Monsignor D. Selvarajan Dasan Ordained as Coadjutor Bishop of Neyyattinkara Diocese in Kerala

Neyyattinkara, Kerala, March 26, 2025 – Monsignor D. Selvarajan Dasan was ordained as the Coadjutor Bishop with the right of succession for the Diocese of Neyyattinkara in a solemn episcopal ceremony held at Neyyattinkara Municipal Stadium on March 25, 2025. The consecration was led by Bishop Vincent Samuel of Neyyattinkara, with Archbishop Dr. Thomas J. Netto of Trivandrum and Bishop Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan of Punalur serving as co-celebrants. Attended by over ten thousand faithful, clergy, and church dignitaries, the event marked a significant moment for the diocese. A 110-member choir, directed by Johnny Balaramapuram, enriched the ceremony with sacred music.

The ceremony began with an introduction to the sacraments, followed by a historical overview of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara and a biography of the bishop-designate. Bishop Vincent Samuel, accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Dr. Leopoldo Girelli, then escorted bishop-designate Selvarajan to the stage. Scriptural readings from Isaiah, Peter, and the Gospel of John set the spiritual tone for the ordination.

The Ordination Ritual

Following the Gospel proclamation, the ordination commenced with Rev. Dr. Jose Raphael, Chancellor of the Diocese of Boola, reading the Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis in Latin. This was then translated into Malayalam by Fr. Anuraj, Vice Chancellor of the Diocese. The congregation responded to the letters with prayers of gratitude.

Bishop Emeritus Dr. Stanley Roman of the Diocese of Kollam then delivered the Gospel sermon, emphasising that the lamp of faith lit by the missionaries remains the foundation of the diocese’s growth. He encouraged bishop-designate Selvarajan to nurture and strengthen this faith, reflecting the holiness of Christ and manifesting Jesus’ presence through his service.

Release of Willingness

Following the exhortation, bishop-designate Selvarajan stood before the presiding officer to perform the Release of Willingness, publicly affirming his commitment to preserving the faith and serving the Church. With the motto "To Serve with Compassion," he pledged his dedication to pastoral service. The presiding celebrant and co-celebrants then rose, with the presiding celebrant prostrating himself before the altar.

Laying of Hands and Consecration

Bishop-designate Selvarajan knelt before the presiding celebrant, who silently placed his hands on his head, followed by the other bishops. The choir then sang the hymn of the Holy Spirit.

The chief celebrant, Bishop Vincent Samuel, then proceeded with the final steps of the ordination. He anointed the head of the appointed bishop with the holy oil of consecration and recited the consecration prayer. Two assistant priests held the open Gospel above the bishop-designate’s head until the consecration prayer was completed.

Bishop Samuel then presented Bishop Selvarajan with the pastoral insignia—a ring, mitre, and staff—symbolising his new responsibilities.

The newly consecrated bishop then received the kiss of peace from Bishop Vincent Samuel and other bishops before presiding over the Holy Mass, during which he distributed communion to his family and the congregation.

Final Blessings and Conclusion

After intercessory prayers, a hymn by the choir resonated through the stadium as Bishop Selvarajan, accompanied by auxiliary priests, walked through the crowd, blessing them. He then delivered the closing blessing. The Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Dr. Leopoldo Girelli; CBCI President Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath; and Auxiliary Bishop Mathews Mar Polycarps of the Syro-Malankara Major Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram also imparted messages of blessing to the congregation.

Bishop Dr. D. Selvarajan then expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the ceremony, while Neyyattinkara Diocese Vicar General Monsignor Vincent K. Peter delivered the formal vote of thanks.

Attended by around thirty bishops, religious leaders, and political dignitaries, the event concluded with a closing hymn, marking a historic transition for the Diocese of Neyyattinkara.

By Catholic Connect Reporter