Diocese of Jalandhar

The Diocese of Jalandhar began as an Apostolic Prefecture in 1952 under the British Capuchins, led by Msgr. Alban Swarbrick, OFM Cap., who rebuilt the Church in Punjab after Partition. It was elevated to a diocese in 1971 with Bishop Symphorian Keeprath, whose long leadership saw steady growth. Successive bishops—Bishop Anil Couto and Bishop Franco Mulakkal—continued its development, and after a period under Apostolic Administration, Pope Leo XIV appointed Msgr. Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel as the fourth Bishop in 2025. Guided by his motto “Speaking the Truth in Love,” the diocese continues its mission of faith, service, and evangelization in northern India.