Bishop Antony Swamy Savarimuthu Installed as New Archbishop of Madurai Archdiocese

Madurai, August 4, 2025: Bishop Antony Swamy Savarimuthu was formally installed as the seventh Archbishop of the Madurai Archdiocese in a solemn liturgical celebration held at St. Britto Higher Secondary School in Gnanaolivupuram, Madurai, on Saturday, 2 August.

The installation ceremony was presided over by Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, and attended by several bishops, priests, religious, and hundreds of lay faithful. During the ceremony, Fr. Angel, Chancellor of the Madurai Archdiocese, read out Pope Francis’ official letter announcing Bishop Antony Swamy Savarimuthu’s appointment as Archbishop.

Archbishop Girelli, representing the Holy Father, handed over the responsibilities of the archdiocese to the newly appointed Archbishop, who was warmly welcomed by his predecessor and the Christian community of Madurai.

Prior to his appointment, Bishop Antony Swamy served as the Bishop of Palayamkottai. The Archdiocese of Madurai, established in 1938, oversees the suffragan dioceses of Sivagangai, Tiruchirapalli, Dindigul, Thoothukudi, Palayamkottai, and Kottar—all of which work together in the mission of the Catholic Church in Tamil Nadu.

The event was marked by the singing of hymns and drew thousands of Christians from across the region. Dignitaries present included Tiruchi East MLA Inigo Irudhayaraj, Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan, BJP State President Nainar Nagendran, and bishops from across the state.

By Catholic Connect Reporter