KOCHI: Fr Stephen Chirappanath was appointed the new procurator of the SyroMalabar Church in Rome. He was appointed on March 29 by Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil who passed away on April 1.
The Oriental Congregation had informed the Major Archbishop of the assent from the Pope in the matter. The new procurator had taken oath of office and secrecy before the Major Archbishop in the presence of Chancellor, Fr Antony Kollannur, at the Major Archbishop's House, Ernakulam, on March 30. The Major Archbishop had signed the document and blessed Fr Chirappanath. Fr Chirappanath took charge on April 1. The appointment is for a period of three years. Besides his office as the procurator, he will also take care of the SyroMalabar Community in Rome.
The appointment of Fr Chirappanath was made following the expiry of the term of office of former procurator Cherian Kanjirakompil who served the office for more than three years.