Kochi: Francis Kallarakal was on Sunday installed
as Metropolitan Archbishop of Verapoly with canonical
solemnities and rituals officiated by Telesphore Placidus
Cardinal Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi.
The two hour ceremony comprised installation and
concelebrated Pontifical Holy Mass and felicitation began at
1600 hrs here.
After the introductory rites and remarks, the Papal Bull,
the official appointment letter from Rome was read. Then the
Chief Celebrant led the Archbishop to the archi-episcopal
throne and handed over the crosier (the Pastor’s rod)
symbolizing his authority as Teacher and Shepherd.
Soosa M. Pakiam,Metropolitan Archbishop of
Thiruvananthapuram delivered the homily.
Syro-Malankara Major Archbishop Baselios Mar Cleemis
Catholicos and auxiliary Bishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly
Archdiocese, Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, representing
Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil,
felicitated the new Archbishop. Papal delegate and
Secretary-in-charge of the Apostolic Nunciature in India,
Msgr.Chiubuike Onyeaghala also participated.
The Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Verapoly became
vacant when its former Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil
died on October 26, 2009.
Archbishop Kallarakal, born on October 10, 1941 at
Kottapuram near here, is the 24th Ecclesiastical Leader of
Verapoly.
Archbishop Kallarakal was born to late Joseph and Brijith
Kallarakal. He joined St. Joseph?s Minor Seminary, Ernakulam
in 1956. After completing pre-degree course from St. Albert?s
College Ernakulam, he joined St. Joseph?s Pontifical Seminary,
Carmelgiri, Aluva for pursuing studies in philosophy.
He completed his theology course from Urbaniana Propaganda
College in Rome and was ordained priest on 29th Jun 1968 for
the Archdiocese of Verapoly.
PTI
