In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Athanasius Rethna Swamy S., of the clergy of Ahmedabad, as the new Bishop of Ahmedabad.
This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Monday, 29th January, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.
Rev. Fr. Athanasius Rethna Swamy S. was born on 10th February, 1961, at Parampukkarai in the Diocese of Kottar, Tamilnadu. After his primary school, he joined the “Mission Home” at Nagercoil. In 1977, he entered the Minor Seminary in Madurai, then he joined St. Charles Seminary, Nagpur for his philosophical (1979-1982) and theological studies (1985-1989). He was ordained Priest on 29th March, 1989, for the Diocese of Ahmedabad. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a Licentiate in Clinical Psychology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (1994-1998). After the ordination, he served the Diocese in the following ministries: Assistant Priest at Sananad (1989-1991); Rector, St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Ahmedabad (1991-1993); Principal, St. Xavier’s High School, Chavdapura (1993-1994). From 1994 to 1998 he did his studies in Rome. On his return he was appointed Rector of Shradha Interdiocesan Seminary, Ahmedabad (1998-2002); Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Ahmedabad and Spiritual Director at Gujarat Vidya Deep Seminary, Baroda (2002-2012). From 2012 till date, he is Rector of the Major Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Vianney Vihar, Professor and Spiritual Director at Gujarat Vidya Deep, Spiritual Director at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Ahmedabad. He was a member of the College of Consultors and Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Ahmedabad.
We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Athanasius Rethna Swamy, welcome him to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and assure him of our prayers.
Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,
Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX
Secretary General, CBCI