ASIA/INDIA - Resignation of the Bishop of Balasore and appointment of successor

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father, on December 9, 2013, accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Balasore (India ), by His Exc. Mgr. Thomas Thiruthalil, C.M., in accordance with canon 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law. The Holy Father appointed Fr. Rev. Simon Kaipuram, C.M., Dean and Professor of Aquinas College in Gopalpur, in the Diocese of Berhampur as Bishop of the Diocese of Balasore (India).
Rev. Fr. Simon Kaipuram, C.M., was born on February 9, 1954, in Thanneermukkom, diocese of Kottayam, Kerala. He studied Philosophy at Aquinas College in Gopalpur (Diocese of Berhampur), as a novice in the Congregation of the Mission and Theology at the Pontifical University of Pune.
He was ordained a priest on 20 December 1980 by the Congregation of the Mission. After ordination he has held the following positions: 1981-1982: Assistant priest in Aligond, Diocese of Berhampur; 1982-1983: Parish Vicar in Mohana, Diocese of Berhampur; 1983-1985: Studies for the Licentiate at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome; 1985-1990: Formator and Professor at Aquinas College, Gopalpur; 1990-1993: Studies for a Doctorate at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome; 1993-1999: Rector of Vidya Sadan Theology House, Pune; 1999-2007: Formator, Professor and Dean of Studies at Aquinas College; 2007-2011: Formator at the Vincentian minor Seminary in Baripada, Diocese of Balasore; since 2011: Dean and Professor at Aquinas College, Diocesan Consultant and Assistant Provincial and appreciated Visiting Professor in various Theological Seminaries and Institutes in India. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2013)