Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Today the Holy Father has appointed the rev. Athanasius Rethna Swamy Swamiadian, of the clergy of Ahmedabad, currently Rector of the Interdiocesan Major Seminary Vianney Vihar, in Baroda, as Bishop of Ahmedabad (India).
The Rev. Athanasius Rethna Swamy Swamiadian was born on 10 February 1961 in Parampukkarai, Diocese of Kottar, in the State of Tamilnadu. He studied at the St. Charles Major Seminary in Nagpur. He obtained a Licentiate in Clinical Psychology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
He was ordained a priest on March 29, 1989 for the clergy of the Diocese of Ahmedabad.
Since his priestly ordination he has held the following positions: 1989-1991: Parish vicar in Sanand; 1991-1993: Rector of the St. Joseph Minor Seminary, Ahmedabad; 1993-1994: Dean of St. Xavier's High School, Chavdapura; 1994-1998: Studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome; 1998-2002: Rector of the Shradha Interdiocesan Seminary, Ahmedabad; 2002-2012: Rector of the St. Joseph Minor Seminary in Ahmedabad and spiritual director at the Gujarat Vidya Deep Seminary, Baroda; since 2012: Rector of the Vianney Vihar Interdiocesan Major Seminary, Baroda, Lecturer and Spiritual Director in Gujarat Vidya Deep, Baroda, and Spiritual Director in St. Joseph's Minor Seminary, Ahmedabad, Member of the Presbyteral Council and Consultor of the Diocese of Ahmedabad. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 29/1/2018)
