Bishops from the Archdiocese

MAR JOSEPH KARIATTIL (1742-1786)

Archbishop Joseph Kariattil was born at Mangadu (Alangad) on 5 May 1742. The professors of the Seminary at Alangad sent Joseph Kariattil to the Propaganda College, Rome, on 7 April 1755 when he was only 13 years old. He was ordained priest on 25 February 1766. Having taken Doctorate in Philosophy and Theology he returned to his native place on 2 August 1766. On his return, he was appointed professor of the Seminary at Alangad. He took keen interest in the reunion of the schismatics who got separated from the Catholic Church after the Coonen Cross oath at Mattanchery. At the request of the schismatic archbishop Thoma VI (Divannasios I), who had a following of over 30,000 dissidents, Mar Kariattil made the historic journey to Rome on 4 May 1778 together with Paremmakal Thoma Kathanar. After many years of arduous toils in Rome and Portugal, Dr Kariattil succeeded in convincing the authorities of the real needs of the Malabar Church. He was consecrated bishop at Lisbon on 17 February 1783 and was appointed Archbishop of Cranganore. On his way back to his own flock, he unfortunately met with an unexpected death at Goa on 10 September 1786. He was given a royal burial there. His mortal remains were transferred to Alangad on 11 April 1961. The Second Centenary of his death was celebrated at Alangad on 9 September 1986. 

MAR JOHN MENACHERY (1857-1919) (Former Bishop of Thrissur)

Dr. John Menachery was bornat Narakkal on 2 July 1857. He was ordained priest in 1893 and was elected Bishop of Parluse and nominated Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Trissur on 11 August 1896. Dr Menachery was consecrated bishop at Kandy on 25 October 1896 by Most Dr Zalesky, the Delegate Apostolic. On 4 November he assumed his office at Trissur. After a glorious period of episcopal ministry Dr Menachery passed away to his eternal reward on 19 December 1919. His mortal remains were interred in the Lourdes Cathedral, Trissur. 

MAR AUGUSTINE KANDATHIL (1874 - 1956)

Mar Aloysius Pazheparambil was succeeded as Vicar Apostolic by the late Most Dr. Augustine Kandathil. Born on 25 August 1874 at Chempu, he was ordained priest at the Papal Seminary, Kandy on 21 December 1901. On 29 August 1911, he was appointed titular bishop of Arad and co-adjuctor of Mar Aloysius, with the right of succession and was consecrated on 3 December. On 18 December 1919 he took charge of the Vicariate. On 21 December 1923, he was nominated Archbishop of Ernakulam, when the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy was established by the Apostolic Bull "Romani Pontifices" of Pius XI. His grace received the Pallium on 16 November 1924 at the Cathedral, Ernakulam from His Excellency the late Mgr. Lepicier who had been sent to INDIA as Visitor Apostolic. Archbishop Kandathil made his "Ad limina" visit in the Jubilee Year of 1925. In 1926 the Silver jubilee of his Sacerdotal Ordination and in 1936 that of his Episcopal Consecration were celebrated with great solemnity. Archbishop Kandathil, not only followed the holy and progressive footprints of his illustrious predecessor, but also opened new avenues of apostolate in keeping with the changing times. As a token of special consideration and appreciation the Holy Father conferred upon him the titles of "Assistant at the Pontifical Throne", "Domestic Prelate" and "Roman Count". In 1951 his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee was celebrated with befitting solemnity. The illustrious prelate passed away to his eternal reward on 10 January 1956, after having received the last rites from the hands of his auxiliary Rt Dr. Joseph Parecattil. On 12 January his mortal remains were interred in the sanctuary of the Metropolitan Church and thence transferred to the sanctuary of the new Basilica in March 1974.

MAR JOSEPH CARDINAL PARECATTIL (1912 - 1987)

Mar Joseph Parecattil was born at Kidangoor on 1 April 1912. He did his ecclesiastical studies in the Papal Seminary, Kandy, where he took a licentiate in Philosophy and doctorate in Theology with distinction. He was ordained priest on 24 August 1939. He served as assistant parish priest at Narakkal and N. Parur and as Parish Priest at Chunangamvely. Thereafter he served as the editor of "Sathyadeepam", until he was nominated titular bishop of Arathusa and Bishop Auxiliary to His grace, Most Mar Augustine Kandathil, on 28 October 1953. He was consecrated bishop by His Eminence Eugene Cardinal Tisserent at the Cathedral on 30 November 1953. On the demise of Mar Augustine Kandathil on 10 January 1956, bishop Parecattil was elected Administrator. He was appointed Administrator Apostolic on 27 January 1956 and nominated archbishop on 20 July 1956. His Grace took charge of the archdiocese on 9 January 1957.He was Appointed Consultor to the Sacred Oriental Congregation in 1961. During the fourth session of the Vatican Council II archbishop Parecattil was appointed member of the International Episcopal Synod. On 20 October 1966 he was elected Vice-Chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of INDIA. On the occasion of the visit of H.E. Maxmilian Cardinal Fürstenberg on 27 February 1968, he was declared Member of the Sacred Oriental Congregation. H.H. Pope Paul VI made him Cardinal in 1969. He was nominated member of the Secretariat for Christian Unity in 1976; was elected Chairman of C.B.C.I. in 1972; was appointed President of the Commission for the Revision of the Code of Oriental Canon Law in 1972; was made Member of the Commission for the Revision of the Code of Latin Canon Law in 1972 and was re-elected President of C.B.C.I. at its Calcutta session 1974. He was appointed member of the Secretariat for Non-Christians in 1974. He was for many years President of the Syro-Malabar Bishop's Conference, in which capacity he was also the Chancellor of the Dharmaram Pontifical Institute for Philosophy and Theology, Bangalore and of the Oriental Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Kottayam. He was the President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council for over six years in which capacity he was also Chancellor of the Pontifical Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Alwaye. He retired from office on 1 April 1984. His Eminence had the singular privilege of participating in the two conclaves which elected Pope John Paul I and John Paul II. His Eminence passed away on 20 February 1987. His mortal remains were interred in the sanctuary of the St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica on 22 February 1987. 

MAR JONAS THALIATH C.M.I. (1919 -1981) (Former Bishop of Rajkot)

Bishop Jonas was born on 21 December 1919 at Puthenpally. He had his primary education at Ernakulam and Thiruvanandapuram. He made his religious profession in the Congregation of Mary Immaculate in 1937; and completed his ecclesiastical studies in Kandy and Pune. It was he who founded and designed the present Dharmaram Pontifical Institute, Bangalore where he taught until the Catholic Bishops' Conference of INDIA appointed him its Assistant (later Deputy) Secretary General. The Holy See nominated him the first bishop of the newly created diocese of Rajkot in the State of Gujarat. He was consecrated bishop by His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Parecattil at Mannanam on 11 May 1977. He passed away to his eternal reward on 7 November 1981 and was buried in the Rajkot Cathedral Church.

MAR SEBASTIAN MANKUZHIKARY(1929 -1994)  (Former Bishop of Thamarassery)

His Excellency Bishop Sebastian Mankuzhikary was born at Thannirmukkom, near Cherthala, on 2 March 1929. He did his ecclesiastical studies at St Joseph's Apostolic Seminary Alwaye, and was ordained priest on 12 March 1955. After working for some time as Assistant Parish Priest at the St. Mary's Cathedral, Ernakulam, he resumed his studies at the Gregorian University, Rome, from where he took a Doctorate in Philosophy, with distinction. On his return, he was appointed professor of Philosophy at the Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye; He was nominated Bishop Auxiliary to archbishop Joseph Cardinal Parecattil, on 15 November 1969. He was consecrated bishop on 6 January 1970 at Ernakulam. He took charge as the Vicar General of the archdiocese on 7 February 1970, which post he held until 1 April 1984 when he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese following the resignation of His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Parecattil. On 28 April 1986, he was nominated bishop of Thamarassery and he assumed charge of the new diocese on 3 July 1986. He passed away on 11 June 1994 and was buried in the pro-cathedral at Thiruvampady on 13 June 1994.

MAR JANUARIUS PALATHURUTHY C.M.I. (1913 -1995) (Former Bishop of Chanda)

Bishop Januarius was born at Konthuruthy, Ernakulam on 20 March 1913. He joined the Congregation of Mary Immaculate (CMI) in 1934 and did his priestly studies at St Joseph's Seminary, Mangalore. He was ordained priest in 1942. He graduated at S.H. College, Thevara, took Ph.D. from Rome, taught Philosophy at Chethipuzha and Dharmaram until the Chanda Mission was formed in 1962. He was nominated its first Exarch in 1968. On 3 May 1977 he was consecrated bishop for the diocese of Chanda. He died on 28 March 1995 and was buried at Chanda.

MAR ABRAHAM KATTUMANA (1944 -1995)  (Former Titular Archbishop of Cebarades)

Archbishop Abraham Kattumana was born on 21 January 1944, at Thottakam near Vaikom. After S.S.L.C. he joined the S.H. Minor Seminary of the Archdiocese on 13 June 1960. He began his philosophical studies in St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri. After three months he was sent to Rome. From 1962 to 1969 he studied in the Pontifical Urban University of 'Propaganda de Fide' and took Masters Degree in Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained priest in ‘Propaganda de Fide’ College, Rome on 3 May 1969 by His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Parecattil. Later he joined the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. He obtained doctorate in canon law and finished the studies in the academy in 1973 and entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See on 15 April 1973. He served in the Nunciatures in Indonesia, Uruguay, Iraq, Newzeeland and Great Britain. He was appointed counsellor of the Nunciature in 1986. He was nominated Apostolic Pronuncio to Ghana, Benin and Togo on 8 May 1991 and was consecrated Archbishop by His Eminence Antony Cardinal Padiyara on 3 August 1991 in St. Mary's Basilica, Ernakulam. He is the first Apostolic Pronuncio from Syro-Malabar Church. He was appointed Pontifical Delegate to the Major Archiepiscopal Church of Ernakulam- Angamaly on 16 December 1992. He convened the Synod, finalized its statutes, codified the particular laws and established other canonical structures. While on a visit to Rome he died due to cardiac arrest on 4 April 1995. His body was brought to Ernakulam and buried in the Cathedral Basilica on 7 April 1995.

MAJOR ARCHBISHOP VARKEY CARDINAL VITHAYATHIL C.Ss.R. (1927-2011)

Born on 29th May 1927 of Thresiamma and Justice Joseph Vithayathil at North Parur, Archbishop Varkey Vithayathil had his school education at North Parur and Thiruvananthapuram, and his college education at University College Thriuvananthapuram and St Joseph's College, Trichy. Joining the Redemptorist Order, Varkey Vithayathil professed as its member on 2nd August 1947, and after completing his studies in Philosophy and Theology he was ordained Priest on 12th June 1954. In 1955 he went to Rome for his studies in Canon Law at the University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) from where he took his doctorate in 1959 on "The Origin and Progress of the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy."After coming back from Rome, Dr. Varkey Vithayathil served as professor of Canon Law for about 25 years at the Redemptorist Major Seminary, Bangalore. In 1972 he took his Master's Degree in Philosophy from Karnataka University. He also taught different subjects in several other Seminaries in Bangalore. He served as the Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist Order from 1978 to '84, and as president of the CRI from 1984 to '85. He was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Benedictine Monastery in Bangalore (1990-96) by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. On 18th December 1996 Dr. Varkey Vithayathil was nominated Titular Bishop of "Antinoe" and the 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 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. At the consistory on 21st February he was raised to the dignity of a cardinal. The sacerdotal golden jubilee of the Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil was celebrated under the auspices of the Syro-Malabar church on 8th November 2003. The jubilee was inaugurated on 12th June 2003 and was concluded on 12th June 2004. He is 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. He participated in the funeral rites for Pope John Paul II and in the Conclave which elected Pope Benedict XVI. H. E. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil is elected president of CBCI in 2008.  Major Archbishop His Beatitude Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil expired on 1st April 2011. As all the bishops of the Syro-Malabar Synod were in Rome for Ad Limina visit, the mortal remains of Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil were interred in the specially preapared sanctuary of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica only on 10th April 2011.

MAR GRATIAN MUNDADAN C.M.I.  (Former Bishop of Bijnor)

Bishop Gratian was born at Alangad, Ernakulam, on 15 September 1933. He took his Honours Degree in Mathematics from the University of Madras. He made his religious profession in the Congregation of Mary Immaculate in 1958. He underwent priestly training at Dharmaram, Bangalore and was ordained Priest in 1964. He was for a long time the Director of the Kerala Catholic Students' League. When the Exarchate of Bijnor was formed in 1972, he was nominated its first Exarch, and was consecrated bishop by His Emce. Joseph Cardinal Parecattil at Rajagiri, Kalamasery on 6 November 1977. Bishop Gratian was born at Alangad, Ernakulam, on 15 September 1933. He took his Honours Degree in Mathematics from the University of Madras. He made his religious profession in the Congregation of Mary Immaculate in 1958. He underwent priestly training at Dharmaram, Bangalore and was ordained Priest in 1964. He was for a long time the Director of the Kerala Catholic Students' League. When the Exarchate of Bijnor was formed in 1972, he was nominated its first Exarch, and was consecrated bishop by His Emce. Joseph Cardinal Parecattil at Rajagiri, Kalamasery on 6 November 1977. 

MAR DOMINIC KOKKAT C.S.T.  (Former Bishop of Gorakhpur)

Bishop Dominic Kokkat was born at Vaikom, on 23 February 1932. He joined the Congregation of St Therese and made his religious profession on 18 May 1953. He did his studies at Kandy and Pune and was ordained priest on 4 October 1960. In addition to his ecclesiastical degree, he has secured a diploma in social development from Canada. After his ordination he worked for six years as professor of Philosophy at the Little Flower Seminary, Alwaye and as Vocation Promoter of the Congregation. From 1972 to 1978 he was the Mission Superior of Little Flower Mission Jalandhar, Punjab. He was Assistant Superior General and Mission Secretary of the Little Flower Congregation till he was consecrated Bishop of Gorakhpur on 4 October 1984.

MAR JACOB MANATHODATH  (Bishop of Palakkad)

Jacob Manathodath was born on 22 February 1947 at Kodamthuruth as the eldest son of Kurian and Kathreena. He has one brother and five sisters. Jacob did his preliminary studies in the L.P. School, Kodamthuruth and in the E.C.E.K.Union High School Kuthiathode. After S.S.L.C. he joined the Sacred Heart Petit Seminary, Ernakulam. Two years later he was sent to the Papal Seminary, Pune. Jacob took Licentiate in philosophy and Master's degree in theology from the Jnana Deep Vidyapith, Pune. He was ordained priest on 4 November 1972 in his own parish church at Valamangalam by Mar Sebastian Mankuzhikary. Fr. Jacob was first appointed as assistant vicar at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam. In 1975 he was made private secretary to the late Cardinal Joseph Parecattil. In 1979 he was sent to Rome for higher studies. He secured the degree of Doctor of theology from the Gregorian University, Rome. After his return from Rome in 1984, Fr. Jacob was appointed Archdiocesan Secretary and also Pro Vicar of St Antony's Church, Elamakkara. In 1985 he was made Secretary to Cardinal Antony Padiyara and Promoter of Justice and Defender of Bond at the Archdiocesan Tribunal. In 1986 he was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese. In 1989 he became the parish priest of St Thomas Church, Chempu. In 1990 Fr. Jacob was appointed Professor at St Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. Besides Latin and English he knows German, Italian and French. He served the archdiocese in various capacities such as eparchial consultor, executive secretary of Save A Family Plan and the editor of 'Ernakulam Missam'. 'Culture, Dialogue and the Church' is a book authored by him. Fr. Jacob was nominated titular Bishop of Abydus and Bishop Auxiliary on 6th September 1992. He was ordained bishop on 28th November 1992. On 18th December 1996 he was appointed Bishop of Palakkad by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. On 1st February 1997 he took charge of the Diocese of Palakkad. In 2018 June 22nd Rome appointed Bishop Jacob Manathodath as the Apostolic Administrator Sede Plena for the Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. On 26th June 2019 he returned to the diocese of Palakkad.

BISHOP PAUL MAIPAN   (Bishop of Khammam)

Bishop Paul Maipan was born of Davassy and Annam Maipan on 4th February 1944 at Manickamangalam, Kalady in Ernakulam District. After his school education at St Augustine’s U.P. School, Thuravoor and N.S.S. H.S. Manickamangalam, young Paul Maipan had his seminary formation for two years in the minor seminary Ettumannoor, Kottayam and for six years in the Major Seminary Hyderabad. He was ordained priest on January 9th 1971 at Manickamangalam church for the diocese of Visaghapattanam. On 22nd August 1997 he was consecrated bishop of Khammam diocese by Rt. Dr. Mariadas Bishop of Visakapattanam.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH CHENNOTH  (Nuncio)

Archbishop Joseph Chennoth was born as the seventh child of Joseph and Mariam on 13th October 1943 at Kokkamangalam. His family belongs to the Parish St Thomas Church Kokkamangalam one of the seven churches founded by St Thomas, the Apostle. Joseph did his preliminary studies in St Antony’s Primary School and Govt. Boys School Cherthala. Later he joined S.H. Minor Seminary of the archdiocese of Ernakulam. He began his philosophical studies at St Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Aluva in 1962. After a year in 1963 he was sent to Rome to continue his Philosophical and Theological studies in Urban University. He was ordained priest on May 4, 1969 in Austria. Fr. Joseph Chennoth returned to Kerala in 1969 and served the Archdiocese of Ernakulam as assistant parish priest in the parishes of Koratty, Kottamam, and Basilica respectively. He obtained Masters degree in Arts from Baroda University and had been secretary to late Cardinal Joseph Parecattil for a short period. Fr. Joseph earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Urban University and joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1973. He served in the Nunciatures of Turkey, Iran, and Cameroon. He was appointed secretary to states of Africa and was given a special privilege of ‘Prelate of Honor’ by Holy See in honour of his service to the Church in Belgium, Listburg and Spain. He also worked as a councillor to the Nunciatures of Andaman, Norway, and Sweden. He was given a special assignment in the Nunciature of Taiwan in 1997. Msgr Joseph Chennoth was nominated as titular Archbishop of the Milevi in 1999 and was consecrated by His Holiness John Paul II on 30th October 1999 at St Peters Basilica Rome. His Grace worked as Nuncio to Japan and during his office he died on 8th Sept. 2020 at Tokyo, Japan and was buried on 22nd Sept. 2020 at Kokkamangalam, his native parish.

MAR THOMAS CHAKIATH  (Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Ernakulam-Angamaly)

Bishop Thomas Chakiath was born of Chackappan and Mariam Chakiath on September 10, 1937 at Moonnamparambu, Karukutty, in Ernakulam District. After his school education at St. Mary's L.P.S. Karukutty, S.H. Orphanage U.P.S. Mookkannoor, and Mar Augustine Memorial H.S. Koratty, Young Thomas Chakiath had his seminary formation for two years in the Sacred Heart Petit Seminary, Ernakulam and for seven years in the Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye, and was ordained priest on November 30, 1964 by Joseph Cardinal Parecattil at the Eucharistic Congress in Bombay. Fr. Thomas Chakiath served as assistant vicar of St Thomas Church, Malayattoor and of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam where he was also the Managing Director and the First Principal of Amulia Industrial Training Centre (I.T.C.). From 1968 to '72 Fr. Thomas Chakiath had his higher education at St Thomas Acquinas University, Angelicum, Rome, from which he took his doctorate in sociology. He specialised further in the same subject later in 1981-'82 when he attended a course on Community Development and secured a Diploma from the Coady International Institute in Canada. After coming back from Rome, Dr. Thomas Chakiath served as the vicar of St Antony's Church, Chengamanad for nearly two years. From 1974 Dr. Thomas Chakiath had been Professor of Sociology for 23 years at the Pontifical Institute of Phiolosophy and Theology, Alwaye, where he was Vice Rector for a term and also Spiritual Father. Besides his Doctoral Thesis entitled "Value Clarification and Conscientization - The Role of the Church in Socio-Economic Development", he has also authored the book "The social vision of the Church". He was the chief editor of "Mathavum Chinthayum" for eight years, and was also the editor of "St Thomas Academy for Research (STAR) Documentation." Besides English and Latin, he knows German, Italian and Syriac. Dr. Thomas Chakiath has served the Church and the archdiocese in other ways as well. He was a member of the K.C.B.C. Commission for Justice and Peace, and the secretary of the Priests' Senate of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam, and has been a consultor of the Archdiocese for three terms. He was the founder-director of Niveditha, Institute for Religious Formation and Fellowship. He was appointed the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam in January 1997. On 17th February 1998 Dr. Chakiath was nominated the Titular Bishop of Uzippari and the Bishop Auxiliary of Ernakulam - Angamaly and he was consecrated Bishop on April 14, 1998 by Archbishop Mar Varkey Vithayathil at St. Mary’s Basilica Ernakulam. Mar Thomas Chakiath, the Auxiliary bishop and Protosyncellus, retired from his office on 10th September 2012 as he turned 75. Therefrom he shifted his residence to Niveditha, Chunangamvely.

ARCHBISHOP MAR KURIAKOSE BHARANIKULANGARA  (Bishop of Faridabad)

Archbishop Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara was born on 1st February, 1959 as the fourth son of Alia and Antony Bharanikulangara at Karippassery. He completed his primary and high school studies at Vattaparambu, Moozhikkulam and  Puliyanam. He joined the S.H. Minor Seminary, Trikkakara in 1973. He completed his Philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s, Seminary Carmelgiri (1976-’79) and Theological studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalapuzha (1979-’83). He was ordained priest on 18th  December, 1983 by Mar Sebastian Mankuzhikkary. He served the Archdiocese as Assistant parish priest at Tripunithura (1983-’88); as Acting Parish Priest at Thiruvankulam and at  Vimalagiri (1988). He did his university studies at Kerala University (1984-’88) and P. G. Diploma in Journalism and Communication from Bharathiya Vidhya Bhavan. He holds two Licentiates both in Latin Canon Law and Oriental Canon Law from Rome and a Doctorate in Oriental Canon Law from Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome (1992-’94). He has also completed his Post-Doctoral Studies in Jurisprudence from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (1994). Archbishop Kuriakose also has specialization and Diplomas in Religious Studies from the Congregation for Religious Life (1990); in Sacraments from the Congregation for Divine Worship and Sacraments (1992) and in Canonization from the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints (1993). He had his Diplomatic Training from the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome. His services were in Diplomatic services of the Holy See in Thailand (1995), Cameroon (1996), Iraq (1999), Venezuela (2001), Congo, Gabon (2004), U.N. Headquarters in New York (2008) and Germany. After 18 years of commendable work in various Vatican nunciatures Monsignor Kuriakose Bharanikulangara was nominated the first bishop of the newly erected Diocese of Faridabad on 6th March 2012. His Episcopal Ordination was on 26th May, 2012 at Delhi and installation was on 27th May, 2012 at Faridabad.

MAR JOSE CHITTOOPARAMBIL   (Bishop of Rajkot)

Mar Jose Chittooparambil CMI was born on 10th December 1954 to late Mr. C. V. Cherian and Mrs. Mariam Cherian at Neeleeswaram of the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. After passing the 9th std., he joined the Sacred Heart Province, Kalamassery of CMI Congregation in 1971 and passed SSLC from Infant Jesus High School, Vazhakulam in 1972. He completed Pre-degree from St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery. He did his Graduation in Philosophy and Theology at Dharmaram College, Bangalore. He had his post-graduation in Social Work (MSW). Bishop Jose did his Novitiate at Karukutty and made his First Religious Profession on 5th June 1977. He opted for working in Gujarat Mission just after his Philosophical studies and became the member of St. Xavier’s Region, Rajkot. He was ordained a priest on 8th May 1985 by Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI. He started the mission centre at Nanikatechi in Surendranagar Dist., Gujarat and served as administrator of Poornodaya Training Centre, Bhopal and Diocesan Director of Social Work. In 2008 he was elected the Provincial Superior of CMI St. Xavier’s Province, Rajkot. While being the Provincial he was appointed the Bishop of Rajkot on July 16, 2010 and ordained Bishop on September 11, 2010.

BISHOP PAUL MATTEKATT   (Bishop of Diphu)

Bishop Paul Mattekkatt was born on 1st June 1961 at North Thuravoor in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamly. He studied at St. Mary’s School, Thuravoor and Sacred Heart High School, Mookannur. He joined the Diocese of Diphu and had his formation and studies at St. Paul’s Minor Seminary, Shillong, Christ King College, Shillong, St. Anthony’s College, Shillong and JnanaDeepaVidyapeeth, Pune. He was ordained priest on 31st  December 1988. He holds a Licentiate and a specialist Diploma in Canon Law from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome. He served as Asst. Parish Priest at Holy Family Church,Japrajan (1989-1991), Secretary to Bishop and Chancellor (1991-1996), Financial Administrator and Director of Social Works (1999-2005),  Assistant Parish Priest at KristJyoti Parish, Dokmoka(2005 - 2007) and Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish, Japrajan(2008 - 2013). Fr. Paul Mattekatt wasappointed Bishop of Diphu on 26th July 2013. His Episcopal Ordination and Installation were on 6th October 2013.

BISHOP VARGHESE THOTTAMKARA CM  (Bishop of Nekemte)

Mar Varghese Thottamkara was born on 23rd May 1960 at Thottuva, Ernakulam District, to late Souru and Mariam Thottamkara. After finishing the Matriculation studies at G. V. H. School, Koovapady, he joined the minor seminary of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) in Gopalpur in July 1976. He was ordained priest on 6th January 1987 at his home parish, St. Joseph’s Church, Thottuva by Cardinal Antony Padiyara. In 1987 he served as Assistant Pastor at Muniguda and from 1988-1990 as Assistant Pastor and hostel warden at Christnagar (Allada). In 1990 he was sent to Ethiopia to teach in the Minor Seminary of the Vincentians of Ethiopia at Ambo. In 1992 he taught in the Major Seminary at Addis Ababa as a visiting Professor. In 1993 he was transferred to Addis Ababa as the first Rector of St. Paul’s Major Seminary of the Apostolic Vicariate of Nekemte. He also served as the Judicial Vicar of the Vicariates of Southern Ethiopia. He holds a Licentiate in Moral Theology. In 1997 was appointed Rector of the Vincentian Major Seminary at Addis Ababa. In 2003 he was elected Assistant Provincial of the Southern Indian Province and in 2004 he was appointed Rector and Superior of St. Vincent’s Mission House, Alwaye. The Superior General appointed him Procurator General to the Holy See of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) and of the Daughters of Charity cum Archivist at the General Curia in 2005. In 2010 he was elected one of the Assistant Generals of the Congregation of the Mission. He has been given the responsibility of Assistant for the Missions and Delegate to the Provinces and International Missions of Asia Pacific Zone. On 28th of June 2013 Holy Father nominated Fr.Varghese Thottamkara Coadjutor Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Nekemte in Ethiopia (East Africa); he was ordained bishop on 13th August 2013 and succeeded as the Vicar Apostolic on 10th November, 2013.

MAR EPHREM NARICULAM  (Bishop of Chanda)

Mar Ephrem was born on 10th December 1960 at Nayarambalam in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly to late Thomas and late Thresia, Nariculam. Having completed his school education at St. George’s School Vadel and Bhagavathivilasam School, Nayarambalam, Fr. Ephrem joined the Minor Seminary of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. He had his Philosophy Course in Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamallee and Theology in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore. On 27th December 1986 Mar Antony Cardinal Padiyaraordained him priest at St. Joseph’s Church, Sanjopuram, for the Archdiocese of Ernakulam.Fr. Ephrem served the archdiocese as Assistant Vicar at St. Mary’s Forane Church, Kanjoor (1987), St. Mary’s Forane Church, Koratty (1988), St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam (1989) and then as Vicar at St. Joseph’s Church, Madakkal (1990-1992). Later he continued his higher studies at Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi from where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Theology. While Fr. Ephrem was pursuing his higher studies at Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi he served also as Chaplain of Migrant Syro-Malabar Catholics in New Delhi (1992-1995). After the completion of studies at Delhi Fr. Ephrem was appointed Rector of Saint VianneyGurukul, Minor Seminary of the diocese of Chanda (1995-2002) and in that capacity he served the diocese of Chanda for seven years. He obtained a Doctorate in Spiritual Theology from St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosophy, Bangalore (2002-2004). After having returned to the home diocese, he served as Vicar at Holy Family Church, Thabore (2004-2007). Then he served as professor of Systematic Theology and member of Formation Council at St. Augustine’s Faculty of Theology,Toronto, Canada. Pope Francis appointed Fr. Ephrem Nariculam Bishop of Chanda. He was ordained bishop by Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry on 24th October 2014.

Mar SEBASTIAN ADAYANTHRATH  (Bishop of Mandya)

Born on 23 November 1957 of Ouseph Chacko and Thresiamma at Vaikom Fr. Sebastian had his school education at St Joseph’s L.P. School and St. Theresa’s High School, Vaikom from 1963 to 1973. He joined the Sacred Heart Minor Seminary of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly on 1st July 1973. Three years later he was sent to the Papal Seminary, Pune where he did his seminary studies from 1976 to 1983 and was ordained priest on 18th December 1983 by Bishop Sebastian Mankuzhikary at St Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye. After the ordination Fr. Sebastian took a Master’s Degree in Theology from Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune. During his priestly ministry in the archdiocese he served as parish priest and secretary to the late Cardinal Antony Padiyara. His most pioneering assignment was as Executive Director of ‘Save A Family Plan’, in Canada. He has been serving in this capacity for the last thirteen and half years with utmost dedication and sincerity. His appointment as Bishop Auxiliary of Ernakulam-Angamaly and titular bishop of Macriana Maggiore (in ancient Byzantium, Turkey) was announced on 4th February 2002 and was consecrated Bishop on 20 April 2002 by Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam. Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, the syncellus was appointed as the Protosyncellus on 10th September 2012. On 8th September 2019, he was elevated as the Bishop of the Diocese of Mandya.

MAR JOSE PUTHENVEETTIL   (Auxiliary Bishop of Faridabad)

Mar Jose Puthenveettil was born on 4th April 1961 at Edappally in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly as the second of eight children of late Mr.Devassy and Mary, Puthenveettil. After his school education at St. George’s H.S. Edappally, He had his priestly formation for three years (1977-1980) at Sacred Heart Minor Seminary, Thrikkakara and for seven years (1980-1987) in St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Mangalore. On 26th December 1987 Cardinal Antony Padiyara, then Archbishop of Ernakulam, ordained him priest at St. George’s Forane Church, Edappally, for the Archdiocese of Ernakulam.  After the ordination Fr. Jose served the archdiocese as Assistant Vicar at St. Mary’s Forane Church, Kanjoor (1988-1990) and then as Secretary to Mar Antony Cardinal Padiyara (1990-1992). Rev. Fr. Jose had his higher studies at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium and took Doctorate in Theology. After having returned to India he served as Vicar of St. Augustine’s Church, Thuravoor North (1998-1999) and St. Mary’s Church, Mookkannoor (1999). From 1999 to 2000 he served as Assistant Director and Dean of studies of Niveditha, Institute for Religious Formation and Fellowship at Chunangamvely and during the same period he was Assistant at St. Joseph’s Church, Chunangamvely and in that capacity he also took care of St. Pius X Church, Choondy.He had been Professor of Systematic Theology at PaurastyaVidyapitam, Kottayam, for 11 years from 2000 to 2011, of which he served for a term of three years as the Vice-President of the Institute.Since 2011 he has been serving as the Syncellusof the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. On 23rd August 2013, the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, having received prior Papal Assent according to CCEO can. 184, canonically elected Rev. Fr. Jose Puthenveettil to the office of Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. The Holy Father Pope Francis has assigned to the new Auxiliary Bishop the Titular See of Rusubbicari. He was consecrated Bishop on 21st September 2013 by Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam. Mar Jose Puthenveettil was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Faridabad on 10th November 2019.

ARCHBISHOP MAR ANTONY KARIYIL CMI   (Vicar Emeritus of the Major Archbishop for the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly)

Mar Antony Kariyil was born on 26th March 1950 at Chalil in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. Having made his first religious profession in the Congregation of the Mary Immaculate (CMI) on 16th May 1967 and final profession on 16th May 1971, he was ordained priest on 27th December 1977. Mar Kariyil, having a doctorate in Social Sciences, has worked as the Prior General of the CMI Congregation, Provincial Superior of the CMI Sacred Heart Province, Kalamassery and National President of the Conference of the Religious of India. Mar Antony Kariyil was professor and later Principal of Christ College (now Christ University), Bengaluru from 1978 to 1997. He was Principal of Rajgiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery from 1997 to 2002 and from 2011 to 2015 Director of Rajgiri College of Social Sciences, Rajagiri Business School and Rajgiri School of Engineering and Technology, Kochi. Mar Antony Kariyil was the Prior General of the CMI Congregation from 2002 to 2008 after which he served as the Provincial Superior of Sacred Heart Province, Kochi till 2011. Mar Antony Kariyil, who holds Diploma in Kannada (Bengaluru University), Bachelor of Theology (Dharmaram Vidya Kshethram, Bengaluru), Licentiate in Philosophy (Jnana Deepam Vidya Peetam, Pune) and Ph.D in Sociology (Pune University), has several publications to his credit including three books: “Church and Society in Kerala: A Sociological Study”, “ Thiruvayassu” and “Suvarna Chinthakal”. He was ordained Bishop of the Eparchy of Mandya on 18th October 2015. on August 30th 2019 Mar Antony Kariyil was made Archbishop and was appointed as the Vicar of the Major Archbishop for the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. Mar Antony Kariyil retired from his office on 30th July 2022. Therefrom he shifted his residence to CMI Ashram, Pariyaram, Chalakudy.

MOST REV. JOSE CHIRACKAL D.D.  (Auxiliary Bishop of Tura)

Bishop Jose Chirackal was born on July 14, 1960 in Karukutty in Ernakulam District. He was ordained a priest on December 29, 1987. He was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of  Tura on Feburary 24, 2020 and was ordained on July 04, 2020. His motto is “To be all things to all men” (1 Cor 9:22). In 33 years of his priestly life, he has been Assistant Parish Priest, Rector of Minor Seminary, Parish Priest, Rector of Regional Theologate, Judicial Vicar, Chancellor and Procurator of the Diocese.