His Excellency, Rt. Rev. Joseph Karikkasery - Bishop of Kottapuram Diocese

His Excellency, Rt. Rev. Joseph Karikkasery appointed as the new Bishop of Kottapuram. His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Francis Kallarackal read the Papel Message at 4.30pm on today 18thDec2010 at Archbishops House, Archdiocese of Verapoly.

About His Excellency, Rt. Rev. Joseph Karikkassery 

His Excellency, Rt. Rev. Joseph Karikkassery, is serving as the Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Verapoly. Rt. Rev. Joseph Karikkassery assumed the office of the Archdiocesan Administrator on October 26, 2009 at the demise of Archbishop Dr. Daniel Acharuparambil. He was born of Karikkassery Francis and Agnes on February 13th, 1946, at Karthedom, a traditional parish in the island of Vypin.

On May 31st, 1960 he joined the Minor Seminary at Ernakulam. Later, having completed the philosophical studies of three years at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Aluva, he started with theological studies at Mangalapuzha.

On December 19, 1973 he was ordained priest.

He served as assistant parish priest at Kottapuram and at Our Lady of Fatima   Church, Elamkulam for three years and five years respectively. Then he was appointed the director of Holy Angel Institute, Kalamassery. He rendered his service as parish priest of Perumanoor, Palarivattom, Chathiyath, Cheranellor and Kuttikattukara. He has been also Vice Rector of St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, where he completed his philosophical studies. In March 2002 he was made the Rector of the Minor Seminary, Kalamassery.

On February 1, 2006 he assumed the office of the Vicar General of Archdiocese of Verapoly.

He was nominated the Auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of Verapoly and titular Bishop of Buxentum (Capo della Foresta) by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on November 25th, 2006.

The Episcopal ordination took place at National Shrine – Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam on December 28, 2006. The most Rev. Dr. Daniel Acharuparambil, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Verapoly was the Chief-Celebrant. The Most Rev. Dr. M. Soosa Pakiam, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum and Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis Kallarakal, the Bishop of Kottapuram were the main Co-Celebrants.