1980 till 1996, he was appointed Spiritual Director at the Papal Seminary, Pune (1997-2001). Since 2001, he was Vicar General of the Diocese of Poona and since 2006, Rector of the Diocesan Minor Seminary Prakash Bhavan, Pune till 8th June 2007, on which day he was appointed Bishop of Amravati. He was ordained Bishop of Amravati on 2nd August, 2007. We extend to Most Rev. Lourdnada Daniel our hearty congratulations and wish him all the very best in his episcopal ministry and assure him of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration with regard to his Diocese of Nashik. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely, dsg/pm. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, Greetings from the CBCI Centre, New Delhi! The 114th CBCI Standing Committee Meeting took place on 22-25 September, 2010 at St. John’s, Bangalore. While the Standing Committee met as the General Body of the CBCI Society for Medical Education (St. John’s, Bangalore) in the first two sessions in the morning, the third session in the evening was devoted to the General Body of the National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) of which Society the Standing Committee is also the General Body. At the first session of the SCM on 23rd September, the President of CBCI, His Eminence, Oswald Cardinal Gracias, heartily welcomed all the participants. The Report of the previous Standing Committee was approved by the house. Some points for action which were already taken were mentioned. 1. Cardinal Oswald Gracias presented the “Norms for Dealing with Cases involving Sexual Abuse of Minors”. After a lengthy discussion on each and every norm, it was decided that the same could be approved for a period of two years. 2. Bishop Yvon Ambroise, Convenor of the Committee for Current Concerns of the Church, placed before the house the Summary Report of the discussions held during the Meetings/Consultation that took place earlier at the CBCI Centre in July and September 2010, respectively. After discussing the concrete Action Plan submitted by Bishop Yvon, the proposal was given approval by the house for one year. 3. The Secretary General gave a Progress Report on the Reorganization of the CBCI. He referred both to the Proposals made by the Secretaries of the CBCI Offices and Directors of some National Centres for furthering the Reorganization and to the General Comments of the CBCI Office-Bearers as a response to these Proposals. The house welcomed all the steps taken so far and reiterated that the Secretary General is fully empowered to implement all the proposals and recommendations made in the Document of the Reorganization of the CBCI definitively approved by the last General Body Meeting at Guwahati. 4. Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal, Bishop-in-Charge of the Office for Social Communications and Chairman of NISCORT, presented a revised Plan Outline of the CBCI Website. He highlighted the need of an editorial board and policy which should be monitored by a responsible team as well as the need of a competent webmaster whose appointment ought to be done through a proper selection process. It was also underlined that NISCORT should play a very important role in the proposed plan. Given the pressing need of a more effective and professional functioning of the CBCI Website, the Standing Committee gave its approval to the proposed Plan. 5. Regarding the Colloquium of His Eminence William Cardinal Levada and other Representatives from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith with the Bishops and Theologians of India, which will take place from January 16-22, 2011, at St. John’s, Bangalore, a Tentative Program of the Meeting was discussed. Both the preparation and the organization of this Colloquium are entrusted to a Committee under the Chairmanship of Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop-in-Charge of CBCI Doctrinal Office and with the guidance of Bishop Thomas Dabre, its former Chairman. 6. Archbishop Vincent Concessao, Bishop-in-Charge of CBCI Office for Health Care presented the matters related to the CBCI-CARD. After an exchange of views and few amendments made as per legal requirements, a Resolution was passed by the house regarding the composition of both the Governing Body and General Body of CBCI-CARD. A mandate was given by the Standing Committee to Archbishop Vincent and the Secretary General, Archbishop Albert D’Souza to implement the same. 7. The following Appointments/Confirmations/Extension were made: i. In place of Sr. Lilly Francis, SMMI, who completed her term of office in September 2010, Sr. Helen Saldanha, SSpS, has been appointed Secretary of the Office for Women. ii. Fr. Charles Menezes from the Diocese of Mangalore was appointed National Chaplain for YCS/YSM in place of Fr. Vincent Arokiaraj who resigned after three years of service. iii. The appointment of Fr. Joseph Thannipilly as the National Chaplain for PACNI made earlier by Archbishop Leo Cornelio was to be made officially by Bishop Oswald Lewis, Bishop-in-Charge of the Office for Labour. So the appointment of Fr. Joseph Thannipilly was ratified. iv. Bishop Gerald Almeida was re-nominated as CBCI Representative in the CBR Forum for another term of two years. 8. Bishop Oswald Lewis, Bishop-in-Charge of the Office for Labour, briefed the house about the proposal of the said Office to register unorganized sector workers as beneficiary members of the Workers India Federation (WIF) and gave various valid reasons for doing so. The Standing Committee granted its approval for the same. 9. Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios, Bishop-in-Charge of the Office for Education and Culture, placed before the house the decision taken by the said Office after consulting some educationists and the CBCI Legal Cell (CLAP), to file a Writ Petition in the Supreme Court vs. the Union of India and others. This legal recourse has been envisaged as there has been no tangible response from the Government to the representation and suggestions made earlier in this respect to exempt the Christian Minority Community from some of the Sections of the RTE Act, which violate the constitutional rights of the Minorities (Art. 30). In this regard, Bishop Joshua appealed to the house to enable the CBCI to raise the money in order to contribute towards the expenses involved. After his presentation, the feeling of the house was that the Office for Education and Culture should still enquire and confirm whether the Government is proceeding to grant the exemption and accordingly decide to have the legal recourse, keeping the President and other Office-Bearers of the CBCI informed about it. 10. The proposal made by the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio to hold the Commemorative Celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the first Pastoral Visit of Pope John Paul II to India from February 1-10, 2011, was well accepted by the house. It was agreed that a Special Committee be formed to plan out and organize the Commemorative Celebrations, both at Delhi and in other selected Archdioceses visited by late Pope John Paul II. 11. His Eminence Telesphore Cardinal Toppo briefed the house about the progress of the Project of the proposed Constant Lievens National Academy of Health Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand as well as about the Way Forward which includes, among other points, the formation of a Committee and Teams of experts, a Master Plan of the Project and possibilities of Partnership. 12. The next Standing Committee will meet at St. John’s, Bangalore on May 4, (Caritas Council Meeting) and May 5-6, 2010 (Standing Committee and CBCI-CRI Joint Meeting). With kind regards and good wishes,
Yours sincerely, dsg/pm. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Death of Most Rev. Marampudi Joji, Archbishop of Hyderabad. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, With deep regret and great sorrow, I inform you that Most Rev. Marampudi Joji, Archbishop of Hyderabad, passed away on 27th August, 2010. This 68 year old Prelate exercised his episcopal ministry for 18 years with much dedication and great pastoral zeal. Most Rev. Marampudi Joji was born on October 7, 1942, at Bhimavaram town which falls at present in the ecclesiastical territory of Eluru. He had his primary and high school studies at his hometown and Minor Seminary studies at Nuzvid. He did his studies in Philosophy and Theology at Hyderabad and Bangalore. He was ordained priest at Gunadala, Vijayawada on December 14th, 1971, by Late Bishop Joseph Thumma of Vijayawada. He is one of the first local Telugu priests of the Diocese of Vijayawada. He holds diplomas in Catechetics, Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations from Loyola Institute of Communication and Arts; a diploma in Business Administration from the School of Public Administration and another diploma in Accountancy from Bombay University. He worked as a part-time journalist at the Indian Express Office, Vijayawada, for some time. During his priestly ministry he served as an Assistant Parish Priest at Gudivada; as a Parish Priest at Nuzvid and Gollapudi. He was the Member of National Biblical, Catechetical & Liturgical Commission; of Senate of Priests; of Diocesan College of Consultors and was Chaplain to College Students. He was also a Visiting Lecturer to the Seminary of Vijayawada. He also served as Assistant Director of St. Paul’s Regional Catechetical Training Centre, Nuzvid; Director of Diocesan Social Service Centre, Vijayawada; Secretary to the Bishop of Vijayawada; Procurator and Chancellor of the Diocese of Vijayawada. Besides Church related assignments, he held responsible posts in the Government and semi-Government sectors. To mention a few, Member of Civil District Administration of Krishna district; Member of Andhra Pradesh Housing Corporation; Coordinating Secretary of Cyclone and Tidal Wave of 1977 at Coastal Andhra Pradesh; Member of Peace Committee, Vijayawada City; Member of Inspecting and Evaluation Committee of Juvenile Prisons of Andhra Pradesh; Member of Indian Planning Commission, New Delhi. In 1992, the Holy Father appointed him Bishop of Khammam and he was consecrated Bishop at Gunadala, Vijayawada by Archbishop George Zur, Apostolic Nuncio to India, on 19th March, 1992. Bishop Joji worked for four and a half years in the Diocese of Khammam, and built up the new Diocese. On 18th December, 1996, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Vijayawada. He took charge of the Diocese of Vijayawada on 19th January, 1997. He was the fourth Bishop of Vijayawada, succeeding Bishop Joseph Thumma. His appointment to the Diocese of Vijayawada has begun a new era in the history of the Diocese of Vijayawada. Right from the beginning, he has set new thrusts for the activity and apostolates of the Diocese. Faithful to the visions of the former Prelates, he has been leading ably the Diocese into the third millennium. On 17th March, 2000 he was transferred from Vijayawada and was appointed Archbishop of Hyderabad and took its charge on 30th April, 2000. Presently he had many assignments in A.P. Church, such as Secretary to Andhra Pradesh Bishops’ Council (APBC); Chairman of A.P. Jyotirmai Society (a funding agency for pastoral activities in Andhra Dioceses); Chairman of A.P. Regional Forum for developmental activities; Chairman of Archdiocese of Hyderabad Society; Chairman of Archdiocesan Social Service Society; Chairman of Archdiocesan Educational Society and Vice-President of APFC (Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches). He was appointed Bishop-in-Charge of the CBCI Office for SC/ST/BC in February, 2010 and was a member of the Standing Committee of CBCI. His funeral service held on 30th August, 2010, at Our Lady’s Shrine, Gunadala, Vijayawada, was largely attended by several Bishops, hundreds of priests, religious and lay faithful. May God of Mercies grant this zealous Pastor and faithful servant of the Church eternal bliss and heavenly reward! You are kindly requested to offer one Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Marampudi Joji, late CBCI member. Yours sincerely in Christ,
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Demise of Most Rev. Joseph R. Rodericks, SJ, Bishop Emeritus of Jamshedpur. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, With deep regret and much sorrow, I inform you that Most Rev. Joseph R. Rodericks, SJ, Bishop Emeritus of Jamshedpur, passed away on 14th July, 2010, at ‘Shanti Avedana’, Mumbai. This 83 year old Prelate exercised his episcopal ministry for 39 years with much dedication and great pastoral zeal. Most Rev. Joe Rodericks was born on 7th June, 1927, at Bandra, Bombay (Maharashtra). He was ordained priest of Society of Jesus on 24th March, 1958. He was appointed Bishop of Jamshedpur on 25th June, 1970 and was consecrated Bishop on 9th January, 1971. Bishop Joe Rodericks served the diocese of Jamshedpur till 9th January, 1996. His funeral service held on 20th July, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Golmuri, Jamshedpur, was largely attended by several Bishops, hundreds of priests, religious and lay faithful. May God of Mercies grant this zealous Pastor and faithful servant of the Church eternal bliss and heavenly reward! You are kindly requested to offer one Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Bishop Joe Rodericks, late CBCI member. Yours sincerely in Christ,
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Most Rev. Gregory Karotemprel, CMI, Bishop of Rajkot, retires. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Most Rev. Gregory Karotemprel, CMI, as Bishop of Rajkot of the Syro-Malabar Church. This 77 year old Prelate served the Diocese of Rajkot with much dedication and great pastoral zeal and exercised his episcopal ministry for long 27 years till his retirement on 16th July, 2010. Bishop Gregory Karotemprel, belonging to the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.) was born on 6th May, 1933, at Paika, Kottayam, Kerala. After his school education at Palai and college studies, he joined the CMI congregation and made his first profession on 8th December, 1955 at Mannanam. He did his Philosophical and Theological studies at Dharmaram College, Bangalore. He holds a Masters Degree in Education from the Deguesue University, Pittsburgh, USA. He was ordained priest on 17th May, 1963. During his pastoral ministry he served as a teacher at Rajagiri High School, Kalamassery (1963-1973); as Headmaster at Rajagiri High School, Kalamassery (1975-1978) and as Provincial of the S. H. Province of the CMI Congregation (1978-1983). He was appointed Bishop of Rajkot on 2nd February, 1983 and was ordained Bishop on 24th April, 1983. In 1990 he was appointed Apostolic Visitator for U.S.A. and Canada. He served as the Chairman of Commission for Evangelization and Pastoral Care of the Migrants and as the Chairman of Commission for Finance of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church. Two expressions, one from the Indian philosophical tradition and other from the Bible, are typical of the life vision of Bishop Gregory: “Simple life and high thinking” (from the Indian tradition), and “He went about doing good” Simple life style, gentle affection in words, gestures and dealings, and a great sense of humour made Bishop Gregory endearing to everyone. During his episcopacy the diocese witnessed enviable progress in pastoral care, theological publications, inculturation, health care, social service and education. He initiated publication of five periodicals among which two are scholarly theological journals, circulated both inland and abroad. The Diocesan publication department has brought out a number of theological, spiritual and liturgical works and Bishop Gregory himself has authored ten of them. The Prem Mandir Cathedral that he founded stands out as an icon of intelligent and practical inculturation, which attracts many Hindu brothers and sisters daily for prayer. Hundreds of clinics were started for poor people in villages, among whom noteworthy are the twelve hospitals for AIDS care and treatment. The multi-specialty Christ Hospital that is under construction is meant as a referral hospital for these over one hundred clinics spread throughout Saurashtra and Kutch. Scores of projects for welfare and empowerment of women, the physically and mentally challenged, and for Dalits and low caste people have been initiated. Talented students among the weaker sections are being given attractive scholarships and special training to make them effective agents of progress in the society. A University College for higher education was started with many professional courses. Bishop Gregory is also a lover of nature. The Bishop’s House garden contains over 2000 species of flora and fauna which he himself has collected from all over India and abroad. While
we feel truly proud of Bishop Gregory Karotemprel
and of his caring and able pastoral leadership
and thank the Almighty God for his generous
services for the Church in India and the
society at large, we wish him God’s
countless blessings and many more years
of fruitful apostolate as a retired Bishop.
With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely in Christ,
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY
Sub: Rev. Msgr. Jose Chittooparambil,
CMI, appointed Bishop of Rajkot. I am much pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Rev. Msgr. Jose Chittooparambil, CMI, Bishop of Rajkot. This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 16th July, 2010, at noon local time, corresponding to 4.30 p.m., Indian Standard Time. Most Rev. Jose Chittooparambil was born on 10th December, 1954, at Neeleswaram, Ernakulam, Kerala. While doing his high school studies he joined the Congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate in 1971. He then did his Philosophy and Theology from Dharmaram College, Bangalore. He also holds B.A. from Osmania University, Hyderabad and MSW from Rajagiri College of Social Science, Kalamassery. Fr. Jose did his Novitiate at Karukutty and made his First Religious Profession on 5th June, 1977. He was ordained Priest of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate on 8th May, 1985. He served as Asst. Parish Priest at the Immaculate Conception Parish at Rajkot, as Administrator of Poornodaya Training Centre, Bhopal, as the Provincial Councilor of Social Work of St. Xavier’s Province, Rajkot and since 1994 as the Diocesan Director of Social Work for 14 years. As Diocesan Director of Social Work he successfully coordinated the Relief and Rehabilitation Program for the victims of the Gujarat earthquake of 2001. He was the Eparchial Consultor for long years and also the Managing Editor of Third Millennium from 1988. He started a new Mission Station at Nanikatechi in Surendranagar Dist. in Gujarat. During this time with the guidance and support of Bishop Gregory, he initiated many projects and developed the Diocesan Department of Social Work (Navjeevan Trust) into its heights and made it a very popular NGO in the State of Gujarat. He was instrumental in establishing many Mission Centers of the Diocese of Rajkot. In 2008 he was elected the Provincial Superior of CMI St. Xavier’s Province, Rajkot, which post he held at the time of his appointment as the Bishop of Rajkot. We extend to Most Rev. Jose Chittooparambil our hearty congratulations and wish him all the very best in his episcopal ministry and assure him of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration with regard to his Diocese. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely in Christ,
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Subject: Demise of Most Rev. Theresanathan Amalnather, Bishop Emeritus of Tuticorin. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, With deep regret and sorrow, I inform you that Most Rev. Theresanathan Amalnather, Bishop Emeritus of Tuticorin, passed away on 14th February, 2010, at Tuticorin. This 84 year old Prelate exercised his episcopal ministry for 29 years with much dedication and great pastoral zeal. Most Rev. Theresanathan Amalnather was born on 17th November, 1925, at Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu. After his priestly ordination on 24th August, 1951, he served as Headmaster of St. Antony’s Higher Secondary School, Tanjore. He was ordained Bishop of Tuticorin on 4th February, 1981. In consonance with his Episcopal motto “In Faith and Love” and following the legacy of his predecessors, he worked for the overall development of his diocese in every way possible. In order to give impetus to pastoral activities in the diocese, he established various Commissions for Vocation, Youth Ministry, Christian Life (Bible, Catechetics, Liturgy), Family, Laity, Social Service, Education, Social Communications, Evangelization, SC/ST and Health. Devoted to the cause of education, he has upgraded some of the middle schools into high and higher secondary schools. He also started a computer training centre, a technical school for women and a home exclusively for the street children called “Muthu Kuviyal”, offering them, besides education, boarding and lodging. He has constructed several Churches, Presbyteries, community halls and schools. He also built a home for the retired priests. As a good shepherd, he succeeded in establishing as many as 21 new parishes in his diocese. With a view to uplifting the weaker sections, he set up several job oriented training programs. Very keen in giving thrust to missionary activities not only in his diocese but also in the whole Region of Tamilnadu, he established the first Centre for Evangelization with the name of ‘Good News Centre’ as well as the first Centre meant for the formation of the Laity. His funeral service held on 16th February, 2010, at the Sacred Hearts Cathedral, Tuticorin, was largely attended by several Bishops, hundreds of priests, religious and lay faithful. May God of Mercies grant this zealous Pastor and faithful servant of the Church eternal bliss and heavenly reward! You are kindly requested to offer one Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Bishop Theresanathan Amalnather, late CBCI member.
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Subject: Most Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio appointed Apostolic Nuncio to India. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am very much pleased to announce the glad tidings that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio, till date Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, Singapore and Cambodia, and Apostolic Delegate in Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia and Brunei, as Apostolic Nuncio to India. The ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Saturday, 8th May, 2010, at noon local time, corresponding to 16.30 hours, Indian Standard Time. His Excellency, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio was born in Marano (Naples) Italy, on 7th September, 1952 and was ordained priest on 18th September, 1976. He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy and entered into the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See on 15th April, 1979. He served in the Apostolic Nunciatures in Panama, Ethiopia, Australia, Turkey, Egypt, Yugoslavia and Ireland. On 28th November, 1998, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda. On 20th November, 2003, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, Singapore and Cambodia and Apostolic Delegate in Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia and Brunei. A Warm Welcome to our new Apostolic Nuncio! We extend to him our hearty congratulations and assure him our prayers, best wishes and wholehearted collaboration with regard to his apostolic ministry and great ecclesial responsibility. With kind regards and best wishes,
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-11/2010 May 8 , 2010 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, Greetings from the CBCI Centre, New Delhi! The 113th CBCI Standing Committee Meeting was held at St. John’s, Bangalore, from April 25-28, 2010. This was the first meeting of the SCM after the election of the new Office-Bearers of CBCI held during the last GBM at Guwahati. The Standing Committee (SC) proper met in the afternoon of Sunday, 25th April and on 26th April (full day). The Standing Committee met as the Caritas Council, which is the General Body of Caritas India on 27th (morning). In the two sessions, the Annual General Report was given by Fr. Varghese Mattamana, Executive Director of Caritas India and the Audited Statement of Accounts as well as the Budget presented were approved. On 27th afternoon, the General Body of the newly established CBCI Society for Medical Education, North India, comprising the SC members met for the first time. Besides the Annual Report given by Fr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Project Director, the Audited Statement of Accounts and Budget were presented and approved. 1. At the first session of the SCM, the report of the previous Standing Committee was passed and some points for action to be taken were mentioned. The evaluation of the last GBM was quite positive. Deep appreciation and gratitude were expressed to the host Archbishop, Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil and to all the Committees and Teams who networked effectively for the overall success of the Plenary Assembly. Some suggestions were made to improve the logistics, v.gr. to organize the GBM in one venue or campus so that all the participants could meet and interact among themselves easily. 2. Concerning the reorganization and strengthening of the CBCI, it was unanimously agreed that the Secretary General should implement all the proposals and recommendations made in the Final Draft of the Reorganization of CBCI, which was submitted to and approved by the last Plenary Assembly. 3. It was felt that the three Episcopal Bodies should have a common approach concerning matters of priestly formation, both initial and ongoing. This concern should include the formation of religious men and women. An Action Plan in this direction needs to be drawn. 4. Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios, the Bishop-in-Charge of the CBCI Office of Education and Culture, briefed the house about the ‘Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act-2009 and the Model Rules’. He focused on certain provisions of the said Act, which violate the rights of minorities. He also referred to the statement made by Justice Siddiqui, Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), that the minority institutions with less than 30% of students from a particular minority community cannot claim the minority status. After a brief discussion, the house authorized Bishop Joshua to take necessary action, even to the point of having legal recourse, particularly with reference to some discriminatory sections of the RTE Act 2009, in order to safeguard the minority status of our educational institutions guaranteed by the Constitution of India Art. 30(1). 5. The Revised Statutes of NVSC were presented by Bishop Felix Toppo, the Chairman of the Centre. The Secretary General was asked to form a Committee to study the said Statutes and present them at the next SCM for their approval. 6. On 26th April, two sessions in the morning were entirely devoted to a serious and detailed discussion of the second Draft of the ‘Guidelines for Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults’. This was done against the background of the many reports in the secular media about the involvement of Church personnel in child abuse cases. There was a general consensus that this Document should be reformulated taking into account the earlier Guidelines/Directives given by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This Document should have two parts: one concerning procedural or legal issues and the other dealing with pastoral guidelines for our priests and others concerned. His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias introduced this important topic as an urgent concern of the Church. He moderated the whole discussion and assured the house that the Office-Bearers would take the responsibility of finalizing this Document as early as possible so that the President of the CBCI could promulgate it in the month of June 2010. 7. The following Appointments/Confirmation/Extension were made:
8.
It was agreed that the Emeritus Bishop Valerian D’Souza
continue as Ecclesiastical Advisor for the National Catholic
Charismatic Renewal Services (NCCRS) till 2011.
9. Bishop Yvon Ambroise recalled the discussion during the last Plenary Assembly on ‘Current Concerns’. And taking the suggestions of the working paper forward, he stressed the need of dealing proactively and effectively with the socio-political situation of our country. Given the urgency of the matter, it was strongly recommended that the Study Committee should follow it up. Bishop Franco Mulakkal was co-opted to the Study Committee whose Convenor is Bishop Yvon Ambroise. 10. The Audited Statement of Accounts of the CBCI for 2009-2010 and the proposed Budget for 2010-2011 presented by the Deputy Secretary General were approved. Similarly, the Budgets of the CBCI Offices presented by the respective Bishops-in-Charge were also approved. 11. The CBCI-CRI Joint Meeting took place on 28th April (morning). The main point of the Agenda was ‘Guidelines for Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults’. 12. The venue of the next SCM will be St. John’s, Bangalore. The dates are as follows:
13. Kindly note the following dates and meetings that have been arranged at the CBCI Centre:
14. September 15-16: Meeting of the CBCI Office-Bearers with Bishop Secretaries and Priest Secretaries of the Regional Bishops’ Councils, CBCI Secretariat Officials, Secretaries of the CBCI Offices and Directors of National Centres. With kind regards and good wishes, Yours sincerely,
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-10/2010 April 23, 2010 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Subject: Most Rev. Francis Kallarakal, Archbishop of Verapoly, appointed Apostolic Administrator of Kottapuram Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples has appointed Most Rev. Francis Kallarakal, Archbishop of Verapoly, Apostolic Administrator “ad nutum Sanctae Sedis” of the Diocese of Kottapuram. The ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome, on 24th March, 2010.
Fr. Thomas
d’Aquino Sequeira Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-09/2010 April 23, 2010 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Subject: Most Rev. Francis Kallarakal, Bishop of Kottapuram, appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Verapoly. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am greatly pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Most Rev. Francis Kallarakal, Bishop of Kottapuram, Metropolitan Archbishop of Verapoly. The ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome, on Saturday, 20th February, 2010, at noon local time, corresponding to 16.30 hours, Indian Standard Time. Most Rev. Francis Kallarakal was born on 10th October, 1941, at Kottapuram. He joined St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Ernakulam in 1956. After completing pre-degree course from St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam, he joined St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Aluva, for pursuing studies in Philosophy. He completed his Theology course from Urbaniana Propaganda College in Rome and was ordained priest on 29th June, 1968 for the Archdiocese of Verapoly. He also holds a Postgraduate Degree from Fairfield University, USA. During his pastoral ministry he served as Assistant Vicar at Pius X Church, Fairfield, USA (1968-1970) and at Cruz Milagris Church, Kurisinkal (1970-1971); Secretary to Archbishop of Verapoly (1971-1978); Director of Social Service of Archdiocese of Verapoly (1978-1986); one of the Directors of St. John’s Hospital, Bangalore (1986-1987) and Chairman of Kerala Social Service Forum (KSSF) of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council. On 3rd July, 1987, Most Rev. Francis Kallarakal was appointed the first Bishop of the Diocese of Kottapuram and was ordained Bishop on 4th October, 1987. Presently, Bishop Kallarakal is the Chairman of the KCBC Health Commission, Vice Chairman of the KCBC Media Commission, Chairman of the KRLCBC Media Commission, Chairman Jeevandum Trust and Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Aluva. We wish Most Rev. Francis Kallarakal hearty congratulations, renewed vigour and all the very best in his episcopal ministry and assure them of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration with regard to his Diocese. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely in Christ, Fr. Thomas
d’Aquino Sequeira Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-08/2010 April 23, 2010 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Subject: Death of Most Rev. Ignatius Lobo, Bishop Emeritus of Belgaum. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, With much regret and sadness, I inform you that Most Rev. Ignatius Lobo, Bishop Emeritus of Belgaum, passed away on 17th February, 2010, at the Lourdes Hospital, Dharwad. This 91 year old Prelate exercised his episcopal ministry for long 42 years with great dedication and pastoral zeal. Most Rev. Ignatius Xavier Peter Canisius Lobo was born on 27th April, 1919, at Bombay. He pursued all his studies, secular and ecclesiastical, in the city of Bombay. He matriculated from the Antonio D’Souza High School, Byculla and completed his ecclesiastical studies with Honours in Humanities, Philosophy and Theology at the Diocesan Seminary, Bombay. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Bombay on 27th December, 1947, at Gloria Church, Byculla by His Eminence, the late Valerian Cardinal Gracias. He served as Secretary to the Cardinal (1953-1961) and as the Director of Catholic Charities (CARITAS) India (1962-1974). His able and efficient handling of the crucial problem of millions of Bangladeshi refugees with a view to their rehabilitation was highly commended by the Hierarchy of India and his outstanding services in this work of charities even won for him accolade from late Pope Paul VI. He then was nominated Director-General of Caritas India, New Delhi, which he served from 1974 to 1977. He was also a member of the Executive Council of Caritas Internationalis and was the Vice-President of this international organization representing Asia and Oceania from 1970 to 1978. Most Rev. Ignatius Lobo was appointed the third Bishop of Belgaum by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI and was consecrated by His Eminence Valerian Cardinal Gracias at the Fatima Cathedral, Belgaum. He served the Diocese of Belgaum for 27 years. Well aware of the fact that the future of any Diocese depends on good seedlings, he took upon himself as his first task the building and completion of St. Michael’s Minor Seminary, which was initiated by his predecessor, late Most Rev. Bishop Fortunato da Veiga Coutinho. To him also goes the credit of starting many schools and boardings in the Diocese. Bishop Ignatius founded the Belgaum Diocese Board of Education bringing under one umbrella all the schools of the Diocesan and Religious management, working in harmony and support of each other. Many dioceses in the Region tried to emulate this model. He also founded the Belgaum Diocesan Social Service Society, which today is a powerful developmental arm of the Diocese. He was instrumental in initiating the diocesan bulletin ‘Christa Prakash’. Concerning missionary activity, it was due to his farsightedness that the Swami Missions of the Jesuits in the diocese, though initiated earlier, could progress rapidly and be extended. He believed in the strength of the laity and as such he established in his diocese the units of Catholic Association and of the Society of Vincent de Paul. He commanded an unenviable respect and honour among the Government officials and intelligentsia. He was invited to be the Senate Member of the Karnataka University in 1983 for four years. But his association was not only with the able and highly educated people but also he loved dearly the poor and the simple folks. He enjoyed their company and vividly remembered their courtesies. Bishop Ignatius, a self-made man, always loyal to the Magisterium of the Church, implemented all the reforms of Vatican II Council with great enthusiasm and interest. He loved his priests though he was strict and brooked no indiscipline and made no compromises. He is remembered among the priests not only for his strength of unyielding character but also for his kindness and compassion. After his retirement in 1994, he was residing at the Clergy Home, Lourdes Hospital, Dharwad. His funeral service was held on Friday, 19th February, 2010, at Our Lady of the Family Rosary of Fatima Cathedral, Belgaum, and was largely attended by several Bishops, hundreds of priests, religious and lay faithful. May God of Mercies grant this zealous Pastor and faithful servant of the Church eternal bliss and heavenly reward! You are kindly requested to offer one Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Bishop Ignatius Lobo, late CBCI member.
Fr. Thomas
d’Aquino Sequeira Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-07/2010 April 23, 2010 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Subject: Demise of Most Rev. Ambrose Mathalaimuthu, Bishop Emeritus of Coimbatore. Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, With deep regret and sorrow, I inform you that Most Rev. Ambrose Mathalaimuthu, Bishop Emeritus of Coimbatore, passed away on 15th November, 2009, at Coimbatore. This 84 year old Prelate exercised his episcopal ministry for 38 years with much dedication and great pastoral zeal. Most Rev. Ambrose Mathalaimuthu was born on 20th July, 1925, at Nagalur, Diocese of Ootacamund. Ordained priest (in Rome) on 21st December, 1951, he was consecrated Bishop of Tuticorin on 9th December, 1971. After 9 years, he was transferred to Coimbatore on 1st January, 1980. As a priest of Coimbatore, besides being Secretary to his Bishop from 1955, he held responsible posts, such as Diocesan Director of Pious Associations, Editor of the diocesan magazine ‘Serprasada Thuthan’, Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary and Vicar General of the Diocese. He was keen in promoting the renewal of his priests by insisting on regular monthly recollections and annual retreats as well as the spiritual reform of his flock by conducting Annual Lenten Missions and Catholic Charismatic Prayer Meetings, several of them being led by himself. His special zeal for Catechesis prompted him to teach catechism in different vicariates and give special classes for teachers. He came to be known as ‘Bishop of Catechism’. He completed the building of the Pastoral Centre ‘Jeeve Jothi Ashram’ begun by his predecessor and succeeded in coordinating various pastoral activities through 14 Commissions, which were subsequently reduced to five, corresponding to CBCI Commissions. He persuaded the faithful to offer a voluntary contribution on a monthly basis thus making the parishes financially self-reliant. He set up various educational institutions, v.gr. Arts College, Christ the King Polytechnic, ITI and several types of schools. Under his guidance, 34 new Churches and 48 Chapels were constructed, 10 new parishes established and some other Churches, Chapels and Presbyteries were renovated. In his diocese he gave new Constitutions to Presentation Sisters of Blessed Virgin Mary and helped them become Pontifical. He did the same with the Brothers of St. Michael. Well versed in matters of religious life, he was appointed Pontifical Commissary to Brothers of Sacred Heart, Palayamkottai, in January 2003 and to Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pondicherry from December 2003 till May 2005. As President of the Board of Bishops in the Good Shepherd Major Seminary, he took keen interest in the formation of good pastors and he used to frequently visit both the seminarians and the staff. He had special concern for the retired priests for whom he built residential quarters. He was staying in the Diocese until he breathed his last. His funeral service held on 18th November, 2009, at the St. Michael’s Cathedral, Coimbatore, was largely attended by several Bishops, hundreds of priests, religious and lay faithful. May God of Mercies grant this zealous Pastor and faithful servant of the Church eternal bliss and heavenly reward! You are kindly requested to offer one Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Bishop Ambrose Mathalaimuthu, late CBCI member. Yours sincerely in Christ, Fr. Thomas
d’Aquino Sequeira Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-05/2010 March 23, 2010 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY
Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am much pleased to inform you that His Beatitude Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, with the consent of the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, having obtained the assent of the Holy See, has created the Eparchies of Ramanathapuram by carving out the civil districts of Coimbatore, Erobe, Karur and Thirueur from the Eparchy of Palghat, with its See and the Headquarters at Ramanathapuram and the Eparchy of Mandya by carving out the civil districts of Mandya, Haffan, Mysore and Chamaragnagar, from the Eparchy of Mananthavady, with the See and the Headquarters at Mandya. At the same time, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has given his assent to the appointment of: Rev. Msgr. Pauly Kannookadan as Eparchial Bishop of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda; Rev. Msgr. Remigiose Inchananiyil as Eparchial Bishop of the Eparchy of Thamarassery; Rev. Msgr. Raphael Thattil as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Trichur; Rev. Msgr. Bosco Putur as Curial Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church; Rev. Msgr. Paul Alappatt as Eparchial Bishop of the new Eparchy of Ramanathapuram and Rev. Msgr. George Njaralakatt as Bishop of the new Eparchy of Mandya. These ecclesiastical provisions were made public on 18th January, 2010 at 4.30 p.m. (IST), and were formally announced in L’Osservatore Romano the same day in Rome. 1. Most Rev. Pauly Kannookadan was born on 14th February, 1961 at Kuzhikattussery in the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda. After his high school studies at Aloor, he joined St. Mary’s Petit Seminary, Thope, Thrissur. He had his philosophical and theological formation at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam. He was ordained priest on 28th December, 1985. After serving as Asst. Parish Priest at St. Thomas Cathedral, Irinjalakuda, he was sent to Rome for higher studies. He obtained a Doctorate in Oriental Liturgy from the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome. He has served as Vicar in various parishes of the Eparchy viz., Lourdupuram (Inchakundu), Murikingal, Thuravankunnu, Kottennallur, Kuthirathadam, Paduvanagar (Aikkarakkunnu) and Kuzkikattukon. He was the Asst. Director of the Better Life Movement (BLM) and the Mission Training Centre MTC at Aloor; Vice Rector of St. Paul’s Minor Seminary; Secretary of the Pastoral Council; Director of Pastoral Center and Catechism (Vidyajyothi), Bible Apostolate, Justice Forum and of Prathyasa (Hope). He was the Convener of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and Visiting Professor of Liturgy to various Major Seminaries, viz. Mangalapuram, Alwaye and Poonamallee. He was the Chief Editor of ‘Thomas Christian Heritage’, the Biannual Journal of the Liturgical Research Centre, Kochi. He was serving as the Secretary of the Major Archiepiscopal Commission for Liturgy, Clergy, Institutes of Consecrated Life and as the Executive Director of Liturgical Research Centre (LRC) at the time of his appointment as Bishop of Irinjalakuda. Concurrently he deserves special mention for his service as the Notary of the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church from 2005-2009. 2. Most Rev. Remegiose Inchananiyil was born on 26th July, 1961, at Vettilappara in the Eparchy of Thamarassery. He had his priestly formation at Vadavathoor and was ordained priest on 26th December, 1987. He has a M.A. in English and holds a Doctorate in Canon Law from the University of Santa Croce, Rome. He served as Vicar at Valayam, Thalayad, Theyyappara and Karingad. He was serving as the Secretary, Chancellor and Judicial Vicar of the Eparchy at the time of his appointment as Bishop of Thamarassery. He was also serving as Judge in the Major Archiepiscopal Tribunal, Kakkanad. 3. Most Rev. Raphael Thattil was born on 21st April, 1956, at Trichur. He had his priestly formation at Vadavathoor and was ordained priest on 21st December, 1980. He has a B.Th. and a Doctorate in Oriental Canon Law from Rome. He served as Asst. Vicar at Aranattukara (1981); Prefect of the Minor Seminary (1982); Vice Chancellor of Curia (1988); Vice Rector of the Minor Seminary (1991); Director of DBCLC and Catechism (1992-1995); Chancellor and Eparchial Judge (1995-2000). He has been instrumental in developing the Mary Matha Major Seminary whose First Rector he was (1998-2007). He was the Proto-Syncellus of the Archeparchy at the time of his appointment as Auxiliary of Trichur. 4. Most Rev. Bosco Puthur was born on 28th May, 1946, at Parappur in the Archdiocese of Trichur. He had his seminary formation in Aluva Carmelgiri Philosophate and Propaganda College, Rome. He was ordained priest on 27th March, 1971. He served as Asst. Vicar at Ollur (1976); Prefect at the Minor Seminary (1976); Professor at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Aluva (1977-1992); Rector of the Minor Seminary (1992); Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese (1995-1999); Cathedral Vicar (1999) and Executive Director of Liturgical Research Center, Mt. St. Thomas, Kakkanad (1999-2007). He holds an L.Ph, S.T.L and S.T.D. He was the Rector of Mangalapuzha Seminary at the time of his appointment as Curial Bishop. He was ordained Bishop on 13th February, 2010. 5. Most Rev. Paul Alapatt was born on 21st April, 1962, at Edathuruthy, Irinjalakkuda and belongs to the parish of Porathur, Trichur. He had his priestly studies at Vadavathoor and was ordained priest on 27th December 1987. He has secured BA; B.Th. and a Doctorate in Oriental Canon Law from Rome. He served his Eparchy as Asst. Vicar at Mattom (1988); Vicar at Pudussery and Parannur (1989); Prefect at the Minor Seminary (1990); Vicar at Puthur (1990); as Vice-Chancellor and in the Tribunal (1991, 1997-8); Chancellor (1998-2007). He was serving as Judge (1997+), Judicial Vicar (2001+), Rector of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary (2007+) and Judge of Major Archiepiscopal Tribunal (2007+) at the time of his appointment as the first Bishop of the new Eparchy of Ramanathapuram. 6. Most Rev. George Njaralakat was born on 23rd June, 1946, and belongs to the parish of Nadavayal in the Eparchy of Mananthavady. He was ordained priest on 20th December, 1971. He served the Eparchy as Asst. Parish Priest, Parish Priest, Director of Catechism and Mission League, Eparchial Finance Officer, Syncellus, Eparchial Administrator sede vacante, and later as Protosyncellus of Bishop Jose Porunnedom. He holds a Licentiate in Catechetics. He was serving the Eparchy of Bhadravathi as its Protosyncellus at the time of his appointment as the first Bishop of the new Eparchy of Mandya. We extend our hearty congratulations to Most Rev. Pauly Kannookadan, Most Rev. Remegiose Inchananiyil, Most Rev. Raphael Thattil, Most Rev. Bosco Puthur, Most Rev. Paul Alapatt and Most Rev. George Njaralakat and wish them all the very best in their episcopal ministry and assure them of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration with regard to their Eparchies. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely,
Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-01/2010 January 28, 2010 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY Sub: Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Kerketta appointed Bishop of Jashpur Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency, I am much pleased to inform you that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Kerketta, Diocesan Administrator of Jashpur, Bishop of Jashpur. This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Tuesday, 22nd December, 2009, at noon local time, corresponding to 4.30 p.m., Indian Standard Time. Most Rev. Emmanuel Kerketta was born on 16th March, 1952 at Gotmahua, Jashpur. After his primary education at Musgutri, his native parish and high school at Kunkuri, he entered the Minor Seminary at Ranchi. Later on, he pursued his Philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore and after his graduation (B.Sc.) from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, he did his Theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. Besides, he holds a Post-Graduate Degree (M. Sc. in Maths) and B.Ed. He was ordained priest on 5th May, 1984. After a stint of pastoral ministry as Asst. Parish Priest at Portenga (1984-86), he held various responsible posts in the Diocese, namely, Director of the Apostolic School, Gholeng (1989-92), Manager of Deepak H. S. School, Harradippa (1994-2006) where he also taught Science (1992-2006). He was made Vicar General of Jashpur Diocese (2006-2008) and, after the demise of Most Rev. Victor Kindo, Bishop of the Diocese, he was appointed Diocesan Administrator on 14th June, 2008, which post he occupied till the time of his appointment as Bishop of Jashpur. We extend to Most Rev. Emmanuel Kerketta our hearty congratulations and wish him all the very best in his episcopal ministry and assure him of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration with regard to his Diocese. With warm personal regards and every good wish, Yours sincerely,
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