New Delhi: The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church has received a new pastor for the Eparchy of Belthangady with the appointment of Rev. Fr. James Patteril CMF as its bishop. His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, announced the appointment with the assent of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Fr. Patteril, who has been serving as the Provincial Procurator of the Würzburg Province of the Claretian Missionaries (CMF) in Germany, now returns to his homeland to guide a diocese deeply close to his roots.
Early Life and Formation
Born on 27 July 1962 in Mangalore to Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Rosamma Patteril, James grew up in a faith-filled family with four brothers and two sisters. His home parish, St. Mary’s Church, Battiyal, belongs to the very Eparchy he will now shepherd. From a young age, James was drawn to religious life, joining Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad, to begin his priestly formation.
His academic journey combined both philosophical and theological studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, where he deepened his vocation. He made his First Profession on 12 June 1982, followed by his Final Profession on 12 June 1988 as a member of the Claretian Missionaries. On 26 April 1990, he was ordained a priest, beginning a lifelong mission of pastoral care and service.
Academic Pursuits and Pastoral Service
Alongside his spiritual formation, Fr. Patteril pursued a Bachelor’s degree at Christ University, Bangalore, and later advanced his expertise with research in Pastoral Theology at the prestigious Pastoral Theological Institute in Freiburg, Germany. His scholarly engagement enriched his pastoral ministry, equipping him with the theological and practical insights needed to serve diverse communities.
His pastoral assignments began close to home, as assistant parish priest in Udane and Shirady parishes within Belthangady. His ministry later extended beyond India when he was entrusted with the spiritual care of the Syro-Malabar faithful in Würzburg, Germany, where his leadership and missionary spirit won admiration.
Leadership in Mission
Over the years, Fr. Patteril has held significant responsibilities within the Claretian Missionaries. His role as Provincial Procurator in Würzburg placed him at the intersection of administration and mission, a task he carried out with diligence. Known for his deep faith, pastoral sensitivity, and administrative clarity, he has built bridges between the Church in India and its diaspora communities abroad.
A Shepherd for Belthangady
As he takes charge of the Eparchy of Belthangady, Fr. Patteril is uniquely positioned to guide the faithful with his multilingual skills he is fluent in Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, English, and German and his wide-ranging experience. His ministry reflects both local roots and global exposure, preparing him to respond to the pastoral challenges of a diocese that holds together tradition and modernity.
The appointment of Rev. Fr. James Patteril CMF marks a significant chapter for Belthangady. His life journey from a parish boy in Battiyal to a missionary priest in Germany, and now to a bishop in his native eparchy embodies a circle of service, returning to nurture the land and people who first nurtured his vocation.