Home » New Bishop for Jalandhar Diocese Takes Charge July 12

New Bishop for Jalandhar Diocese Takes Charge July 12

by TheReportingTimes

JALANDHAR, June 14: Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel, 63, will be officially ordained as the Bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar on July 12, stepping into a role burdened with the task of healing a fractured Catholic community still reeling from past controversies.

The diocese, which spans 18 districts across Punjab and parts of Himachal Pradesh, has been without a permanent bishop for nearly seven years. Bishop Agnelo Gracias has served as Apostolic Administrator during this prolonged vacancy. Bishop Jose’s appointment comes at a time when rebuilding trust and unity is a pressing concern.

His predecessor, Bishop Franco Mulakkal, was arrested in 2018 after being accused of raping a nun—a charge from which he was later acquitted. Yet, the episode left deep divisions among the clergy and shook the confidence of many believers.

“This position comes with loads of responsibilities, and I shall like to fulfil all of them,” Bishop Jose said, expressing readiness for the challenge. “It will take me just a month to resettle in my new position.”

With 34 years of experience in various ecclesiastical roles, Bishop Jose brings seasoned leadership to a diocese that includes 214 priests, 897 religious sisters, and 147 parishes. His priority will be to foster unity within the clergy and laity, reinvigorate spiritual life, and respond to social concerns such as drug addiction and unemployment.

Hamid Masih, President of the Punjab Christian Movement, noted that Bishop Jose’s appointment marks a hopeful turning point. “His vast pastoral experience is what the diocese needs to move forward after a period of uncertainty,” he said.

The Diocese of Jalandhar traces its roots to the 19th-century missionary efforts of Belgian Capuchins. Once part of the Diocese of Lahore—now in Pakistan—it became an Apostolic Prefecture in 1952, following the Partition of India. Pope Paul VI elevated it to a full diocese in 1971, appointing Bishop Symphorian Keeprath as its first leader. He was succeeded by Bishop Anil Couto in 2007, who later became Archbishop of Delhi.

As Bishop Jose prepares to step into this storied legacy, the expectations are high—but so is the hope for spiritual renewal.

 

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