TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Your Eminence, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

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. James Raphael Anaparambil, of the clergy of Alleppey, as new Coadjutor Bishop of Alleppey.

This provision was made public in Rome on Thursday, 7th December, 2017, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. James Anaparambil was born in Chellanam, Diocese of Alleppey, on 7th March, 1962. He completed his Seminary studies at the Major Seminary, Alwaye, and studied Biblical Theology in Rome at the Pontifical Urbanian University, where he obtained a Doctorate. He also holds a Masters in Judaism from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Alleppey on 17th December, 1986. He served the Diocese in the following ministries: Chaplain, St. Thomas Parish, Thumply (1986-1987); Prefect and Procurator, Sacred Heart Minor Seminary, Maithara, Alleppey (1989-1993); Diocesan Director of Vocations Centre (1989-1993); Professor of Biblical Theology and Hebrew, St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri (1998-2013); President of the Faculty of Theology & Philosophy, Alwaye (2003-2006); Rector, St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri (2009-2012); Vicar General for Clergy, Religious and Seminarians, Alleppey (2014-2016). Presently, he is in charge of the revision of the Malayalam translation of the Bible at Pastoral Orientation Centre, Ernakulam. He was also member of the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Alleppey.

We earnestly send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect James Raphael Anaparambil and assure him of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

 Secretary General, CBCI