Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Pathanamthitta

Diocese of Pathanamthitta
Eparchiae Pathanamthitta
പത്തനംതിട്ട രൂപത

Bishop's House of the Eparchy
Location
Country  India
Ecclesiastical province Pathanamthitta
Coordinates 9°16′53″N 76°47′14″E / 9.28139°N 76.78722°E / 9.28139; 76.78722Coordinates: 9°16′53″N 76°47′14″E / 9.28139°N 76.78722°E / 9.28139; 76.78722
Statistics
Area 2,100 km2 (810 sq mi)
Population
- Total
- Catholics		 (as of 2010)
1,234,016
40,563
Parishes 100
Members 37,500[1][2]
Information
Denomination Eastern Catholic
Rite Syro-Malankara Rite
Cathedral St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church,Pathanamthitta
Patron saint St. Thomas
Secular priests 89[1][2]
Current leadership
Pope Francis
Bishop Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom
Vicar General Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jose Chamakalayil
Episcopal Vicars Rt. Rev. Msgr. Chacko Thadathil
Map

Location of Pathanamthitta in Kerala

The Eparchy of Pathanamthitta constitutes the Malankara Syrian Catholic community in the Vicinity of Pathanamthitta in the Indian State of Kerala. The Diocese came into existence with the consent of Pope Benedict XVI, on 25 January 2010. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom became the first bishop of this Eparchy. St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church, Pathanamthitta serves as the Cathedral Church for this Eparchy.[3]

History

The Syro-Malankara Catholics are one of the oldest Saint Thomas Christians centered in Kerala, India. In the 16th century, the Church in the West came in contact with the Indian Church through the Portuguese merchants and missionaries. But the relationship was fragile and several conflicts evolved among them, which later resulted in the Coonan Cross Oath. The majority of them restored ecclesial relationship with the Portuguese hierarchy (Syro-Malabar Catholic Church) and the rest formed themselves into an independent ecclesial community and gradually got into an ecclesial relationship with the ancient Church of the Antioch. Later, on 20 September 1930 a group headed by Archbishop Mar Ivanios lead the reunion movement and returned to the Catholic Church. The Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum was inaugurated on 11 May 1933 and Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios was installed as its first Metropolitan. To cope up with the tremendous growth of the church the Major Archeparchy of Trivandrum was ramified and a new Eparchy of Pathanamthitta was formed.[4]

Statistics

As of 2010 there were 100 parishes in the Diocese, served by 89 priests. The diocesan area is basically hilly in nature including a considerable number of tribal colonies. The Exarcate of the United States found its first bishop, Aboon Thomas Mar Eusebius from the Sacred Heart Malankara Catholic Church in Mylapra near Pathanamthitta.[5]

Curia members

Designation Name
Proto Syncellus (Chief Vicar General) Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jose Chamakalayil
Syncellus (Vicar General) Rev. Msgr. Joseph Kurumpileth
Chancellor Very Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Chediyath
Economus (Procurator) Very Rev. Fr.Joshy Vazhappilleth
Secretary Rev. Fr. Deny Pulivelil

The Heads of Various Apostolic Services

Designation Name
Rector, Minor Seminary Very Rev.Fr. Sleebadas Charivupurayidathil
Director, Catechism Rev.Fr. Robin Manackaleth
Spiritual Advisor, Malankara Catholic Association (MCA) Very Rev. Fr. Anto Kannamkulam
Director, MCYM Rev.Fr. Sebastian Kizhakkethil
Director, Family Apostolate Rev. Fr. Thomas Eettikalayil
Director, Bible Apostolate Rev.Fr. Zacharias Nediyakalayil
Correspondent, Aided Schools Rev.Fr. Augustine Pulimuttath
Correspondent, Unaided Schools Rev. Fr. Joseph Thundiyoozhathil
Director, Pious Association & Legion of Mary Very Rev.Fr. James Elanjickal
Spiritual Adviser, St.Vincent de Paul Society Very Rev.Fr. Mathew Puthuparambil
Director, Social Service Rev. Fr. Thomas Malancharuvil (Bobby)
Spiritual Advisor, Vincent De Paul Society Rev. Fr. Martin Puthenveedu
Public Relations' Officer Rev. Fr. Thomas Malancharuvil (Bobby)
Director, Labour Movement Rev. Fr. Abraham Meppurath (Jinse)
Director, Upasana Pastoral Centre Rev. Fr. Varghese Vilayil
Director, Holy Childhood/ Vocation Rev. Fr. Robin Thykkoottathil
Director, Dalith & MadyaNirodhana Movement Rev. Fr. Thomas Chirayath
In Charge of Alter Boys Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Puthuparambil

References

  1. 1 2 "Population Statistics"., Syro Malankara Church.
  2. 1 2 Ronald Roberson. "The Eastern Catholic Churches 2012" (PDF). Catholic Near East Welfare Association. Retrieved 18 November 2012. Information sourced from Annuario Pontificio 2012 edition.
  3. ↑ "St. Peter's Malankara Catholic Church,Pathanamthitta".
  4. ↑ "The History of the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta".
  5. ↑ "Sacred Heart Malankara Catholic Church, Mylapra".

[1]

  1. ↑ http://pathanamthittadiocese.com
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