Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)
Puttur, Aug 7: Through an order, Pope Francis has appointed Dr George Kalayil as the new Bishop of Puttur diocese, Syro-Malankara Catholic church.
The order was issued by the Pope at St Peters Basilica on Saturday August 5. Simultaneously, Archbishop of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, head of Thiruvananthapuram made an announcement of this order at Thiruvananthapuram, while chancellor of Puttur Diocese, Fr Philip Nellivila, made this announcement at Pro Cathedral, Noojibalthila.
After the retirement of Dr Geevarghese Mar Divanasios, who was the BIshop of Puttur Diocese covering nine revenue districts since the last seven years, Dr George Kalayil was officiating as administrative officer of the Diocese.
The coronation of the new Bishop will take place on September 21 at Adur Pattanamthitta, Kerala. The Bishop will ascend the throne at Prof Cathedral, Noojibalthila at a ceremony being held on September 30.
Dr Kalayil had been ordained into religious service for Bathery diocese in 1986 by Fr Cyril Baselios Catholicos. In 1994, he secured his doctorate in theology from Gregorian University, Rome. He served as priest and professor at various places before becoming vicar general of Puttur diocese. A release stated that the new Bishop, who will arrive at St Mary's Pro Cathedral, Noojibalthila at 3 pm on August 8 will be given a grand welcome.