New Delhi: Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal stands out in the Syro-Malabar Church as a leader who has blended pastoral zeal, academic excellence, and administrative vision. Known for his deep commitment to the faith and his rich background in Canon Law, he has played a crucial role in shaping Church governance and guiding its pastoral mission.
Born on 29 March 1967 at Nirmalagiri in the Eparchy of Kanjirapally, he began his journey toward priesthood at a young age, joining the minor seminary of Kanjirapally in 1982. His formative years of priestly training were completed at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, where he undertook philosophical and theological studies. On 30 December 1992, he was ordained a priest, stepping into ministry with a heart for pastoral care.
His early assignments reflected this pastoral spirit. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at St. George’s Forane Church, Kattappana, and later as Director of Yuvadeepti, Kanjirapally, in 1995, where he worked closely with youth, shaping future generations of faithful Catholics.
In the year 2000, his intellectual pursuits took him to Rome, where he completed a Doctorate in Canon Law at the Holy Cross University. With this expertise, he returned to India and took up significant responsibilities: Judicial Vicar of the Eparchy of Kanjirapally, Parish Priest in several parishes, and Defender of the Bond at the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Tribunal. He also became a respected teacher in seminaries and theological institutions, guiding seminarians and young priests in the intricacies of Canon Law and Church discipline.
Mar Vaniyapurackal’s leadership qualities were recognized within the Syro-Malabar Church. In 2014, he became Vice Chancellor of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia, a role that involved managing critical administrative functions. His contributions culminated in 2017, when he was elected as the second Curia Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Church. He was consecrated on 12 November 2017, taking on the titular See of Troina.
Beyond governance, he has been actively involved in social justice and Church commissions. He currently serves as a judge of the Synodal Tribunal, Chairman of the Search Committee for teaching staff at Synodal Major Seminaries, President of the Syro-Malabar Dalit Vikas Society, and Vice Chairman of the KCBC SC/ST/BC Commission, working toward inclusion, justice, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
Known for his linguistic abilities, he is fluent in Malayalam, English, Italian, and German, enabling him to engage effectively in both local and international Church contexts. His life and ministry reflect a balance of scholarship, pastoral care, and administrative vision, making him a prominent voice within the Syro-Malabar Church today.