Belthangady: In a historic and solemn ceremony, Very Rev. Fr. James Patteril was consecrated as the second Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Belthangady. The Episcopal Ordination was presided over by His Beatitude Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, the Father and Head of the Syro-Malabar Church, at the St. Lawrence Cathedral Church.
The sacred rite witnessed the presence and participation of Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany of Thalassery, Bishop Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy, and forty-four Bishops from various parts of India, who acted as concelebrants. The ceremony marked a significant transition for the Belthangady Diocese, as the new Bishop, Mar James Patteril, took canonical possession of the episcopal see.
Following the ordination, a public felicitation ceremony was held to honor the newly ordained Bishop and to express gratitude to the retiring Bishop, Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy, for his years of devoted service to the Diocese. The installation of Mar James Patteril was conducted in a ceremonious morning service led by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil.
The proceedings included contributions from several eminent dignitaries. Archbishop Dr. Peter Machado of the Bangalore Metropolitan Archdiocese inaugurated the public gathering, while CBCI President Mar Andrews Thazhath presided over the event. The papal message from the Holy See was delivered by Deputy Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Andrea Francia, underscoring the global significance of the occasion.
In addition to the ceremonial formalities, messages of congratulations and support were shared by Mar James Patteril himself, Claretian Superior General Fr. Mathew Vattamattam CMF, Fr. Thomas Kannankal, Sr. Liz Mathew SH, KSMC President Bitty Nedunilam, and Provincial Superior Fr. Sibi Njavallikunnel CMF. Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy expressed his appreciation with a heartfelt vote of thanks.
The Episcopal Consecration Committee Coordinator, Fr. Mathew Alappatt, formally welcomed the assembled gathering, while Pastoral Council Secretary Jasintha Puthenpura delivered words of gratitude, highlighting the collective joy and spiritual significance of the occasion.
The ordination and installation of Bishop Mar James Patteril marked a new chapter in the life of the Belthangady Eparchy, inspiring hope, devotion, and renewed commitment among the clergy and faithful alike.