Kochi: Dr. Sanal Maliyeckal, a priest of the Archeparchy of Thrissur, has been appointed as the new Secretary to Mar Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church. A native of Thrissur Puthenpally parish, Fr. Sanal is currently serving as the Dean of the Theological Institute and the Assistant Director of the Catechetical Department under the Archeparchy of Thrissur. He holds a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Regina Apostolorum Institute in Rome.
This new appointment comes as Fr. Mathew Thuruthippallil, who has rendered meritorious service as the Major Archbishop's Secretary for the past four years, moves to a new role. Fr. Mathew Thuruthippallil served at the Church's headquarters (Mount St. Thomas) as the Secretary to His Eminence Cardinal Mar George Alencherry and subsequently to Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil. He has now been appointed as the Associate Director of Mar Sleeva Medicity in Palai, under the Eparchy of Palai.