KOCHI: The synod of bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, being held at Kakkanad Mount St Thomas since January 9, elected Fr Thomas Tharayil (Tomy) as auxiliary bishop of the Changanassery archdiocese on Saturday.
The announcement was made simultaneously at Mount St Thomas, headquarters of the Church, at 4.30 pm and Vatican at 12 noon (corresponding time).
The appointment order was read out by Major Archiepiscopal Chancellor Fr Antony Kollannur. Syro-Malabar
Church head Mar George Cardinal Alencherry handed over the order to Fr Thomas.
Archbishop of Changnanassery Mar Joseph Perumthottam presented the bishop-elect with the insignia of episcopacy, while Archbishop Emeritus of Changanassery Joseph Powathil felicitated him with a bouquet.
All the bishops attending the synod were present at the function. Earlier, the bishop- elect had been serving as director of the Danahalaya Institute of Formation at Punnapra, Alappuzha.
A holder of Doctorate in Psychology from the Gregorian University, Rome, the bishop-elect is a well-known retreat preacher and psychologist. He has taught at various major seminaries and institutes, and has written books and articles on Psychology. He is proficient in English, German, Italian and Spanish.
His previous pastoral assignments include Assistant Parish Priest at Athirampuzha, Nedumkunnam and Edathua; and Vicar Administrator at the Thazhathu Vadakara parish.
Born on February 2, 1972, as the youngest of the seven children of the Late T J Joseph and Mariamma, Fr Thomas Tharayil belongs to St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral Church, Changnanassery. He had his primary school education at St Joseph’s LP School, Changanassery, and high school education at Sacred Heart English Medium School there.
After completing Pre-Degree Course at SB College, Changanassery, he joined St Thomas Minor Seminary, Kurichy. He did philosophical and theological studies at St Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, and was ordained priest on January 1, 2000, by Archbishop Joseph Powathil. The date of the episcopal ordination will be decided later.