Sultanpet Diocese Opens New Chapter with Blessing of Pastoral Centre and Seminary

Palakkad, 15 May 2026: The Diocese of Sultanpet witnessed a historic and grace-filled moment with the blessing and inauguration of its new Pastoral Centre, Navajyothi Bhavan, and Diocesan Seminary, Sahodhara Bhavan, at Kanjikode in Palakkad on Friday, 15 May 2026.

The celebrations marked a significant milestone in the life and mission of the young diocese, reflecting its steady growth, pastoral vision and commitment to forming future generations in faith and service under the leadership of Bishop Peter Abir Antonysamy.

His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão blessed and inaugurated Navajyothi Bhavan, describing the new centre as a beacon of hope and renewal for the Church’s mission. Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal blessed and inaugurated Sahodhara Bhavan, the new diocesan seminary dedicated to the formation of future priests rooted in fraternity, prayer and pastoral charity.

The blessing ceremonies were followed by a solemn thanksgiving Holy Eucharist attended by thousands of faithful, including priests, religious and lay faithful from the Diocese of Sultanpet and neighbouring dioceses. Members of the Syro Malabar Church, especially from the Diocese of Palakkad, also joined the celebrations in a spirit of communion and joy.

Cardinal Ferrão was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass. The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, Archbishop Thomas Netto, Bishop Mar Peter Kochupurackal, Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan, Bishop James Anaparambil, Bishop Selvarajan Dasan, Bishop Ambrose Puthenveettil, Bishop Vincent Samuel, Bishop Justin Madathiparambil, Bishop Antony Valunkal Bishop Stephen Fernandes and Bishop Dennis Kuruppassery.

Representing the CCBI at the national level were Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, and Rev. Dr. Patrick Mathias, S.D.B., Secretary to the Commission for Bible.

The felicitation meeting reflected the unity and shared mission of the Church. Msgr. Maria Joseph, Vicar General of the Diocese of Sultanpet, welcomed the gathering. Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, Archbishop Thomas Netto, Bishop Mar Peter Kochupurackal, Shri V. K. Sreekandan, Member of Parliament from Palakkad, Shri A. Prabhakaran, MLA of Malampuzha, and Bishop Peter Abir Antonysamy addressed the gathering and appreciated the remarkable growth of the diocese and the visionary leadership behind the new initiatives. Fr. Vijeesh P. Dennis, diocesan PRO, proposed the vote of thanks.

A special highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the diocesan souvenir by Cardinal Ferrão. The publication captures the inspiring journey of the Diocese of Sultanpet over the past 13 years under the leadership of Bishop Peter Abir Antonysamy.

The occasion also witnessed the release of the Guidelines for Conducting Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in parishes by Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for BECs. The initiative reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to building vibrant, prayerful and mission-oriented Christian communities rooted in faith, fellowship and service.

By Catholic Connect Reporter.