Chicago : Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry installed Mar Joy Alappatt as the new bishop of St. Thomas Diocese of Chicago, the first Syro-Malabar Diocese outside India. The Episcopal installation took place in the presence of the First Bishop of Chicago Diocese Mar Jacob Angadiath, and Bishop Francis Kalabat who were also the co-consecrators.

Bishop Kurt Richard Burnette of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic was also present foe the installation ceremony which was held at the Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral in Bellwood, Illinois.

The graceful event saw the presence of thousands of devout faithful, 19 bishops from the United States and India, over 100 priests and more than 60 religious nuns.

The Episcopal Installation ceremony began at 9 a.m with a procession. Catechism students lined up on both sides of the procession with papal flags to mark the reverent historical moment. Ceremonies in church began at 9.30 am with a welcome by Fr. Thomas Kadukappillil, the Vicar General and Vicar of the Cathedral.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre read the papal decree appointing Mar Joy Alappatt as the new Bishop. Chancellor Fr. George Danavelil read the Malayalam translation of the order. The homily was delivered by Most Rev. Francis Kalabat, Bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Detroit. Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt delivered the cote of thanks after the three-hour ceremony.

The installation Mass was telecast simultaneously in the Lower Chapel, Parish Hall and Alphonsa Hall. A public meeting was also held at 1.30 pm.

Mar Jacob Angadiath, submitted his resignation at the age of 75 to the Holy See in 2020. On 3rd July, Pope Francis accepted his resignation and appointed Mar Joy Alappatt as the second bishop of the diocese.

In 1993, Mar Alappatt, who was assigned to the United States, has been the Assistant Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago since September 27, 2014. Mar Alappatt brings the experience of serving with Mar Angadiath for eight years as an assistant bishop in the pastoral activities of the diocese.

Mar Joy Alappatt was born in Thrissur Parappukara in 1956. His parents are late Alappatt Varghese and Rosy. St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary in Vadavathoor paved the way to his priesthood. He was ordained a priest in the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Irinjalakuda on 31st December 1981.

He served as a chaplain in Chennai before he migrated to the U.S. in 1993.

Mar Alappatt served as a chaplain at Georgetown University Medical Center from 1999-2002, where he completed the university's clinical pastoral education program. He served in several parishes in t U.S. and was vicar of Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral in Bellwood, Illinois.