ASIA/SRI LANKA - Auxiliary Bishop of Trincomalee-Batticaloa nominated

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on February 19, 2008, nominated Fr.Joseph Ponniah, Vicar General of the same diocese, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Trincomalee-Batticaloa, naming him titular bishop of Monte de Mauritania.
The new Bishop was born October 12, 1952 in Thannamunai, Batticaloa. Following primary schooling in St. Joseph’s School, in his hometown, and later in St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary and St. Joseph’s College in Trincomalee, he studied philosophy at St. Paul Seminary in Thiruchirapally, India and theology in the National Seminary of Poona, India. He was ordained a priest on April 30, 1980 for the diocese of Trincomalee-Batticaloa. Since then, he has ministered as follows: 1980-1982: pastor of St. Mary’s Co-Cathedral, Batticaloa; 1982-1987: pastor of Vaharai; 1987-1990: pastor of Veechchu Kalmunai; 1990-1991: pastor of Ayhiyamalai; 1991-1993: studies for the Licentiate in Biblical Theology in the Pontifical University Urbaniana; 1993-1996: Rector of the Minor Seminary in Batticaloa: 1996-2001: Professor of Sacred Scripture and Moderator in the National Major Seminary of Ampitiya, Kandy; 2001-2006: pastor of Thandavanveli; since 2001: member of the College of Consultants and member of the Administrative Council; since 2006: Vicar General of the Diocese of Trincomalee-Batticaloa. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 19/2/2008; righe 18; parole 194)