ASIA/INDIA - The Pope accepts resignation of the Bishop of Varanasi and appoints successor

Saturday, 24 February 2007

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on 24 February 2007 accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Varanasi (India), presented by Bishop Patrick Paul D’Souza, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1. The Holy Father appointed as the new Bishop of Varanasi (India), Rev. Raphy Manjaly until now parish priest at the cathedral of Agra.
The Bishop elect was born on 7 February 1958 in Vendere, diocese of Trichur. He went to Thiagaraja High School, Trichur, up to tenth grade Kerala Board of Education. He attended St. Lawrence Minor Seminary in Agra, while taking an intermediate course Uttar Pradesh Board, and then studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary in Allahabad. He was ordained a priest on 11 May 1983 for the diocese of Trichur of Syro-Malabar Rite and was then moved to the archdiocese of Agra. He has ministered as follows: 1983-1984: head of St. Francis Xavier Mission, Etawah; 1984-1990: rector of St. Lawrence Minor Seminary, Agra; 1990-1996: Studies for a doctorate in spiritual theology at the Angelicum College in Rome; 1996-1997: rector of St. Dominic’s Secondary School, Mathura; 1997-1998: professor at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Allahabad; 1998-1999: vice rector at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Allahabad; 1999-2005: rector at St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Allahabad. Since July 2005: parish priest at Immaculate Conception Cathedral Agra and director of the Pastoral Centre.
The diocese of Varanasi suffragan of the archdiocese of Agra was created in 1970. It has an area of 21,418sq km and a population of 1,044,428 including 16,595 Catholics gathered in 36 parishes assisted by 202 priests (78 diocesan and 124 religious) 449 Sisters and there are 55 seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 24/2/2007; Righe 22; Parole 292)


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