New Delhi: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has formally accepted the resignation of Rt. Rev. Vincent Samuel, the long-serving Bishop of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara, marking the conclusion of nearly three decades of devoted episcopal service in the Church of Kerala.
Bishop Vincent Samuel, who turned 75 in August, submitted his resignation in accordance with Canon Law, which requires bishops to offer their resignation upon reaching the age of 75. The Holy Fatherâs acceptance of his resignation brings to a close an era of dedicated pastoral leadership and deep spiritual guidance for the faithful of Neyyattinkara.
Born on August 10, 1950, in Arayoor, Kerala, Bishop Vincent Samuel was ordained a priest on December 19, 1975, for the then-undivided Diocese of Trivandrum. His early priestly years were spent in parish ministry, where he was known for his pastoral sensitivity and commitment to community formation.
His thirst for theological depth led him to Rome, where he pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Urban University, earning a Doctorate in Systematic Theology in 1987. Upon his return to India, he took up a teaching role at St. Josephâs Pontifical Major Seminary, Alwaye, where he later served as Vice-Rector in 1994.
When Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Neyyattinkara on June 14, 1996, through the bifurcation of the Diocese of Trivandrum, Fr. Vincent Samuel was chosen to become its first Bishop a historic appointment that would define his ministry for the next 29 years.
Guided by his episcopal motto, âTo serve and save,â Bishop Vincent Samuel became a true shepherd to his flock, building the new diocese from its foundations. Under his leadership, the Diocese of Neyyattinkara witnessed the establishment of numerous parishes, schools, social welfare programs, and charitable institutions, all aimed at the holistic development of the faithful.
Throughout his episcopate, Bishop Samuel was recognized for his commitment to education, evangelization, and the spiritual renewal of his diocese. He championed faith formation, supported clergy and religious vocations, and worked tirelessly to strengthen Catholic identity in a rapidly changing social environment.
Known for his humility and scholarship, Bishop Samuel also maintained close ties with the academic community and the Kerala Catholic Bishopsâ Council (KCBC), where he contributed to theological and pastoral discussions.
As Bishop Vincent Samuel steps down from active ministry, clergy and laity across Kerala have expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast service. Many recall his episcopate as a period marked by gentle leadership, theological depth, and unwavering faith in Christâs mission.
With his resignation now accepted, the Diocese of Neyyattinkara enters a time of transition. The Vatican is expected to announce the appointment of a new bishop in due course, who will continue to build upon Bishop Samuelâs enduring legacy of service, compassion, and spiritual renewal.