Auxiliary Bishop Verapoly Ordained in a Profoundly Spiritual Environment

Kochi, June 30, 2024: In a deeply spiritual and joyous ceremony, Msgr. Antony Valumkal was ordained as the new Auxiliary Bishop of Verapoly on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Rosary Campus in front of the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadom in Kochi. The episcopal ordination, attended by thousands of faithful, was a moment of great jubilation and grace. 

Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of Verapoly was the principal consecrator, assisted by Archbishop Francis Kallarackal, Archbishop Emeritus of Verapoly, and Bishop Joseph Karikkassery, Bishop Emeritus of Kottapuram.

Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal, Bishop of Calicut and President of the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Bishops' Council, delivered the homily, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.

Following the ordination ceremony, felicitations were extended to the newly ordained auxiliary bishop. The dignitaries, including Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro Malabar Church Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Church, and Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI, delivered heartfelt congratulations. Additionally, Msgr. Juan Pablo Cerrillos Hernandez, Counsellor from the Apostolic Nunciature, read a special message from Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli.

Abp. Thomas Netto of Trivandrum, Abp. Joseph Perumthottam of Changanacherry, Abp. Joseph Pamplaniyil of Thalasseri, Abp. Soosai Pakiam Archbishop Emeritus of Trivandrum, Bp. Vincent Samuel of Neyyattinkara, Bp. Paul Antony Mullassery of Quilon, Bp. Sebastian Thekethecheril of Vijayapuram, Bp. Ambrose Puthenveettil of Kottapuram, Bp. Alex Vadakumthala of Kannur, Bp. Peter Abir of Sultanpet, Bp. Joseph Kariyil, Bishop Emeritus of Cochin, Bp. James Anaparambil of Alleppey, Bp. Justin Madathikandathil auxiliary Bishop of Vijayapuram, Bp. Bosco Puthur, Apostolic Administrator of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Bp. Pauly Kannookadan of Irinjalakuda, Bp. John Nellikunnel of Idukki, Bp. Thomas Chakkiath, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Bp. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius of Muvattupuzha, Bp. Josph Mar Thomas of Bathery, Bp. Abraham Mar Julios, Bishop Emeritus of Muvattupuzha were concelebrated.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) was represented by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General and Rev. Dr. Charles Leon, Secretary to the CCBI Commission for VSCR.

Bishop Antony Valumkal, (55), was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly by Pope Francis on May 11, 2024. Born on July 26, 1969, in Eroor, Archdiocese of Verapoly, he was ordained a priest on April 11, 1994. He has served as Rector and Parish Priest of the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadom, Kochi, since his appointment.

This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the Archdiocese of Verapoly and the faithful who gathered to witness the ordination of their new Auxiliary Bishop.

By Joicy Pinto