Kochi: Joseph Kalathiparambil has been ordained as the sixth metropolitan major archbishop of Varapuzha archdiocese in a traditional ceremony held at the Vallarpadam Basilica Church in Kochi on Sunday. The outgoing metropolitan archbishop Francis Kallarackal led the Holy Mass and other rituals connected with the induction of Joseph Kalathiparambil. Thousands thronged the Basilica Church on Sunday afternoon to witness the ceremony attended by heads of all other major Christian Churches in the state.
The metropolitan archbishop designate Joseph Kalathiparambil and other dignitaries were received at the gates of the basilica church by dignitaries led by Msgr Joseph Thannikkot at 3 PM. The Holy Mass started when the designate entered the dais accompanied by 100 children along with the outgoing metropolitan archbishop. In his introductory remarks, Francis Kallarackkal spoke about the circumstances of the appointment of Joseph Kalthiaprambil. “The God has entrusted him for to lead the archdiocese to the path of growth and development. He deserves the collective prayer in his endeavour”, he said.
The proclamation of Pope Francis appointing him as metropolitan archbishop was read by Rev. Msgr. Henryk Jagodzinski, the first councilor of Vatican to India. The Malayalam translation of the Latin text was read out by Fr. Vargheese Valiyaparmabil, the chancellor of archdiocese. The metropolitan archbishop designate has been led to the ceremonial chair by the Francis Kallarackal, who led the Holy Mass and other rituals. Cardinal Mar Cleemis, Archbishop Soosa Pakiam and several others felicitated Joseph Kalathiparambil. A message from President Pranab Mukherji was read out during the ceremony.
