kochi: Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Andrews Thazhath as the new Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly pursuing the acceptance of the resignation of Mar Antony Kariyil.
The announcement in this regard took place on Saturday, July 30 at 12 noon Italian time at the Vatican and at 3.30 pm at the Church office of Mount St. Thomas and the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
The announcement of the new administration of the archdiocese was made by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli to Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alenchery from Delhi on Friday, July 29.
Mar Andrews will continue to be the Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur Archdiocese and perform the duties of Apostolic Administrator in Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, President of the Office for the Oriental Churches, issued the decree Sede Plena apponting Apostolic Administrator in accordance with Canon Law No. 234 of the Canon of the Eastern Church. Sede plena is the Latin word for the appointment of an administrator by the Pope while Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alenchery remains the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.
The powers and authority of the administrator in the administrative affairs of the archdiocese are specified in the charter. Prior to this, Bishop Mar Jacob Manathodath was appointed as the Apostolic Administrator in 2018.
The responsibilities and rights of the Apostolic Administrator are precisely defined in the letter of appointment given to Archbishop Andrews Thazhathu. An apostolic administrator in an archdiocese functions with the rights and responsibilities of a diocesan bishop. Though the Apostolic Administrator can seek advice from the Major Archbishop and the seek the synod, he is directly answerable to the Holy See in matters reageding the administration of the archdiocese.
The appintment letter also specifies that the uniform code of celebration of the Holy Qurbana should be carried out in the archdiocese and that exceptions should be made for a certain period of time in necessary circumstances.
Born on December 13, 1951, Archbishop Andrews Thazhathu was ordained a priest on March 14, 1977. After obtaining a doctoral degree in ecclesiastical law he has served in various fields at the archdiocese and church level. On May 1, 2004, he was consecrated as the Auxiliary Bishop of Thrissur Archdiocese and on March 18, 2007, he was elevated to the position of President of the Archdiocese.
He is alos a Member of the Permanent Synod of Bishops, Chairman of Public Affairs Commission, Convener of KCBC Education Commission, Member of Jagratha Commission and Member of KCBC Education Commission. Mar Andrews was also among the bishops summoned to Rome by the Office for the Oriental Churches to discuss matters related to the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.