April 1^st, 2020

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Lordship, 

We are fast approaching Holy Week. The lockdown has not slowed down our efforts for the spiritual and pastoral welfare of our people. I do hope all of you are well. Please be extremely careful about having minimal contact with outsiders and maintaining social distancing even at home; and do advise others also to do so. This is of critical importance for your safety, for the good of our dioceses/eparchies and for the Church in India. 

This communication is regarding the liturgical services of Holy Week. The Congregations for Divine Cult and for the Oriental Churches have sent directives. Our CCBI President has given us guidelines for the Latin dioceses. To help you, I could share with you what I have directed in the Archdiocese of Bombay regarding the Holy Week Services. You might find it useful for your own diocese/eparchy. Some of us have been live streaming the Eucharist; this is most useful and much appreciated. It is being done all over the world. The Holy See has recommended it, commenting that in this way our people can be spiritually united with us. 

Relief Efforts: I am sure all our dioceses are assisting the distressed in different ways. This is much appreciated. Thank you! This is the moment of need for true Gospel witness. I have written to the Prime Minister assuring the Government of our assistance in tackling this crisis. Two days back the Prime Minister interacted via video link with Caritas India and CHAI and expressed his appreciation of help from the Christian community. 

As the crisis becomes more acute, the Government will need institutional and personnel assistance both for quarantining patients and for medical treatment. Our hospitals are already examining how they can respond to this need. Local authorities might approach you for institutional space. The Government has indicated the present need for more community kitchens. You can see how you could organise this during the lockdown and perhaps even after. Migrant workers are particularly vulnerable and so are daily labourers at construction sites. 

Caritas India is doing its best to organise and coordinate assistance. Bp Sebastian Kallupura and Fr. Paul Moonjely have been in contact with our diocesan Caritas units. It is foreseen that the situation could last much longer than originally thought. After some time we would probably need to appeal for donations. 

In view of the uncertain situation and the need of the Bishops to be in their own dioceses/eparchies and with the people at this critical moment, the CBCI Standing Committee Meeting scheduled for April/May 2020 is postponed. No future date has been fixed. We might be able to combine it with the September Meeting. Just for information: Our FABC Plenary Meeting scheduled for November 2020 is also postponed. 

Wishing you a Spirit-filled Holy Week and united in prayer, I remain 

Yours fraternally in Christ,

Oswald Cardinal Gracias 

Archbishop of Bombay President, 

Catholic Bishops Conference of India 

March 31^st, 2020

My Dear Fathers, 

I am happy to be once again connecting with you. I hope each one of you is well in your parishes. I repeat my affectionate directions to you: Do not move out unless necessary, maintain social distancing even in the parish community. And please wash your hands with soap and water repeatedly. This seems elementary advice - but even the international TV channels are stressing that this is a sure way of controlling the spread. The CNN yesterday even gave a tutorial on how to wash hands during this Coronavirus crisis. 

Dear Fathers, the lockdown is scheduled to end on 14th April Easter Tuesday. But seeing what is happening in other countries, I foresee that the Government might be compelled to extend the lockdown. So do prepare yourselves psychologically for an extended lockdown. Hence please do not schedule any Baptisms, First Communions and Marriages immediately after 14th April. It would not be prudent to do so. 

In Mumbai the Municipal Commissioner has ordered that the bodies of all Coronavirus victims be cremated. Burial is not allowed. Also mourners are to be restricted to five. The police should be informed about the death and cremation. 

On television we have seen the human tragedy of thousands and thousands of migrant workers heading for home on foot in the north of the country. It does not appear to have happened in Mumbai but keep your eyes and ears open for any migrant workers in distress in your parish. I am also concerned about the elderly who maybe alone at home. Could our SCC's ensure that they have sufficient provisions. 

Today I want to share with you some guidelines for our Holy Week Services: 

Palm Sunday: You may celebrate the Eucharist without a Congregation. Rome has indicated that a Parish Church may use the third form given in the Roman Missal. Make sure that you do not contravene the restrictions of Section 144 if you have lectors for the Reading of the Passion. 

Maundy Thursday: The service could be short omitting the washing of the feet. The directives from Rome have given the option of praying the Vespers of the day in place of the Eucharist. But I do encourage all our priests to celebrate Mass as this Feast commemorates the institution of the Eucharist by our Lord. After the Mass you could take the Blessed Sacrament directly to the Tabernacle without any procession. 

Good Friday: The service would be less solemn because there is no congregation. During the Universal Prayer, do include a special Coronavirus prayer in the last section: the prayer for those in tribulation. 

Easter: The Vigil service can be celebrated the previous evening. The service is shorter. The Pascal candle is lit without the blessing of the fire and preparation of the Candle with the grains of incense. Immediately after this the Exsultet is proclaimed. We could have just three readings from the Old Testament; the reading from Exodus is obligatory. For the Baptismal Liturgy we have just the renewal of Baptismal promises (No blessing of water). The Mass follows as usual. On Sunday morning you could celebrate the Easter Mass. 

If your people know at what time you are celebrating the liturgy, they can be spiritually united with you at that hour in their homes. They could profitably read sections of Scripture or pray the Rosary while you are officiating at the Service. 

As these are detailed norms which you have to follow, I am having my office make these guidelines available to you on the Archdiocese of Bombay website and all our Archdiocesan media portals so that you can refer to the text when you are preparing your liturgies. 

Have a spiritually fulfilling week and we continue to pray for each other. I will get back to you soon. 

March 31, 2020 

Oswald Cardinal Gracias 

Archbishop of Bombay 

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-18/2019                                                                            28th June, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Term of Office of Apostolic Administrator sede plena of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabars.

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, yesterday, 27th June, 2019, I wish to inform you that the Holy Father Francis has decided to conclude Apostolic Administration sede plena of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabars, entrusted to H. E. Mons. Jacob Manathodath, Eparchial Bishop of Palghat, while thanking him for the mission accomplished. 

With kind regards, 

                                                                                      Your Sincerely in Our Lord,

                                                                                    Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios

Bishop of Mavelikara & Vice-President-I, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-13/2019                                                                         31st May, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Rev. Fr. Joseph Thykkattil appointed as Bishop of Gwalior.

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed, Rev. Fr. Joseph Thykkattil of the Clergy of Agra, as Bishop of the Diocese of Gwalior.

This provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 31st May, 2019, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Thykkattil was born on 31st May, 1952 at Enamakkal, in Kerala. He joined St. Lawrence Minor Seminary, Agra and then studied at Regional Major Seminary St. Joseph’s, Allahabad. He was ordained Priest on 25th April, 1988. He served the Archdiocese of Agra as Vice-Principal of St. Peter’s College, Agra (1988-1990); as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Agra (1990-1999); as Parish Priest at St. Mary’s in Noida (1999-2002); as Rector of St. Lawrence Minor Seminary, Agra (2002-2009); as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Mathura (2009-2012); as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Agra and as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Agra (2012-2018) and as Parish Priest at St. Peter’s Church, Bharatpur (2018-2019).

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Joseph Thykkattil, welcome him to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the episcopal ministry of the new Bishop.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI- Gen/Cir-12/2019                                                                 17th May, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Rev. Fr. Shyamal Bose appointed as the Coadjutor Bishop of of Baruipur.

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed, Rev. Fr. Shyamal Bose, of the clergy of Baruipur, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Baruipur.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 17th May, 2019, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. Shyamal Bose was born in Gosaba in the Diocese of Baruipur, on 24th March, 1961. He joined St. John Mary Vianney’s Minor Seminary, Barasat and then studied at Regional Major Seminary Morning Star, Kolkata, and at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Baruipur on 5th May, 1991. He obtained a Licentiate in Biblical Theology from St. Peter’s Pontifical College, Bangalore (in 2010). He has served the Diocese in the following ministries: Assistant. Parish Priest, St. Anthony’s Church, Keorapukar (1991-1994); Assistant. Parish Priest, Ascension Church, Khari (1994-1996); Parish Priest, Ascension Church, Khari (1996-1998); Director, Diocesan Social Service Centre Palli Unnayan Samiti (1998-2006); Vicar General and Chancellor of Diocese of Baruipur (2000-2006); Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church at Thakurpukur (2006-2008). From 2008 to 2010, he studied at St. Peter’s Pontifical College in Bangalore. He was appointed Director of the Regional Social Centre, Association of Bengal Collaborators for Development in 2011. He served as Assistant Parish Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kumrokhali (2012-2013); Parish Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kumrokhali (2013-2016). Since 2016 he is the Financial Administrator & Chancellor of the Diocese of Baruipur.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Coadjutor Bishop-elect Shyamal Bose, welcome him to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and assure him of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-11/2019                                                                               1st May, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Most Rev. Derek Fernandes appointed as the new Bishop of Belgaum

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed His Lordship Rt. Rev. Derek Fernandes, until now Bishop of Karwar, as the new Bishop of Belgaum.

This provision was made public in Rome on Wednesday, 1st May, 2019, at noon, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Derek Fernandes, was born on 14th May, 1954, in Sirsi, Karnataka, in the then Diocese of Belgaum. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Belgaum on 5th May, 1979. He has a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Urbaniana University, Rome. He was Assistant Parish Priest and then Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church (1979-1983); Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at Modage (1983-1986); Chancellor and Procurator of the Diocese of Belgaum (1991-2002); Diocesan Administrator of Belgaum (2004-2006). He was elected Bishop of Karwar on 24th February, 2007 and consecrated on 20th April, 2007.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop Derek Fernandes and assure him of our prayers. We entrust his new ministry to the maternal care of our Heavenly Mother.

                                                                                            Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI- Gen/Cir-10/2019                                                                          27th April, 2019

ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

                                                             OBITUARY

BISHOP SIMOM KAIPURAM, CM

Bishop of Balasore

(1954 – 2019)

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

Greetings from the CBCI Secretariat, New Delhi.

On April 22, 2019 Monday morning at 1.45 am our dear Bishop Rt.Rev. Simon Kaipuram,CM passed away for the eternal reward of the Lord. At the demise of Bishop Simon, the Diocese of Balasore has lost a great visionary. He was 65 years old. The sad news was received with disbelief and deep sorrow by the people of all segments throughout India with whom the Bishop associated with love and humility. The absence of Bishop Simon will be dearly missed by people of Odisha especially the Priests, Sisters, Brothers and Lay faithful of Balasore Diocese.

On 21st evening Bishop had the dinner with the community members of Balasore and he was quite pleasant and joyful until the time they said good night for rest. At 12.10 early in the morning, Bishop felt uneasiness and he came down and opened the grill to communicate the same to the Fathers who were in the presbytery. The Fathers rushed him to Jyothi Hospital and the doctors while examining Bishop Simon found out that the causes of his weakness are ‘known case of hyper tension’ and ‘perspiration with chest pain’. ECG reports showed ST elevation and acute MI. So the cardiologist prescribed lifesaving drugs and injection and the same were given instantly to rescue Bishop Simon. However, Bishop did not respond to the medicines. Therefore, Bishop Thomas administered the sacrament of anointing of the sick to him at about 1.40 am.   Although the doctors tried their best, Bishop Simon breathed his last at 1.45 am due to massive heart attack.

Listening to the Divine call to become a Vincentian, he bade adieu to the family members and joined in the Congregation of Mission. So he left home and reached at Bhanjanagar in Odisha for Minor Seminary studies in 1969 with a vision to become a missionary priest. He was ordained priest on 20th December 1980. He was sent to Rome to pursue doctrinal studies on Sacred Scripture in 1984. He was the rector of Acquinas College, Gopalpur when he was appointed Bishop of Balasore by His Holiness Pope Francis on 9th December, 2013. He was consecrated bishop on January 30, 2014. The vaccum created by his sad demise is not to be easily filled in because Bishop Simon was much loved pastor, kind and caring person for the people of Odisha. People were always important for him that he was comfortable in dealing to a poor man on the street as any high officials or rich in the society. Throughout his ministry as a priest and shepherd, Bishop Simon showed a great affinity and pastoral dedication to the Catholic community.

Being a Scripture scholar, he was a visiting professor to many seminaries in India. He was also much sought-after for preaching retreats to religious sisters and priests due to his scripture background, simple life, deep spirituality and acceptability.

The funeral service was held at Cathedral Church, Balasore on 24th April. The Holy Mass was presided over by Most Rev.Archbishop John Barwa, SVD, the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar concelebrated by Most Rev.Mathew Moolakkatt, OSB the Archbishop of Kottayam and Rt. Rev. Thomas Thiruthalil, CM along with the other Bishops of Odisha, Kerala and Jharkhand. A large number of Priests, Sisters, lay Faithful and people from other denominations and communities had gathered for the funeral service. A good number of Provincial Superiors were also present for the function. The family members of Bishop Simon had arrived on the previous day and they were witnessing the programme on the day of funeral. The officials, press-media and a number of political leaders including Sj.Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha also visited the spot to pay homage to Bishop Simon.

The Requiem Mass for Bishop Simon will be celebrated in the cathedral at 11.00 am on Tuesday 30th April.

His mortal remains were laid to rest at the Cathedral Church in Balasore. His death leaves a significant gap in Balasore Diocese. May His Soul Rest in Peace.

The Obituary has been sent from the Diocese of Balasore.

Bishop’s House, Fr.Isaac Puthenangady

Balasore Diocesan Administrator

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-09/2019                                                                             22nd April, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCH

Sub: Sad demise of Most Rev. Simon Kaipuram, Bishop of Balasores.

 Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency, Your Lordship,

It is with deep sadness and sorrow we inform you that we have received the news from Most Rev. John Barwa, SVD, Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar that our beloved Bishop Simon Kaipuram CM, is no more. He had a massive heart attack and was rushed to Jyoti Hospital.  There he had another attack and he breathed his last at 1.45 a.m., today, 22nd April, 2019. The funeral will take place at Balasore Cathedral on Wednesday, 24th April, 2019 at 3.00 p.m.  

Bishop Simon Kaipuram was born on 9th February, 1954, at Thanneermukkom in Kerala and was ordained priest on 20th December, 1980. He was a Member of the Congregation of the Mission, popularly known as Vincentians. He was appointed as Bishop of Balasore by His Holiness Pope Francis on 9th December, 2013 and was Ordained Bishop on 30th January, 2014.

Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord and may the light of your face shine upon him. 

                                                                                                  Yours in Our Risen Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                   Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-08/2019                                                                                        17th April, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Appointment of Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Krishnagar.

       Most Rev. Joseph Suren Gomes, SDB                                  Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Joseph Suren Gomes, S.D.B., from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Krishnagar, according to Canon Law 401 § 1, and has appointed His Grace Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Calcutta, as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Krishnagar.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Wednesday, 17th April, 2019, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the Episcopal Ministry of the Apostolic Administrator.

We thank Bishop Joseph Suren Gomes for his dedicated services to the Church in Krishnagar and the Church in India, and we entrust him to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.

Assuring you of my prayers,

                                                                                                       Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                             Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-05/2019                                                                     Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-05/2019   

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Rev. Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai appointed as the new Bishop of Tuticorin

 Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Yvon Ambroise from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Tuticorin, according to canon 401§ 1 on reaching age limit, and has appointed Rev. Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai, of the clergy of Vellore, until now Director of the Diocesan Retreat Centre and Professor at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli, as the new Bishop of Tuticorin.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Thursday, 17th January, 2019, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Yvon Ambroise will be the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Tuticorin until the day of the canonical taking possession of the new Bishop.

Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai was born in Keezha Manakudy, Diocese of Kottar, on 22nd June, 1952 and was ordained priest on 07th May, 1979 for the Diocese of Vellore. He entered  Santhome Minor Seminary, Chennai, in 1969. He did his Philosophy at Arul Anandar College, Madurai and Theology at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli. He obtained a Master Degree in Theology from St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore, and later a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from Urbanian University, Rome in 1989. He knows Tamil, Malayalam, English, Italian, German and French.  

He served the Diocese in the following ministries: Asst. Parish Priest in Chetpet (1979-1980); Asst. Parish Priest in Polur (1980-1981); Parish Priest in Thachanbali (1983-1986). From 1986-1989 he did his studies in Rome and later served as missionary at Guadeloupe, France (1990-1996). On his return, he was Director of Pastoral Centre, Vellore (1996-1999), Professor at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli (1999-2001), Parish Priest of the Cathedral, Vellore (2001-2002), Vicar General and Parish Priest of the Cathedral (2002-2005), Vice Rector and Professor, St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli (2006-2010), Parish Priest and Vicar Forane, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Chetpet, and member of the Bishop’s Council, Vellore (2010-2016). He was visiting professor at Don Bosco Major Seminary, Chennai, and Pallottine Major Seminary, Mysore (2016-2017). Since 2017, he is the Director of the Diocesan Retreat Centre, and visiting professor at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli.

While thanking the Lord, for the dedicated services which Bishop Yvon Ambroise has rendered to the Church in Tuticorin and in India, let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the episcopal ministry of the new Bishop.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Rev. Fr. Stephen Antony Pillai and assure him of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Ref:CBCI-Gen/Cir-03/2019                                                     11th January, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: New Diocesan Administrator for Diocese of Port Blair.

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship

Greetings from the CBCI Secreteriat

The Diocese of Port Blair became vacant at the publication of the acceptance of the resignation of Bishop,Most Rev. Alex Dias, SFX by  His Holiness Pope Francis, on 6th January, 2019, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, at 12.00 hours in Rome (in India at 16.30 hours).

The College of Consultors in their meeting, held on 9th January, 2019, elected Fr.  Visuvasam Selvaraj as the Diocesan Administrator, of the Diocese of Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

His contact details are:

Mobile: +91 9476046491/ +91 9679527959

Email: Personal: vishuvasam2020@gmail.com

Diocesan Email: portblaircathdiocese@gmail.com

We pray to Our Lord to bestow on Fr. Selvaraj His grace and strength to shoulder ably the new responsibilities. We entrust him to the protective care of Our Lady, Star of Evangelization.

                                                                                                 Yours sincerely in Our Lord

                                                                                               Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

                                                               Secretary General Catholic Bishops Conference of India

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir- 03/ 2019                                                   6th January 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Resignation of Most Rev. Aleixo Das Neves Dias, SFX as Bishop of Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Aleixo Das Neves Dias, SFX as Bishop of Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).

The announcement took place in Rome on Sunday, 6th January 2019, at noon, corresponding to 4:30 p.m. Indian time.

We thank Bishop Aleixo Das Neves Dias, SFX for his dedicated services to the Church in Port Blair and the Church in India, and we entrust him to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.

Assuring you of my prayers.

                                                                                                       Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

                                                                                               Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                            Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-01/2019                                                                   2^nd January 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

      Sub: Appointment of Apostolic Administrator Sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Srikakulam.

                               Most Rev. Prakash Mallavarapu

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed His Grace Most Rev. Prakash Mallavarapu, Metropolitan Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, as Apostolic Administrator Sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Srikakulam.

The announcement took place in Rome on Wednesday, 2^nd January, 2019.

Let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the Episcopal ministry of the Apostolic Administrator.

Assuring you of my prayers,

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-29/2018                                                                                                                                                                                              12^th December 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Resignation of Most Rev. Addagatla Innayya Chinna as Bishop of Srikakulam.

   Most Rev. Addagatla I. Chinna

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Addagatla Innayya Chinna as Bishop of Srikakulam.

The announcement took place in Rome on Wednesday, 12^th December, 2018, at noon, corresponding to 4:30 p.m. Indian time.

We thank Bishop Addagathla Innayya Chinna for his dedicated services to the Church in Srikakulam and the Church in India, and we entrust him to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.

Assuring you of my prayers.

                                                                                        Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

                                                                                      Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                        Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-28/2018                                                         10^th December, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub:   Appointment of Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Cuddapah.

   Most Rev. Prasad Gallela                                           Most Rev. Gali Bali

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

            In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Prasad Gallela as Bishop of Cuddapah, and has appointed His Lordship Rt. Rev. Gali Bali, Bishop Emeritus of Guntur, as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Cuddapah.

            The announcement took place in Rome on Monday, 10^th December, 2018, at noon, corresponding to 4:30 p.m. Indian time.

            Let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the Episcopal ministry of the Apostolic Administrator.

We thank Bishop Prasad Gallela for his dedicated services to the Church in Cuddapah and the Church in India, and we entrust him to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.

            Assuring you of my prayers,

                                                                                                        Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                              Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-27/2018                                                                                                                             3^rd December, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Most Rev. Elias Gonsalves appointed as the new Archbishop of Nagpur

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-26/2018                                                                                  2nd December, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Rev. Fr. Albert Hemrom appointed as the Coadjutor Bishop of Dibrugarh

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Excellency, Your Grace, Your Lordship,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed, Rev. Fr. Albert Hemrom, of the Clergy of Dibrugarh, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Dibrugarh.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Sunday, 2nd December, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. Albert Hemrom was born in Konapathar, Diocese of Dibrugarh, on 27th February, 1969. He joined St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Dibrugarh, and then studied at Christ the King College, Shillong, and at Oriens Theological College, Shillong. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Dibrugarh on 25th April, 1999. He obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law from St. Peter’s Pontifical College, Bangalore (in 2003) and a Doctorate from the Pontifical Lateran University (2014). He served the Diocese in the following ministries: Astt. Parish Priest, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Rajabari (1999-2001); Prefect of Studies at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Dibrugarh (2003-2006); Parish Priest, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Rajabari, and Visiting Professor at Oriens Theological College, Shillong (2006-2011). From 2011 to 2013, he studied at the Lateran University in Rome. Since 2014 he is Judicial Vicar of the Diocesan Tribunal and Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Dibrugarh. He is Member of the College of Consultors and of the Priests Council, as well as Secretary of Laity and Family Commission, Vocation Promoter and Visiting Professor of Canon Law at Oriens Theological College, Shillong.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Albert Hemrom, welcome him to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and assure him of our prayers.

                                                                                                        Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                              Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-23/2018                                                                    19th July, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that the Holy Father Pope Francis has transferred the Right Reverend Monsignor Henryk Jagodzinski, Counsellor of Nunciature, to the Apostolic Nunciature in Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Msgr. Jagodzinski has been requested to prepare a new permanent Pontifical Representation in Podgoriza, Montenegro.

With this special and delicate commitment, Msgr. Jagodzinski will leave New Delhi on Wednesday, 25th July, 2018, after having offered a generous, dedicated and very competent service to the Apostolic Nunciature, in favour of the Church in India.

To cooperate with the activities of the Apostolic Nunciature in India, the Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed the Right Reverend Monsignor Mitja Leskovar, who from the Apostolic Nunciature in Germany, will reach Delhi after the first week of September. Mons. Leskovar, at the beginning of his service, had offered his Ministry in the Apostolic Nunciature in Bangladesh.

The Apostolic Nuncio requests all the Archbishops and Bishops to pray Our Lord Jesus Christ for Msgr. Jagodzinski and Msgr. Leskovar, both called to serve better the Vineyard of the Lord in holiness of life.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India is grateful to Msgr. Jagodzinski for all the services he has rendered to the Church in India and especially for all of us, whenever we sought any assistance and guidance from him. While thanking Msgr. Jagodzinski for his love and concern for our beloved Country, India, we wish him all the best for his new assignment in Montenegro. At the same time, we accord a hearty welcome to Msgr. Leskovar to the Church in India and we wish him all success for his services at the Apostolic Nunciature in India.

Assuring you of my prayers,

                                                                                       Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                         Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-22/2018                                                                  14th July, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Holy Father Francis accepts resignation of Rt. Rev. Antony Devotta and appoints Rt. Rev. Devdass Ambrose Mariadoss, Bishop of Thanjavur as Apostolic Administrator Sede Vacante of Tiruchirapalli.

               Most Rev. Antony Devotta       Most Rev. Devdass Ambrose Mariadoss

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Congregation for the Evangelization of people has communicated to Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation from the Pastoral Ministry of the Bishop of Tiruchirapallli, Rt. Rev. Antony Devotta, presented to the Holy Father Francis.

To provide for the pastoral care of the Diocese of Tiruchirapalli, until the appointment and installation of his Successor, the Holy Father Francis has appointed His Lordship Rt. Rev. Devdass Ambrose Mariadoss, Bishop of Thanjavur as Apostolic Administrator Sede Vacante of Tiruchirapalli.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Saturday, 14th July, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop Devdass Ambrose Mariadoss, assure him of our prayers and we entrust him to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.

Assuring you of my prayers,

                                                                                          Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

                                                                                Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                               Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-21/2018                                                                                                                           3rd July, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Rev. Fr. Peter Paul Saldanha appointed as the new Bishop of Mangalore

    Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza                       Rev. Fr. Peter Paul Saldanha

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Mangalore, according to Canon Law 401 § 1, and has appointed Rev. Fr. Peter Paul Saldanha, of the clergy of Mangalore, until now Professor at the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome, as the new Bishop of Mangalore.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Tuesday, 3rd July, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. Peter Paul Saldanha was born in Kinnigoli, Diocese of Mangalore, on 27th April, 1964. After his primary and secondary education in his village, he did his philosophy and theology at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore, and obtained a diploma in Depth Psychology and Formation, from the Institute for Formators, Bangalore, in 1994. He was ordained Priest on 6th May, 1991, for the Diocese of Mangalore. He also obtained a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, in 2005.

He served the Diocese in the following ministries: Assistant Parish Priest at St. Lawrence’s Church, Moodubelle (1991-1992); Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres (1992-1994); Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Vittal (1994-1996); Teacher and Formator at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu (1996-1999) and at the same time, Vice Rector of the same Seminary (1997-1999). From 1999 to 2005 he did his studies in Rome, and on his return he was appointed Professor at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu (2005-2010), and from 2008-2010 also Vice Rector of the same Seminary. Since 2010 he is Professor of Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome. From 2011-2015, he was Spiritual Father at the Pontificio Collegio Urbano De Propaganda Fide, Rome. On 14.03.2015 the Holy Father appointed him as Consultor of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, and in July 2015 he was appointed as Adiutor Secretarii Specialis of the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

While thanking the Lord, for the dedicated services which Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza has rendered to the Church in Mangalore and in India, let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the episcopal ministry of the new Bishop.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Peter Paul Saldanha and assure him of our prayers.

                                                                                                                                   Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                                                         Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-20/2018                                                                            29th June, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupura appointed as the Coadjutor Bishop of Patna

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed His Lordship Rt. Rev. Sebastian Kallupura, until now Bishop of Buxar, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Archdiocese of Patna.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 29th June, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Sebastian Kallupura, was born on 14th July, 1952 at Teekoy, in the Diocese of Palai, Kerala. In 1971 he joined the Minor Seminary in Palai for Patna Diocese, and was ordained Priest on 14th May, 1984. He holds a Bachelor of Education from Bombay University. He served the Archdiocese of Patna as Parish Priest in various parishes, as Assistant Treasurer, Director of the Archdiocesan Social Apostolate and Director of the Bihar Social Forum. He was elected Bishop of Buxar on 7th April, 2009 and consecrated on 21st June, 2009.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop Sebastian Kallupura, assure him of our prayers and we entrust him to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.

Assuring you of my prayers,

                                                                                            Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                               Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-19/2018                                                                            29th June, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Appointment of Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Palayamkottai.

Most Rev. Jude Gerald Paulraj A.                               Most Rev. Antony Pappusamy

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Jude Gerald Paulraj A. as Bishop of Palayamkottai and has appointed His Grace Most Rev. Antony Pappusamy as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Palayamkottai.

Let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the Episcopal ministry of the Apostolic Administrator.

We thank Bishop Jude Gerald Paulraj for his dedicated services to the Church in Palayamkottai and the Church in India, and we entrust him to the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.

Assuring you of my prayers,

                                                                                            Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                               Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-17/2018                                                                                                           24th June, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, Bishop of Jamshedpur, appointed as the new Archbishop of Ranchi.

         Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo                           Archbishop-Elect Felix Toppo

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Eminence Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Ranchi, according to Canon Law 401 § 1, and has appointed His Lordship Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, until now Bishop of Jamshedpur, as the new Archbishop of Ranchi.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Sunday, 24th June, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ, was born on 21st November, 1947, in Tongo, Diocese of Gumla. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1968 and was ordained Priest on 14th April, 1982. He obtained a Masters in Psychology from the Gregorian University, Rome, in 1990. After serving the Jesuit Congregation in various capacities, as Director of Pre-Novices, Novice Master and Superior, he was elected Bishop of Jamshedpur on 14th June, 1997 and was consecrated on 27th September, 1997.

As Bishop, he was the Chairman of the CBCI Office for Clergy and Religious for four years, and of the National Vocation Service Centre, Pune, for four years. At present he is the Governing Body Chairman of the CBCI Society for Medical Education, North India; Chairman of the JHAAN Regional Bishops’ Council and of two Regional Commissions; Vice-Chancellor of St. Albert’s College, Ranchi.

While thanking the Lord, for the dedicated services which Cardinal Telesphore Toppo has rendered to the Church in Ranchi and in India, let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the episcopal ministry of the new Archbishop.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Archbishop-elect Felix Toppo and assure him of our prayers.

                                                                                                                         Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                                             Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-16/2018                                                                            22nd June, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Appointment of Apostolic Administrator sede plena of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that the Congregation for the Oriental Churches communicates that the Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed His Lordship Rt. Rev. Jacob Manathodath, Bishop of Palghat, as Apostolic Administrator sede plena of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 22nd June, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Assuring you of my prayers,

                                                                                             Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-13/2018                                                                                8th June, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Rev. Fr. Fulgence Aloysius Tigga appointed as new Bishop of Raiganj

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Fulgence Aloysius Tigga, as new Bishop of Raiganj.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 8th June, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. Fulgence Aloysius Tigga was born on 3rd March, 1965 at Katkathi village in the Diocese of Gumla. He attended the Minor Seminary at Muzaffarpur, the Philosophy at Vishwa Jyoti Gurukul, Varanasi, and Theology at Bhopal Regional Seminary. He was ordained Priest on 3rd May, 1997 for the Diocese of Muzaffarpur. At the bifurcation of the Diocese in 1998, he opted for the Diocese of Bettiah.

Fr. Fulgence Aloysius Tigga held the following Ministries and Offices: 1997-2000: Assistant Priest at Chuhari, 2000-2004: Parish Priest at Chanpatia, 2004-2009: Parish Priest at Dussaiya and Rector of St. Peter’s Minor Seminary, 2009-2015: Parish Priest at Chakhni, since 2015, Parish Priest at Ramnagar, since 2017, Vicar General of Bettiah. He is also Dean of West Champaran, Member of the Priests Council, Diocesan Consultor, In-charge of Liturgy and Vocation Commission and Vocation promoter.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Fulgence Aloysius Tigga, welcome him to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and assure him of our prayers.

                                                                                             Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                               Secretary General, CBCI

Prot. 386/GenSec2018(3-b-10/CBCI-GC)                                                             19th April, 2018

Your Eminence, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

I am hereby communicating the sad news of the death of Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara, Archbishop of Nagpur. He passed away in the very early hours of the morning at the CBCI Centre New Delhi. The funeral details will be communicated later on by the Archdiocese.

Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara was born on June 5, 1943 in Kerala. He was ordained a priest October 28, 1969 and began serving as parish Priest and District Superior of Sendhwa Parish of Khargon, Madhya Pradesh. At the very early age of 34 he was consecrated as Bishop on 13 July 1977 and was given the charge of the then newly created diocese of Khandwa.

After two decades on 22nd April, 1998 he took charge as Metropolitan Archbishop of Nagpur. He was serving Archbishop of Nagpur when he passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning. Let us pray his soul may rest in peace.

The funeral will take place on Monday, 23rd April, 2018, at 3.30 p.m., at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, Mohan Nagar, Nagpur.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord Jesus Christ

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General,

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-10/2018                                                                              18th April, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Msgr. Paul Antony Mullassery appointed as the new Bishop of Quilon.

     Bishop Stanley Roman                                                   Msgr. Paul Antony Mullassery

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Msgr. Paul Antony Mullassery, until now Vicar General of Quilon, as the new Bishop of Quilon.

This provision was made public in Rome on Wednesday, 18th April, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Msgr. Paul Antony Mullassery was born on 15th January, 1960, at Kaithakody, Diocese of Quilon. He did his studies at St. Raphael’s Minor Seminary, Quilon, at the Trinity Lyceum and at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. He was ordained Priest on 22nd December, 1984, for the Diocese of Quilon. He obtained a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome. He served the Diocese in the following ministries: Asst. Parish Priest, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Punalur (1985-1986); Asst. Parish Priest, St. Michael’s Church, Kumbalam (1985-1986); Parish Priest, Thee King’s Church, Vadakkumthala (1986-1987); Parish Priest, St. Joseph’s Church, Padappakara (1987-1988); Joint Director, Catechesis and Bible Apostolate and Prefect at St. Raphael’s Minor Seminary, Quilon (1988-1990); Parish Priest, Infant Jesus Cathedral, Quilon (1995-2002); Chancellor of the Diocesan Curia (1997-2006); Parish Priest, Holy Cross Church, Tangasseri (2002-2004); Rector, St. Raphael’s Seminary, Quilon (2004-2006); Episcopal Vicar and Pro-Vicar General, in Quilon (2006-2010); Episcopal Vicar for pastoral ministries (2006-2011); Spiritual Director, St. Raphael’s Seminary, Quilon (2014-2017). Since 1995, he is Judge of the Diocesan Tribunal; since 1997, he is professor of Canon Law at Bhodhi Institute of Theology, Tillery, Kollam (the Capuchin Theology Seminary); since 2013 Judicial Vicar, and since 2017 he is the Vicar General of the Diocese of Quilon. In 2006 he was granted the title of Chaplain of His Holiness.

We thank Bishop Stanley Roman for his dedicated services to the Church in Quilon and the Church in India and we send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Paul Antony Mullassery and assure him of our prayers.

                                                                                     Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                      Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-09/2018                                                                                           10th April, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: 1. Right Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta.

           2. Right Rev. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha.

Right Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios                                                       Right Rev. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

We have received a Communication from the Apostolic Nunciature, that as directed by the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, the following provisions for the Syro-Malankara Church have been made:

The appointment of the Right Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios, at present Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta.

The appointment of the Right Rev. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, the present Curia Bishop and Apostolic Visitator to Europe and Oceania, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Tuesday, 10th April, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 3.30 p.m., Indian Standard Time.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Right Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios and Right Rev. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius and assure them of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

                                                                                Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                                           Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-07/2018                                                                              19th March, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Most Rev. Peter Machado, Bishop of Belgaum, appointed as the new Archbishop of Bangalore.

Your Eminence, Your Beatitude, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Grace Most Rev. Bernard Blasius Moras from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, according to Canon Law 401 § 1, and has appointed H. E. Msgr. Peter Machado, until now Bishop of Belgaum, as the new Archbishop of Bangalore.

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

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

While thanking the Lord, for the dedicated services Archbishop Bernard Moras has rendered to the Church in Bangalore, let us entrust to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the Episcopal ministry of the new Archbishop.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Archbishop-elect Peter Machado and assure him of our prayers.

                                                                                               Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                    Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-06/2018                                                                                        9th March, 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Your Eminences, Your Beatitudes, Your Graces, Your Excellencies,

Greetings from the CBCI Secretariat, New Delhi.

Following is the complete list of the CBCI Office-Bearers; Chairmen, Members and Secretaries of the CBCI Offices and Councils and of the Members of the CBCI Standing Committee.  We are also giving you a list of various appointments made during the CBCI Standing Committee Meeting held in February 2018.

1. OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE CBCI:

President: Cardinal Oswald Gracias

Vice-President I: Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios

Vice-President II: Archbishop George Njaralakatt

Secretary General (Residential): Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

2. CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF THE CBCI OFFICES:

Office for Doctrine

Chairman : Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos

Members : Most Rev. Albert D’Souza

Most Rev. Mar Joseph Pamplany

Secretary : Fr. Thomas Vadakkel

Office for Clergy and Religious

Chairman : Most Rev. Anil J. T. Couto

Members : Most Rev. Francis Serrao

Most Rev. Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath

Secretary : Fr. Gratian Carlo, SJ

Office for Dialogue and Ecumenism

Chairman : Most Rev. Mar Joseph Perumthottam

Members :   Most Rev. Raphy Manjaly

Most Rev. Thomas Dabre

Secretary : Sr. Teresa Joseph, FMA

Office for Education and Culture

Chairman : Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza

Members : Most Rev. Mar Andrews Thazhath

Most Rev. John Moolachira

Secretary : Fr. Joseph Manipadam, SDB

Office for Health Care

Chairman : Most Rev. Prakash Mallavarapu

Members : Most Rev. Mar Jacob Manathodath

Most Rev. Felix Toppo

Secretary : Fr. Mathew Perumpil, MI

Office for Labour

Chairman : Most Rev. Alex Vadakumthala

Members : Most Rev. Mar Jose Chittooparambil

Most Rev. Nazarene Soosai

Secretary : Fr. Jaison Vadassery

Office for Justice, Peace and Development

Chairman : Most Rev. Gerald Almeida

Members : Most Rev. Allwyn D’Silva

Most Rev. Gerald Isaac Lobo

Secretary : Fr. Stephen Fernandes

Office for Scheduled Castes/Backward Classes

Chairman : Most Rev. Sarat Chandra Nayak

Members : Most Rev. P. Soundararaju SDB

Most Rev. Moses D. Prakasam

Secretary : Fr. Z. Devasagayaraj

Office for Tribal Affairs

Chairman : Most Rev. Vincent Barwa

Members : Most Rev. Michael Akasius Toppo

Most Rev. Paul Toppo

Secretary : Fr. Nicholas Barla, SVD

Office for Social Communications

Chairman : Most Rev. Salvadore Lobo

Members : Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupura

Most Rev. Anthony Poola

Secretary : Fr. Varaprasad Marneni

3. CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF THE CBCI COUNCILS:

Council for Laity

Chairman : Most Rev. Mar Mathew Arackal

Members : Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios

Most Rev. Gerald John Mathias

Secretary : Fr. Vincent Chinnadurai

Council for Women

Chairman : Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas, OIC

Members : Most Rev. Mar Mathew Arackal

Most Rev. Francis Kalist

Secretary : Sr. Talisha Nadukudiyil SD

Council for Youth

Chairman : Most Rev. Franco Mulakkal

Members : Most Rev. Vincent Mar Paulos

Most Rev. Mar Joseph Pandarasseril

Secretary : Fr. Deepak K. J. Thomas, OC

4. COMPLETE LIST OF THE CBCI STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

1. His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, President

2. Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Vice-President I

3. Most Rev. Mar George Njaralakatt, Vice-President II

4. Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General (Residential)

5. His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry

6. His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis

7. His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo

8. Most Rev. Albert D’Souza

9. Most Rev. Bernard Moras

10. Most Rev. Leo Cornelio

11. Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza

12. Most Rev. Mar Joseph Perumthottam

13. Most Rev. John Barwa

14. Most Rev. Anil Joseph Thomas Couto

15. Most Rev. Thomas Ignatius Macwan

16. Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrão

17. Most Rev. John Moolachira

18. Most Rev. Thumma Bala

19. Most Rev. Dominic Lumon

20. Most Rev. Mathew Moolakkatt

21. Most Rev. George Antonysamy       

22. Most Rev. Antony Pappusamy

23. Most Rev. Abraham Viruthakulangara

24. Most Rev. William D’Souza

25. Most Rev. Antony Anandarayar

26. Most Rev. Victor Henry Thakur

27. Most Rev. Dominic Jala

28. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos

29. Most Rev. Maria Calist Soosa Pakiam

30. Most Rev. Andrews Thazhath

31. Most Rev. Joseph (Joy) Kalathiparambil

32. Most Rev. Prakash Mallavarapu

33. Most Rev. Gerald Almeida

34. Most Rev. Alex Vadakumthala

35. Most Rev. Sarat Chandra Nayak

36. Most Rev. Vincent Barwa

37. Most Rev. Salvadore Lobo

38. Most Rev. Mar Mathew Arackal

39. Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas, OIC

40. Most Rev. Franco Mulakkal

41. Most Rev. Thomas Dabre

42. Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro

43. Most Rev. Felix Toppo, SJ

5. NEW APPOINTMENTS:

The following appointments were made by the Standing Committee of the CBCI during the meeting held at St. John’s, Bengaluru, on 1st and 5th February, 2018.

Fr. Thomas Vadakkel from the Diocese of Palai has been appointed the Secretary of CBCI Office for Doctrine.

Fr. Paul Varghese Moonjely, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, has been appointed the Executive Director of Caritas India.

Fr. Jolly Puthenpura, Administrator of Caritas India, has been appointed the Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India.

Fr. Jervis D’Souza from the Archdiocese of Bombay has been appointed the Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI.

I would be grateful if you could acknowledge the receipt of this Circular.

Assuring you of my prayers,

                                                                                                         Your Sincerely in Our Lord,

                                                                                                     Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

                                                                                                            Secretary General, CBCI