ASIA/INDIA - Appointment of bishop of Kuzhithurai

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) -The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Albert George Alexander Anastas, of the clergy of the diocese of Kottar, until now professor at Saint Paul’s Seminary, diocese of Tiruchirappalli, as bishop of Kuzhithurai, India.
Msgr. Albert George Alexander Anastas was born on 16 December 1966 in Manavilai, in the diocese of Kottar, Tamil Nadu. He studied philosophy at Christ Hall Seminary, Arul Anandar College, Karumathur, Madurai, and theology at Saint Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli.
He was ordained a priest on 26 April 1992 for the diocese of Kottar.
After ordination, he held the roles of parish coadjutor in Mulagumoodu (1992-1993); parish administrator of K.P.Thurai (1993-1994); prefect of studies at Saint Aloysius Minor Seminary, Nagercoil (1994-1995); animator of the Christ Hall Seminary, Karumatur, Madurai (1995-1998); and parish priest of Saint Michael Shrine, Rajavoor (1998-2000). He was awarded a licentiate and a doctorate in theology from the Catholic University in Louvain, Belgium (2000-2007) and went on to serve as parish coadjutor, Kurusady (2007-2008); secretary of the Christian Life Commission (Commissions for Catechism, Liturgy and Bible) (2007-2012); parish priest of Punnainagar (2008-2014); director of the Rural Motivation Programme (Diocesan Social Service Society) of Kottar (2013-2016); vicar forane of the vicariate of Kottar (2014-2016); member of the College of Consultors (2014-2016); since 2016, professor at Saint Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli; since 2017, seminary librarian. (Agenzia Fides, 13/1/2024)