ASIA/INDIA - The Pope accepts resignation of Bishop of Vijayapuram and appoints Successor

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on May 8 accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Vijayapuram (India), presented by Bishop Peter Thuruthikonam, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1. The Holy Father appointed Bishop of Vijayapuram (India) Rev. Mgr Sebastian Thekethecheril until now vicar general of the same diocese.
Bishop elect Sebastian Thekethecheril was born on 30 July1954 at Aapadanad, parish of Vanavathukara diocese of Vijayapuram. After attending Vijayapuram minor seminary has completed his studies at the Pontifical Seminary Alwaye. He was ordained a priest on 18 December 1980 for the diocese of Vijayapuram. He has since ministered as follows: 1981-1982: bishop’s secretary; 1983-1985: assistant priest at Mary Mount Parish, parish priest at St. Mary's Church; 1985-1989: studies at Urban University in Rome for a doctorate in Canon Law; 1990-1999: chancellor and director of Vijayapuram Social Service Society; 1999-2005: vicar general responsible for St. Anthony's Church.
The diocese of Vijayapuram (India) was created in 1930, it is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Verapoly. It has an area of 9,000 sq. km, a population of 3,584,506 including 82,930 Catholics of Latin Rite gathered in 74 parishes and assisted by 127 priests (94 diocesan and 33 religious), 16 Brothers, 470 Sisters. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 9/5/2006; Righe 18; Parole 226)