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

Greetings to you from the CBCI Secretariat.

With immense sorrow we communicate to you the sudden passing of Most Rev. Dr. Soundaraj Periyanayagam SDB.,D.D.

Bishop P. Soundararaju had a massive cardiac arrest at 11.30 pm on 20.3.2020 at German Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai. His mortal remains were taken to his home village and then to Cathedral of Vellore at 3.30 am. The Eucharist was celebrated for the repose of his soul. His body was taken to CMC hospital, Vellore. It will be kept there till his burial. No one is allowed to see his body. The funeral details will be communicated soon.

Bishop P Soundararaju was born on 6^th June 1949, he was ordained to the Priesthood on 25^th June 1983 and received his Episcopal Consecration on 24^th August 2006. He was a Salesian and this June 2020 he would have been 71 years old.

We thank the Salesian Congregation for the gift of Bishop P Soundararaju to the Church at large and particularly to the Diocese of Vellore. We join the clergy, religious, faithful of Vellore Docese and his family members in their moment of sadness, grief and sorrow.

We pray that God may grant his soul eternal.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely 

Fr Jervis Dsouza 

Deputy Secretary General, CBCI

21^st March 2020

TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE HEIRARCHY

Obituary

Most Rev. Antony Devotta

Bishop Emeritus of Tiruchirappalli

(30^th June, 1943 - 15^th October 2019)

Dear Father, Sister, Sir,

It is with deep sadness and sorrow we inform you of the passing away of our beloved Bishop Antony Devotta, Bishop Emeritus of Tiruchirappalli, today, 15^th October, 2019.

The funeral mass will be at 10.00 a.m. tomorrow, 16^th October, 2019, at the Cathedral of Trichy.

Bishop Antony Devotta was born on 30^th June, 1943 and was ordained Priest on 27^th August, 1971. He was appointed Bishop of Tiruchirappalli on 16^th November, 2000 and was ordained Bishop on 28^th January, 2001. He retired from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Tiruchirappalli on 14^th July, 2018. He was a Priest for 48 years and a Bishop for 18 years.

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

Obituary by 

Fr. Jervis D’Souza,

Deputy Secretary General, CBCI

Ref: CBCI- Gen/ Cir - 25/ 2019                                                12th October 2019 

TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE HEIRARCHY

Obituary

Archbishop Dominic Jala

SDB, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong, Meghalaya

(12^th July 1951 - 10^th October 2019)

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

SUBJECT: Sad demise of Most Rev. Dominic Jala, SDB, Archbishop of Shillong

In the light of the Communication received from the Office of the Vicar General, Diocese of Oakland, California, USA and with a deep sense of shock, sadness and immense grief, I inform you of the passing away of Archbishop Dominic Jala, SDB, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong, Meghalaya on 10^th October 2019.

Archbishop Dominic Jala died in a fatal car crash with a semi-truck in Colusa County. Along with him were two priests. Fr Matthew Vellankal, Pastor of St Bonaventure Church also passed away in the accident while Fr Joseph Parekkatt who was injured but is now in a stable condition in the hospital.  

Archbishop Dominic Jala, SDB was born in Mawlai, Meghalaya on 12^th July 1951 and was ordained a priest on 19^th November 1977. He was the provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Guwahati province before he was appointed the archbishop of Shillong. He was appointed   Archbishop on 22^nd December 1999 and consecrated Archbishop on 2^nd April 2000. From 15^th October 2016 he was appointed as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Nongstoin. He was also the Chairman of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council. He was a priest for 42 years and a Bishop for 19 years.  

The funeral details are awaited. We pray that God may grant their souls eternal rest. We also pray for the priests, religious (specially the Salesian Community) and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Shillong that God may grant them strength, solace and comfort in their time of pain, suffering and mourning.  

Obituary by 

Fr. Jervis D’Souza,

Deputy Secretary General, CBCI

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

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

OBITUARY

BISHOP SIMOM KAIPURAM, CM

( 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 21^st 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 20^th 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 9^th 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 24^th 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 30^th 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.

Obituary sent from the Diocese of  Balasore.

Bishop’s House,                                                                               Fr.Isaac Puthenangady

Balasore                                                                                            Diocesan Administrator

Ref. CBCI-Gen/Cir-04/2019                                                                         15th January, 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

OBITUARY

Most Rev. Charles Soreng, SJ, Bishop of Hazaribag and Daltonganj Dioceses.

(18.08.1934-11.01.2019)

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

Bishop Charles Soreng, S.J. was born on 18.08.1934 in the village called Chidratoli, Rengarih Parish in Simdega District of Simdega Diocese. His parents were Mr. Thomas Soreng and Mrs Mariam Soreng. They were very devout and righteous Christian parents, therefore God blessed them with six children: three boys and three girls, among whom Charles Soreng was the eldest son in the family. Two brothers and one sister were called to heaven before Bp. Charles. Two of his sisters; second sister Mrs. Agnes and her children and youngest sister and brother in law and their children are with us to pay last tribute to their eldest brother and beloved Uncle Bp. Charles.

Bishop Charles completed his primary and middle school from Rengarih school. During his studies he heard the call from the Lord to become a priest like Samuel in the Old Testament. To strengthen this call and to follow the Lord in his footsteps, he came to Ranchi and joined the Apostolic School at St. John’s school Ranchi and completed his high school studies. He joined St. Xavier’s College Ranchi and finished his intermediate studies in 1957. After his intermediate, he joined St. Stanislas College, Hazariabg and entered the Novitiate to become a Jesuit Priest. He received his first vows on 30th July, 1957.

He completed his B.A. from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi in 1962.  For his Philosophy studies, he was sent to Gyana Deep Vidyapeeth and staying at De Nobili College Pune, completed his philosophy in 1965. He did his Regency in St. Xavier’s school Doranda, for one year and went back to Pune for his Theological studies in 1966 and was ordained Priest on 24th March 1969 for Ranchi Province. As a new priest, he rendered his services in St. Xavier’s College Ranchi and Loyola school Kunkuri, Jashpur.  He did his M.A. in English from Sholapur University in 1974 and completed his B.Ed. from Jabalpur. After his B.Ed., he became the Principal of St. John’s High school, Ranchi and rendered his services there from 1974 to 1977 as a Principal. He completed his M.A. in Education in 1977 from Boston University U.S.A. After that he was appointed as a Lecturer and Rector of   St. Xavier’s College Ranchi, and remained in the post from 1979 to 1985. From 1985 to 1990 he served as a Rector and Professor at St. Albert’s College, the major seminary of BIJHAAN Region. In the year 1990 he was elected as the Bishop of Daltonganj Diocese and was consecrated as Bishop of Daltonganj on 9th February 1990 at Mahuadanr Palamau District. He replaced Bp. George Saupin, S.J. who was transferred to Bhagalpur Diocese. Daltonganj diocese was spread from Palamau, Garhwa, Latehar to Bakoro District of Jharkhand. It was very difficult to reach the distant places and cater to the needs of the faithful and Shepherd them. For the good shepherding of the people and remain united with one and all, he requested from Propaganda Fide, Rome to divide Daltonganj Diocese. This petition was soon granted and new Diocese in the name of Hazaribag Catholic Diocese was created in 1995.  He was appointed to be the first Bishop of Hazaribag Catholic Diocese which comprises of Chatra, Ramgarh, Hazaribag, Bokaro and Koderma civil districts of Jharkhand State. He was solemnly installed as the first Bishop of Hazaribag Catholic Diocese in 1995, Since then he served the diocese till he retired on 8th September 2012.

His Services at the Local and National Level:-

1992- 1994 Chair Person CBCI Commission for Proclamation of the Word of God

1994-1998 Secretary General to the CBCI Office, New Delhi.

1998- 2006 Chair Person of CBCI Commission for Education.

Member of the Governing body of St. John’s Medical College Bangaluru.

Chairman of CBCI Office for Tribal welfare.

1997- Chair Person of BIJHAAN Bishop’s Council

He also rendered his services as the Chancellor of St. Albert’s College, Ranchi in the Department of Theology.

On 24th December 2018 at about 11.00 a.m. he had a heart attack and he was immediately rushed to the nearby Arogyam Hospital, Hazaribag. On the following day, as his health improved, he was taken to Medanta Hospital Irba, Ranchi for the better treatment. His health continued to show signs of improvement and by 31st December 2018, he could talk and walk. So, he was discharged from Medanta hospital and was kept in Manresa house Ranchi. On 7th January 2019, he was shifted to  Seva Nilaya Health Centre Aragate, Ranchi. On 11th January 2019 Bishop Charles got up as usual, got himself ready and had his breakfast. Then, he complained of some weakness. The attendant Brother Prabal Khakha called the Sisters and Doctor immediately. Though they reached soon to attend him, but he had already breathed his last at 8.40 a.m.  

Bishop Charles was a people oriented person. He could mingle with all sorts of people. He gave special attention to the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden, specially the Tribals. He believed that it was only through proper education that their condition could be changed. He was a man of God. He show everyone as a child of God and believed in Universal brotherhood. As Bishop in Daltonganj and later in Hazaribag, he established “Serv Dharm Sambhav Samanway Samiti”. He worked tirelessly for bringing peace, among all sections of the people of the Society. The civil society Daltonganj as well as in Hazaribag will remember him fondly for all his efforts in this field.

May the good Lord, reward him with the Eternal Life, Consolation and Peace to all the family members, relatives, friends, all the Priests, Religious men – women and the Laity of Hazaribag Catholic Diocese, Jharkhand-India.

The Obituary has been received by Most Rev. Anand Jojo, Bishop of Hazaribag.

+ Anand Jojo

Hazaribag Catholic Diocese

15.01.2019

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-02/2019                                                    4^th January 2019

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

OBITUARY

MOST REV. ROBERT KERKETTA, SDB (Emeritus Bishop of Tezpur Diocese)

2-10-1932 to 22-12-2018

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

Greetings from the CBCI Secretariat.

   Most Rev. Robert Kerketta, SDD, the Emeritus Bishop of Tezpur was a for 55 years and a Bishop for 48 years. He was the Bishop of the undivided Diocese of Dibrugarh comprising the present Dioceses of Kohima and Imphal and part of Arunachal Pradesh from the year 1970 to 1980. After that he was the Bishop of the undivided Diocese of Tezpur (from which the present Dioceses of Bongaigaon, Guwahati and Itanagar were carved out) from 1980 to 2007. Although Bishop Robert had a little heart problem and diabetes, he was keeping quite hale and healthy till the middle of November last year (2018). It was on 19^th November 2018, that he developed fever, flu and his blood sugar suddenly went up. On the same day he was taken to our own Catholic Hospital at Borgang for checkup and medical treatment. For a day or two he seems to have been improving but at the same time he was not picking up and responding to the treatment as we expected and would sometimes go into delirium. As a result, he was taken to the Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur on 29^th of November for further check up and better treatment. After thorough investigation and tests it was discovered that he was suffering from Tuberculosis and lack of sodium and potassium in his body. He was given all the possible treatment and care by the Doctors and nurses but his health was not improving. On 19^th December soon after the breakfast he became serious and was administered the last Sacrament by the Bishop. He was at once rushed to the Intensive Care Unit and was put on Ventilation and life supporting system. But gradually he became weaker and weaker and breathed his last on 22^nd December 2018 at 12.30 Noon in the presence of Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo, many Fathers and Sisters and the family members. He was buried and laid to rest on 27^th December 2018 at the Priests Cemetery, Tezpur in a very befitting manner. Altogether 14 Bishops, about 250 priests, 500 religious sisters and more than 6000 faithful came to pay homage and bid farewell to the long serving shepherd of Tezpur Diocese.

Most Rev. Robert Kerketta, SDB was born on 22-10-1932 at Kacharigaon T.E. under Rangapara Parish within the Diocese of Tezpur, Sonitpur Dt., Assam. Later on, they shifted to Amdanga village under the present Parish of Missamari. His parents Late Mr. Elias Kerketta and Late Mrs. Rachael Kandulna belonged to the munda tribe in Kuttra, Rourkhela in Orissa. They migrated along with others to the Tea gardens of Assam in search of better livelihood. He had 1 brother and 2 sisters.

The young Robert was lucky to come in contact with the pioneering Salesian Italian Missionaries. The entire family was baptized when he was 3 years old. Robert Kerketta was admitted to the newly started Don Bosco School and Boarding at Tezpur on 24^th December 1939 in Class I and remained in the same school till he passed Class VI in 1945. He showed remarkable intellectual ability and keenness in religious matters. The missionaries found him suitable for religious life and in the year 1946 he was sent to the Salesian Aspirantate at Sonada, West Bengal to continue his studies and discern his vocation more clearly. 

He joined the Salesian Novitiate in 1950 at Kotagiri in Madras. After his Religious profession in 1951 he came back to Sonada for his philosophical studies which he completed in 1953 along with his I.A. and B.A. degrees. He also did his regency in Sonada teaching and assisting students of philosophy. He acquired a Licentiate in Philosophy from the Pontifical Salesian Atheneum, Turin where he also completed his Theological Studies and was ordained priest on 11^th of February, 1963, by His Eminence, Cardinal M. Fossati of Turin. At the completion of his Theological Studies he also obtained a Licentiate in Theology. After his ordination he returned to India and taught Philosophy at Salesian College, Sonada. Here he completed M.A securing the First Class First Rank with Gold Medal from the Calcutta University in 1965. In 1967 he was appointed the Rector of Don Bosco Higher Secondary and Technical School Krishnagar in West Bengal about 120 Kms. from Calcutta. After three years, to his great surprise and bewilderment he was appointed Bishop of Dibrugarh.

The Government of India served a “Quit” Order on all the European Missionaries working in Assam and they had to leave immediately. The Bishop elect was told to take charge of the Diocese even before his Episcopal Ordination which he did on 6^th July 1970. The Diocese then comprised the whole of Nagaland, the whole of Manipur, part of Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam. He was ordained Bishop on Mission Sunday 18^th October 1970. Bishop Robert worked for about 11 years in Dibrugarh Diocese and was transferred to Tezpur on 31^st January 1981. It is worth mentioning that Bishop Robert is the first Adivasi Bishop in the Region and also the first Adivasi Bishop from the Diaspora and the first Bishop in the Church from the Munda tribe.

Tezpur Diocese was then bigger in area and more complex than Dibrugarh. It comprised the whole of the north bank of the Brahmaputra River bordering China including two-thirds of Arunachal Pradesh and a good portion of Assam on both sides of the Brahmaputra River with a larger number of tribal population and more complex situations. He worked more than 27 years in Tezpur Diocese as an active Bishop and 11 years as a retired Bishop.

Times were difficult. He had left Assam in 1946 at the tender age of 13 and he never went back to work there till he became Bishop. He had spent 25 years outside Assam - 19 years in

W. Bengal and 6 years in Europe. In this way he was practically cut off all these years from the people, life and work in Assam and returned only in 1970 after his appointment as Bishop. He was then 38 years old. He found the territory very vast and extensive, comprising hills and valleys with different tribes, languages and cultures. There were the Adivasis, Assamese and various Tribes in Assam, the Arunachalis in Arunachal Pradesh, the Nagas in Nagaland and the Manipuris with several tribes in Manipur, bordering on China and Burma. Arunachal Pradesh was a forbidden land to the Christian Missionaries. In his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh he did not find a single Catholic. Everything and everybody seemed to be strange to him.

The Quit Order to foreign Missionaries was a bolt from the blue that left the entire Church in the North east in turmoil. Bishop Orestes Marengo SDB of Tezpur was forced to resign. So also Bishop Ferrando SDB of Shillong. Bishop Stephen Ferrando returned to Italy. Bishop Orestes Marengo of Tezpur remained on but his place was taken by Rt. Rev. Joseph Mittathany, the first Indian Bishop from the Clergy of Tezpur Diocese. And Bishop Robert Kerketta took the place of Rt. Rev. Hubert D'Rosario SDB of Dibrugarh after he had been transferred to Shillong as Archbishop following the resignation of Bishop Ferrando.

After their departure from Assam the European Missionaries were substituted by a group of Salesian Missionaries who came up from the South with great enthusiasm and hopes, making immense sacrifices. They too found themselves in the midst of new people with different cultures and languages and along with the new Bishop found themselves in the same boat. But, with remarkable faith in God, Bishop Robert was able with the grace of God, to gradually face the challenges.

The Bishop worked for 11 years in Dibrugarh Diocese. In the meantime, the Diocese was divided and the new Diocese of Kohima was erected. Nagaland and Manipur were separated from Dibrugarh. In 1981 Bishop Robert was transferred to Tezpur. He had endeared himself to the people and Clergy of Dibrugarh and as he himself states ‘he found it difficult to separate himself from his beloved people’

His work in Tezpur was much heavier. Tezpur was vast - 800 Kms. from east to west bordering on W. Bengal. Its border on the north coincided with that of China and Tibet and on the south it reached Lumding. It comprised the lofty mountains of the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh and the green tea gardens and broad Brahmaputra Valley in Assam. In Assam there were the Adivasis, the Boros, the Garos, the Santals, the Rabhas, the Karbis and in Arunachal Pradesh there were the Arunachalis. The work, which was started by Bishop O. Marengo and expanded by Bishop J. Mittathany and their co­-Missionaries, was carried on. Since Arunachal Pradesh was a forbidden land most of the work was carried on, in the plains of Assam.

In 1992 the Diocese of Tezpur was divided, and the new Diocese of Guwahati was erected comprising the territories taken from Shillong Archdiocese and Tezpur Diocese. But 80% of its territories, Christian population and Mission Centres were from Tezpur Diocese.

In 1992 also the gates of Arunachal Pradesh were opened though not officially.

The Mother Teresa Sisters were allowed, though not officially, to work there. Then began a free movement of Missionaries from the plains of Assam, gladly going to work in Arunachal Pradesh. Though the anti-Christian bill was still in place, the Government did not implement it seriously because Christians had increased in number, and were also occupying Government posts. The terrible persecutions unleashed on the first Christians there began to bear fruit just as in the apostolic times. The ordinary people – young boys and girls were the carriers of the faith to their own people in the remote mountain villages. Schools were opened. Dispensaries were set up. Churches and presbyteries were built and convents and boarding and dispensaries were established. As a matter of fact within, a period of 10 years i.e. from 1992 to 2002 as many as 17 full-fledged Mission Centres were established in western Arunachal Pradesh. And the crowning event of it all, to the great joy of Bishop Robert and all concerned, 2 dioceses were established in Arunachal Pradesh namely Itanagar in the West with Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil as first Bishop and Miao with Bishop George Plliparampil sdb as Bishop in the years 2005-2006. And on 3^rd December, 2007, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, after accepting the resignation of Bishop Robert Kerketta on his completion of 75 years, appointed Michael Akasius Toppo as his successor as the new Bishop of Tezpur.

Bishop Robert Kerketta had been Bishop for the past 48 years working in the two Dioceses of Dibrugarh and Tezpur. Each of these dioceses has now been further divided into four thus totalling 8 dioceses including 2 dioceses in Arunachal Pradesh. Thus he has been Bishop of the whole of Nagaland, the whole of Manipur, the whole of Arunachal Pradesh and more than half of Assam. Out of an area of 255,100 sq. kms. which is the area of the whole of N.E. India, Bishop Robert has been Bishop of an area comprising about 175,900 sq. Km which is more than ? of the total area of N. E. India.

By dint of hard work not only the number of Christians in Tezpur Diocese has increased but also the number of Mission Centres, Institutions and priestly and Religious vocations. The local Priests both Diocesan and Religious has risen to more than 60. And in the last 37 years as Bishop of Tezpur, the Diocese of Tezpur has contributed from her Clergy 5 more Bishops to the Church who are working today in different Dioceses of the Region. It is a singular grace of God. Wherever he went he insisted and made every effort to stress on the need of preserving unity among all tribes, groups and sections of people (not excluding priests and Religious) irrespective of their origin, place, language and background in order to foster understanding, cooperation, peace and harmony which paid off dividends.

He loves to say that he was ‘born with the Church and grown with the Church’. When Bishop Kerketta was born, the Church of Tezpur was already existing but there was not a single Diocese in the whole of N.E. India. When Bishop was baptized in 1935 there was already a diocese in the N.E. India in Shillong (1934) with its Bishop, Msgr. Stephen Ferrando SDB. And when Bishop Robert was appointed Bishop in 1970 there were already 4 dioceses (Tezpur being one), and 5 Bishops. And during the year of the Platinum Jubilee as the Bishop laid down his office he was overjoyed at the tremendous growth of the Church in the region with 15 Dioceses and 18 Bishops in the North Eastern Region, a remarkable achievement and a marvel of God’s work!

Today, as he is no more with us, we pray that God may overlook his failures and grant him eternal reward for the tireless work in vineyard.

Obituary sent from the Diocese of Tezpur.

Ref:CBCI-Gen/Cir-31/2018                                       21st December 2018

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

OBITUARY

Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Thennatt SAC, Bishop of Gwalior

Your Eminence, Your Beatitudes, Excellency,

Our beloved Bishop Most Rev. Thomas Thennatt SAC died in a road traffic accident on Friday, 14th December, 2018. He was returning from the school annual day at St. Pius School, Sheopur. The accident took place between Pohri and Shivpuri a place called Pariksha around 10 pm.  He was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital at Shivpuri and thereafter he was taken to Gwalior and the doctor declared him brought dead.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Thennatt, SAC was born on 26th November 1953 to Late Mr. Kuruvilla Thennatt and Mrs. Annamma at Koodalloor in the Archdiocese of Kottayam, Kerala and was baptised on 04th December 1953. He has a brother and four sisters. His home parish is St. Joseph Parish, Ettumanur. He completed his matriculation in St. Mary’s High School at Kidangoor in 1969. During his schooling he came in contact with the Pallottines and joined the Vocation Orientation Centre at Pallottigiri, Trivandrum on the 16th of June, 1969. After two years of minor seminary from 1969 to 1971 he joined the community at Pallotti Bhawan in June 1971 to undertake philosophical studies from St. Charles Seminary and graduation at S.F.S College Nagpur. In the year 1974, he entered the Novitiate at Bangalore. On 31st may 1975 he made his First Consecration in the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines). He completed his theological studies from St. Charles Seminary Nagpur from 1975 to 1979. He made his Perpetual Consecration on 31st May, 1978 and was ordained a priest on 21st October, 1978 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Fernandez, Bishop of Quilon in Holy Family Church, Mailam, Trivandrum.

He had been serving the Church in different capacities such as Assistant Parish Priest at St. Vincent Pallotti Parish of Amravati, of the Diocese of Guntur (1979-1980) and Assistant Parish Priest at St. Ambrose Church of Nidadathavolu of the Diocese of Eluru (1980-1981). He did his Masters Degree in Pastoral Theology at Papal Seminary, Pune from 1981-1983. He served the Archdiocese of Hyderabad as Parish Priest of St. Antony Church, Mudfort from 1984-1987 and was Director of the Youth Commission and YCS/YSM, Family and Laity, Archdiocese of Hyderabad (1987-1991). In the year 1991 he moved to the Diocese of Indore as Parish Priest at St. Theresa Church of Pushpanagar and was the Diocesan Director for laity and family and SCCs from 1991 – 1993 for the same Diocese. He was then appointed as the Regional secretary for laity and family and SCCs for the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh from 1993-1998. After rendering his services to many Dioceses he was appointed as the Rector of Khrist Premalaya Regional Theologate, Ashta and Director of Regional Commission for Formation in 1998, a responsibility which he held till 2008. He was also the Consultor of the Prabhu Prakash Province of Pallottines, Nagpur from 2002-2008. In the year 2008 he became the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church of Ishgarh, in the Diocese of Jhabua and was President of CRI unit Jhabua, and a Member of the Council of Priests and of the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Jhabua. From 2012 to 2017 January he was the Parish Priest of St. Pius X Church, Mankapur in the Archdiocese of Nagpur, and President of the Pastoral Commission of the Prabhu Prakash Province of the Pallottines, Nagpur. On 18 October 2016 he was appointed by Pope Francis as the Bishop of Gwalior and on 08 January 2017 he was consecrated as Bishop in Gwalior. After one year and 11 months of Episcopate he passed away in a tragic car accident on 14 December 2018.  

The funeral services took place on Tuesday, 18th December, 2018 in St. Paul’s Church Morar, Gwalior. The service started at 10.30 with the office of dead by the Pallotine Family and by the Priests, Religious along with his relatives from Kottayam Archdiocese. The Holy Mass began at 11 am presided over by Most Rev. Leo Cornelio, the Archbishop of Bhopal. Among the concelebrants were Archbishops  of Kottayam, Agra, Delhi and Archbishop Emeritus of Raipur, Bishop Joseph Kaithathara Bishop Emeritus of Gwalior, CBCI Secretary General Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, all the Bishops from the M.P. Region and Bishops of other regions. Also Fr. Varghese Pullan, the Provincial of the Prabhu Prakash Province of Pallottines, Nagpur, the Delhi Pallotine Provincial, all the diocesan Priests of Gwalior and another 180 priests  from others dioceses, Pallotine Congregation and from other Religious Congregations participated in the Mass. Around 300 women religious along with the Provincial Superiors, and Mother General of Pallotines Sisters took part in the funeral service. About 1500 Lay People from the Diocese of Gwalior and around 1000 people from other dioceses and from other faiths were also present. His family members and relatives were present along with his elder brother and three sisters.

During the Mass, Most Rev. Peter Parapullil, the Bishop of Jhansi gave the introduction, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Kaithathara read out the condolence messages from the Holy Father Pope Francis, from Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Rev. Fr. Varghese Pullan, the Provincial of Nagpur gave a touching and meaningful homily. Prayers of the faithful were led by Most Rev. Albert Dsouza, the Archbishop of Agra. He also conducted the valedictory prayer. Condolence messages were given by Most Rev. Mathew Moolakkatt, the Archbishop of Kottayam who also read out a message from Cardinal Alenchery, Most Rev. Anil Couto, the Archbishop of Delhi, Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of the CBCI and Dr. Prince, a nephew of Bishop Thomas Thennatt. Condolence messages were also received from Bishops, Civil, and political leaders and other religious dignitaries.  Finally the Chancellor of the diocese Rev. Fr. John Xavier thanked all those who were present.

The mortal remains of Bishop Thomas were carried in a procession from St. Paul’s Church to the graveyard at the Bishop’s House Campus,  Jonagar, Kheriamodi. All of us paid Bishop our last homage and the funeral rite was conducted by Bishop Joseph Kaithatara and Bishop Thomas was laid to rest.

As an educationist, he started Schools in Khaniyadhana and Tekanpur, and developed schools in Shivpuri and in other places.. He made frequent visits to the missions and parishes with his motto of renewing everything in Christ by showing a lot of love and concern. He had also initiated the SCC formation in the Cathedral and in other places and he was an ideal shepherd who had concern for his priests and religious. He was a man of sympathy, simplicity and humility which were exemplary to emulate. He was enthusiastic in social work too. He was trying to send more collections for various purposes including that of Kerala relief, and also encouraged the priests and laity to contribute more by way of sacrifice.  

Indeed the diocese of Gwalior has lost an inspiring, loving and promising Shepherd. We pray that God may grant him the rewards of his services in the vineyard of the Lord.

As Received from Bishop’s House Gwalior

Obituary of His Grace Emeritus Archbishop, Dr. Kagithapu Mariadas

His Grace, the Emeritus Archbishop, Dr. Kagithapu Mariadas JUD was born on 7th September, 1936, at Gnanapuram in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. He was baptized on 15th September on the Feast of Our Lady of Dolors and was given the name, Mariadas – which means “Servant of Mary”. He was the only child of his parents. He lost his father when he was just three years old. His pious mother Annamma and his maternal grandmother did all they could with the help of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy to introduce him to Christian piety.

He had his Primary schooling in St. Peter's School, his own hometown Gnanapuram. As he proved himself to be a brilliant student he was sent to St. Paul’s High School, Phirangipuram, in Guntur District for his Secondary Education in the year 1948 by the then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. R. Joseph.  When he passed 10th class he expressed his desire of joining the Seminary to his beloved mother. Painfully, yet wholeheartedly, his loving mother gave her consent to her only child.

He began his Priestly formation in the year 1952 when he joined St. Joseph's Mission Home, (Diocesan) Palai in Kerala to pursue studies in the Minor Seminary. After the Minor Seminary studies, he was sent for Philosophy studies to Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamallee, Tamil Nadu. When he completed his Philosophical studies he joined the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales and entered the Novitiate in Poona on 5th June, 1958 and took the Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. He completed his Theological studies at the Papal Athenaeum in Poona under the Jesuit Fathers.

He was ordained a Priest on 10th June, 1961, by Bishop Ignatius Mummadi of Guntur at Gnanapuram.  Indeed, it was a day of rejoicing and gladness for the faithful of Gnanapuram as they witnessed the ordination of the first Priest from the village.

Soon after his Ordination he went back to Poona and successfully completed his Master’s Degree in Theology with 'Magna cum Laude’ on March 1962. From there he came back to the Bishop's House Visakhapatnam and helped the Procurator for four months.

1962 to 1971 were crucial years of his life. From 1962-63 he was in Paris for a Diploma Course in Pastoral Theology. From 1963-1971 he stayed in Rome -   and obtained his Licentiate in Pastoral Theology; studied Canon and Civil Law, and acquired a J.U.D. (Doctorate in Civil and Canon Law) with ‘Summa Cum Laude. Besides this he got a diploma, specializing in Law regarding the Religious at the Sacred Congregation for Religious. During this period, he spent his holidays doing pastoral work in France, Germany, and U.S.A. He made use of every opportunity that was offered to him and learnt the customs, culture and language of the places he visited. Slowly and steadily he grew up in wisdom and knowledge and fear of the Lord.

He lived his life as a true son of St. Francis de Sales. So much so, in 1965 and in 1968 he was elected one of the Delegates of the General Chapter of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales and attended the Chapters in Geneva Switzerland. He returned to India in 1972.

Appointments:

He was appointed Parish Priest of Bobbili, the biggest Parish in the Diocese of Visakhapatnam in 1972.

He was Professor in St. Peter's Seminary, Bangalore, from 1973-1977.

He was Rector of M.S.F.S., Scholasticate, 'Vinayalaya', Bangalore from 1974-1977.

He was elected as one of the four Assistants General of the M.S. F. S Congregation in 1975.

He was a visiting Professor at St. Peter's Theological Institute, Bangalore, from 1976 onwards.

On 19th December, 1974, Dr. K. Mariadas was appointed as the fourth Bishop of Guntur by His Holiness Pope Paul VI by the Papal Bull "Cum Haud Multo." On 24th February, 1977, the news of his appointment as the Bishop of Guntur was announced. His Episcopal Ordination took place on 5th May, 1977 in a grand manner at Gnanapuram - a most impressive and spectacular event that the Catholic Church at Visakhapatnam ever witnessed. On 31st July, 1977 he was installed as the fourth Bishop of Guntur at Phirangipuram.

God looked kindly on his humble servant and found him worthy of shepherding his flock of Visakhapatnam. Bishop K. Mariadas was appointed as the Bishop of Visakhapatnam on 10th September, 1982 by His Holiness John Paul II by the Papal Bull "Studiosi Dominum Jesum”.

The good news of his appointment was announced on 24th September, 1982. On 26th January, 1983, Bishop Kagitapu Mariadas took charge of the Diocese of Visakhapatnam as its seventh Pastor, succeeding the pioneer Bishop, Rt. Rev. Ignatius Gopu. 

Bishop K. Mariadas was accepted by the people as a people’s Bishop and as a true shepherd, he always remained kind and compassionate to his flock. He was a man of great faith, with a lively piety and a strict disciplinarian in the practice of customs and traditions of the Catholic Church. Being a man of peace, tenacity and courage he withstood the challenging and demanding situations in the Diocese with ease and calm. He was an ardent devotee of Our Blessed Mother. He promoted Marian devotion among the faithful of Visakhapatnam with great enthusiasm.

His Grace has etched his name in the annals of the Church history with his immense contribution. During his Episcopal ministry he invited many Religious Congregations and Missionaries to the Diocese for the enrichment of the mission in the Local Church.

When Visakhapatnam was made Metropolitan Archdiocese on 16th October, 2001, he was appointed as the Archbishop. During his Episcopal service of 35 years, many Churches, Institutions and village Chapels were erected. He encouraged many spiritual programs in the parishes for the good of the faithful in the Diocese.  St. Mary’s Centenary Educational Institutions at Gnanapuram stand tall as memoirs of his passion for wisdom and knowledge.

The late Archbishop can be called as the 'Visakhapatnam Ratzinger' because of his intellectual gifts. His wit and wisdom knew no bounds. One could enter into conversation with his Grace on any topic under the sky.  

He remained a good pastor and a zealous missionary till the end. He was simple to the core and was a friend of all. With his pleasant smile, he used to make people feel at home. He was a polyglot and spoke confidently 13 languages. He took great care to promote Christian unity in the Diocese and held prayer meetings with the Christians of other denominations on important days.

His Grace also took great interest in the renewal of the clergy of Visakhapatnam. He was gentle, yet firm in dealing with his priests. He also took great interest in the welfare of the retired Priests. He undertook with much care the complete construction of the Jubilee Home in Visakhapatnam, which today stands tall facing the Bay of Bengal, having all the facilities for the infirm and retired clergy of the Archdiocese.  

He retired on 3rd July, 2012. Archbishop Mariadas was residing at Jubilee Home for the last five years. He spent the evening of his life at the Jubilee Home spreading positive energy around him with his simple yet vibrant presence with a broad smile on his face. He never missed to impart a Latin blessing to his visitors.

On 25th December, Christmas night, he had a fall in the room and had a head injury with internal bleeding. For the last two months he was undergoing treatment in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Visakhapatnam. When there were all the signs of good recovery, unexpectedly, on 26th February, 2018, there was deterioration of pulse rate and fluctuating oxygen levels and at about 2.30 p.m. he breathed his last peacefully and serenely. May his soul may rest in peace!

His mortal remains were kept at Stella Maris, Maharanipeta and Gnanapuram, for the faithful to pay respect to his mortal remains and to offer prayers for his eternal repose. A good number of Bishops of TCBC, Archbishop of Nagpur, Bishop of Jagadalpur, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Hyderabad, Superiors General, Provincial Superiors and Superiors from various Congregations, a large number of Priests from within and outside the Diocese, concelebrated at his Funeral Mass. A number of Religious Sisters, Brothers from many Congregations and a large number of lay faithful participated in the funeral service at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Gnanapuram, on 28th February, 2018. 

His clear voice of authority, his steady and consistent leadership, his dedication to Pastoral works, his advocacy for the poor and oppressed, his commitment to peace, and his personal devotion to the triune God are the rich legacy that he has left behind.

We believe that he has moved into the presence of our Lord and is advancing from glory to glory. He fought the good fight; he finished the race; he kept the faith.  Now he, who longed for our Lord’s appearing, may receive the crown of righteousness.

The humble Pastor will be deeply missed by the thousands whose lives he touched in the service of humanity.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

N. B.: The Obituary has been put together with inputs from Archbishop’s House, Vishakapatnam

HIS EXCELLENCY MOST REV. DR. GEEVARGHESE MAR DIVANNASIOS

BISHOP OF THE EPARCHY OF PUTTUR

OBITUARY

Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, the first bishop of the Eparchy of Puttur, was born on 1 November 1950 in the Syrian Christian family of Ottathengil to N.S Varghese and Mariamma Varghese at Thalavady near Thiruvalla in Central Travancore. In 1956, his family migrated to South Canara in Karnataka. They stayed at several places in the district of South Canara and finally settled at Ichilampady, a small beautiful village in the district known for its serenity as it is enriched with lush green forest on one side and the ever flowing stream on the other. In 1962 his family embraced catholic faith under the influence of Rev. Fr. Sargheese CMI, the then parish priest of St. Thomas church, Shirady, South Canara.

After SSLC he joined the Infant Mary Minor Seminary in the Eparchy of Thiruvalla in 1966. In 1970 he was sent to St. Paul’s Seminary at Trichy for Philosophical and Theological studies. During his seminary formation he also spent time to learn carnatic music. On completion of his priestly formation, he was ordained a priest on 20 April 1978 by Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram.

After his ordination, Varghese Ottathengil was appointed assistant vicar of five parish stations at Nilambur. Later he was the vicar of four parishes at Narangathode, Onjil, Mycavu and Manalvayal. In 1980 he was sent to Rome for higher studies. He completed his Doctorate in spiritual theology. After his doctoral studies, he returned to Bathery in 1987 and was appointed vicar of Palanthadom parish in the district of Kasargod. After a short period he took charge as the Rector of the minor seminary in the Eparchy of Bathery, and also served as the vicar of the cathedral parish.

He was appointed the Rector of the Major Seminary of the Malankara Catholic Church in May 1990, which was in its early stages. The Theologate and the Administrative block of the Seminary were developed further during his seven-year tenure as rector. In 1996 the seminary hosted the CBCI General Body Meeting under his efficient management.

On 18 December 1996, Pope Saint John Paul II appointed Varghese Ottathengil as the second bishop of Bathery, after Cyril Mar Baselios. He was consecrated Bishop on 5th February 1996 at Bathery by Cyril Mar Baselios. He received the name Geevarghese Mar Divannasios. His sacerdotal Silver Jubilee was celebrated in 2003. He was the Administrator of the Malankara Catholic Church during the short period after the demise of Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos, the first Major Archbishop Catholicos of the Malankara Catholic Church.

On 25 January 2010, as per the decision of the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and with the approval of the Apostolic See of Rome, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios was appointed the first bishop of the newly erected Eparchy of Puttur.

His feast day falls on 29 November. On January 24, 2017, His Excellency submitted his resignation to the office on account of failing health. The Holy See had accepted his resignation and appointed Rev Fr. George Kalayil, the vicar general, as the interim administrator of the Eparchy, who was later appointed as the bishop of the Eparchy and was consecrated on September 21, 2017.

His Excellency Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of Puttur, was called to Eternal Bliss on Monday, 16th January 2018 at 2.30 pm while undergoing treatment at Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla. His body was kept at St. John’s Metropolitan Cathedral for the public to pay their last respect and offer prayers. Instantly started the uninterrupted and unending stream of visitors comprising cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, religious men, sisters, ministers, people’s representatives in the parliament and assembly and members of the elected local bodies and the faithful, and men and women irrespective of religious affinity and ideological affiliations, in hundreds and thousands. It was a mini ocean of humanity in mourning.

The funeral rites started on Thursday, 18 January at 2.00 p.m at St. John’s Metroplolitan Cathedral, Thiruvalla. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Clemes Catholica Bava led the services assisted by all the Syro Malankara Catholic Bishops.The services were over by 4.30 p.m. It was a touching and deserving farewell to the ‘special bishop’. As per his wishes, it was a very simple ceremony but the simplicity enhanced the solemnity of the occasion at its best.

                                 May his soul rest in peace.

Geevarghese Mar Makarios

Bishop of Puttur