Vaduthala to Rome to Kochi: Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil

KOCHI: Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil, who takes the place of Dr Francis Kallarackal as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, has been in Rome for the past five years in the service of refugees and expats, heading the pontifical commission as its secretary. Born as the second son of Kalathiparambil Avirachan and Thresia at Vaduthala, Kochi, on October 6, 1952, he joined Ernakulam Minor Seminary in 1965. He did philosophical studies at St Paul’s Major Seminary at Trichy and theological studies at St Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary at Aluva.

Joseph Kalathiparambil was ordained priest on March 13, 1978 by the late Archbishop Dr Joseph Kelanthara and his episcopal ordination as bishop of Calicut by Dr Daniel Acharuparambil on February 19, 2002 at Cathedral Church, Kozhikode. He has been the secretary of Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People in Rome since 2011. He also did his doctorate in Canon Law from St Paul’s College, Rome.

The services rendered by him include as assistant vicar, St Francis Assissi Cathedral, Ernakulam; vice-rector, St Paul’s College, Rome; Chancellor, Archdiocese of Verapoly; manager, St Paul’s College, Kalamassery; vicar-general, Archdiocese of Verapoly and Bishop of Calicut from 2002. Bishop Kalathiparambil is expected to reach Kochi from Rome next month and his ordination will take place in December. Dr Kallarackal said that the preparations for the ordination will take place after the bishop reaches Kochi. Mary, Tresa, George, Jude and Anson are his siblings.

Kallarackal: Man who gave more role to laity

The outgoing Archbishop of Verapoly Dr Francis Kallarackal is known for giving more participation for the laity in the Church. Dr. Kallarackal was appointed Archbishop by Pope Benedict XVI on February 20, 2010 and he assumed office on April 11. Kallarackal entered St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Aluva, for pursuing studies in philosophy after completing pre-degree from St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam.

He completed his theology course from Propaganda College, Rome, and was ordained priest in 1968. He holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome, and post- graduation in social psychology from Fairfield University, US. From 1978 to 1986, he served as the social action director of the Archdiocese. In 1987, as the diocese of Kottapuram was created through the bifurcation of the archdiocese of Verapoly, he became the first bishop of Kottapuram. As Archbishop of Verapoly, Dr Kallarakal called a diocesan synod in Verpaoly and a diocesan synod at Kottapuram while he was serving as the Bishop of Kottapuram. The Verapoly synod proposed major reforms in the Church.

A release from the Archdiocese of Verapoly on Monday said that Dr Kallarackal was retained as the apostolic administrator to ensure the smooth administration of the archdiocese and service of the laity. It added that the apostolic administrator was being appointed with all the powers of the archbishop. In a speech at a function here on Monday, Dr Kallarackal thanked all for their co-operation for the past 30 years and added that he will take up any assignment given by the Church in future and deliver his duties with utmost devotion.