Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel takes helm of Jalandhar Diocese

Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel, 63, is set to be formally ordained as the new Bishop of Diocese of Jullundur on July 12. He faces significant challenges, including restoring the faith of the Catholic community in the diocese, which was shaken by the controversy surrounding his predecessor, Bishop Franco Mulakkal.

Mulakkal was accused of rape by a nun and arrested in September 2018, although he was later acquitted. The incident left a lasting impact on the community, causing divisions among the clergy. Bishop Jose’s primary task will be to unite the community and revitalise the diocese’s spiritual and social activities.

The diocese comprises 214 priests, 897 religious sisters, and 147 parishes, spread across 18 districts in Punjab and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Hamid Masih, President of the Punjab Christian Movement, noted that Bishop Jose’s 34 years of experience in various roles will be invaluable in addressing the community’s needs.

The diocese has been without a permanent bishop for nearly seven years, during which time Bishop Agnelo Gracias served as Apostolic Administrator. The new bishop will need to work tirelessly to strengthen the faith and unity of the community, promote welfare activities, and address pressing issues like drug addiction and unemployment.

Bishop Jose expressed his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities, saying, “It will take me just a month to resettle in my new position. This position comes with loads of responsibilities, and I shall like to fulfil all of them.” As he begins his new role, he can draw inspiration from the rich history of the diocese, which dates back to the 19th century when Belgian Capuchin missionaries first arrived in the region.

The diocese has a long tradition of missionary work, dating back to the 19th century when Belgian Capuchin missionaries first arrived in the region. Jalandhar was part of Diocese of Lahore, now in Pakistan, under Belgian Capuchin missionaries. After the Partition in 1947, Pope Pius XII erected Apostolic Prefecture of Jalandhar in 1952. Pope Paul VI elevated it as a diocese in 1971 and appointed Bishop Symphorian Keeprath as its first bishop. He was succeeded by Bishop Anil Couto in 2007, who served until his transfer as archbishop to Delhi in 2012.

Punjab