Kochi: Monsignor Antony Kattiparambil was consecrated as the 36th bishop of the Kochi diocese in a solemn ceremony held at Santa Cruz Square in Fort Kochi on Sunday. Thousands of faithful, priests, religious and parish representatives from across the diocese gathered to witness the historic event.
The consecration ceremony was led by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and the president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of Verapoly and Bishop Joseph Kariyil, the former bishop of Kochi, served as co celebrants.
The ceremony began in the afternoon with a grand procession from the Bishop’s House to Santa Cruz Square. Priests, bishops and parish representatives walked in procession carrying parish flags, crosses and papal banners as part of the traditional ceremony.
During the Mass, the bishop elect expressed his willingness to serve the Church. This was followed by the litany of saints and the laying on of hands, a key ritual in episcopal ordination. The principal celebrant then presented the newly consecrated bishop with the ring, mitre and pastoral staff, symbolising his authority and responsibility as shepherd of the diocese.
Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro Malabar Church, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal and several other Church leaders conveyed their greetings and prayers. Archbishop Joseph Pamplany delivered the homily during the ceremony.
Before the ordination, Bishop James Raphael Anaparambil, who served as the apostolic administrator during the period of vacancy, welcomed the congregation. After the ceremony, priests, religious and lay representatives greeted the new bishop and expressed their support.
The diocese, established in 1557, waited nearly one and a half years for a new bishop after the resignation of Bishop Joseph Kariyil. Bishop Antony Kattiparambil becomes the fifth native bishop of Kochi and brings more than 27 years of pastoral and administrative experience to his new role.
The celebration continued with prayers and fellowship, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Kochi diocese and its faithful.