KOCHI: Amidst solemn prayers, Bishop Joseph Kariyil was installed the 35th bishop of the Diocese of Kochi.
Archbishop of Verapoly Daniel Acharuparambil installed Bishop Kariyil during the Holy Mass at Santa Cruz Cathedral on Sunday.
Before the installation of the new bishop, the decree issued by Pope Benedict XVI appointing Bishop Kariyil to Kochi, was read out in Latin and Malayalam. After this Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil seated him on the throne handed with the sceptre, as a symbol of assuming charge of the diocese.
Bishop Kariyil, who was heading the Punalur Diocese, was appointed to Kochi after Bishop John Thattunkal was suspended by Vatican following the adoption controversy.
Bishop Thattunkal had later submitted his resignation which was accepted by Vatican. Born to Kariyil Kunjuvareethu and Anna of Arthunkal on January 11, 1949, he joined the Mount Carmel Seminary, Fort Kochi, after completing school education. He also studied at St Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary and was ordained priest in 1973.
A doctorate holder in moral theology, he was appointed the Bishop of Punaloor in 2005. He has also served in the parishes under the Kochi Diocese and was the editor of Thalenth Magazine. He was the deputy secretary of Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council for eight years.
Earlier, Bishop Kariyil was given a warm welcome at the entrance of the Church. Kochi Diocese vicargeneral Fr Antony Thachara, V K Ebrahim Kunju MLA and Kochi Mayor Mercy Williams welcomed Bishop Kariyil.
The installation ceremony was followed by a felicitation meeting which was presided over by Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil. Fr Antony Thachara, Kochi Diocese chancellor Fr Augustine Nellikkaveli spoke.