In a significant religious event for the Catholic community in Kerala, Antony Kattiparambil was formally installed as the 36th bishop of the Cochin Diocese. The solemn episcopal consecration ceremony took place on Sunday afternoon at the historic Santa Cruz Ground in Fort Kochi, drawing church dignitaries and faithful from across the region.
A Ceremony of High Dignitaries and Sacred Ritual
The main celebrant for the pivotal ceremony was Archbishop of Goa and Cardinal, Filipe Neri Ferrão, who led the rites. He was joined by several prominent co-celebrants, including the Metropolitan Archbishop of Verapoly, Joseph Kalathiparambil, and the former Bishop of Kochi, Joseph Kariyil. The ceremony was marked by blessings and addresses from top ecclesiastical leaders of India.
Among those who delivered speeches were the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Mar Raphael Thattil, the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, Mar Andrews Thazhath, and the president of the Kerala Latin Catholic Bishops' Council, Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal. The homily during the mass was delivered by Mar Joseph Pamplany, the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Thalassery and a classmate of the newly appointed bishop.
The Journey of the New Bishop
Bishop Antony Kattiparambil, aged 55, was appointed to this leadership role by Pope Francis on October 25. The position had been vacant since March 2, 2024, following the resignation of his predecessor, Bishop Joseph Kariyil. Prior to his elevation, Kattiparambil served the diocese faithfully as its Judicial Vicar, a key canonical role.
Born on October 14, 1970, in Mundamveli, his roots are deeply embedded in the local community. He belongs to the St Louis Church in Mundamveli. His early education was completed at St Louis School, Mundamveli. For his higher studies, he pursued a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Kerala University and further obtained a Bachelor of Philosophy from St Joseph Pontifical Seminary in Aluva.
His commitment to priesthood was realized when he was ordained a priest on August 15, 1998. Over the decades, his service and theological expertise paved the way for this new responsibility of shepherding the Cochin Diocese.
A New Chapter for the Cochin Diocese
The consecration marks the beginning of a new chapter for the diocese, which has a rich history spanning centuries. The presence of such a wide array of church leaders from different rites underscored the unity and importance of the event within the Indian Catholic framework. Bishop Kattiparambil's extensive experience in canon law and his deep local connections are expected to guide the diocese's pastoral and administrative future. The faithful now look forward to his leadership in continuing the spiritual and social mission of the church in the region.
