Thamarassery Diocese honours late bishop’s lasting legacy  

THAMARASSERY, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The Syro Malabar Diocese of Thamarassery is marking six years since Bishop Paul Chittilapilly’s death, honouring a legacy that “continues to experience the fruits of those thirteen years of dynamic and blessed ministry.” 

In an official circular, successor Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil urged Catholics to “pray for the eternal repose of the soul of this good shepherd, who faithfully led the Diocese of Thamarassery through loving service, and let us gratefully commemorate His Excellency’s self-dedication”. 

Arriving as a shepherd in an “unfamiliar land,” Bishop Chittilapilly served for 13 years, navigating “adverse circumstances through divine grace” while taking to heart the “pain and anxieties of the people of the hill country,” he said. 

Bishop Inchananiyil highlighted that the present development of the church stems directly from his legacy. “We owe a deep debt of gratitude to our beloved Bishop Chittilapilly for the present growth of the diocese and the expansion of its pastoral administrative structures,” he stated. 

Described as embodying an “uncompromising life of faith, unadulterated hard work, decisions inspired by the Holy Spirit, and a love and care that held everyone close to his heart,” he became a familiar presence to local families “through tireless pastoral visits and gentle words of love.” 

Official memorial services have been scheduled to take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Thamarassery, on Sept. 7 at 10:30 a.m., commencing with Mass. Priests, sisters, and parish representatives have been asked to attend the ceremonies, while individual parishes conduct local prayers on or near Sept. 6. 

Bishop Inchananiyil called on the community to “pledge to manifest in our lives the vision of faith and human values imparted by His Excellency” as they pay homage to his memory. 

Bishop Chittilapilly, who led the dioceses of Kalyan and Thamarassery, died Sept. 6, 2020 at age 86. Ordained in 1961 for Trichur Diocese, he was a priest for 58 years and bishop for 32,. 

In 1978, he was sent to oversee pastoral care for Syro Malabar Catholics in Mumbai. He was chosen to head the Kalyan diocese following Pope John Paul II’s historic 1987 decision to resolve centuries-long inter-rite rivalries in India. The move created the Syro Malabar diocese within Latin-rite territories, addressing claims that Eastern-rite Catholics were spiritually neglected. 

After eight years in Kalyan, Bishop Chittilapilly became the third prelate of Thamarassery in 1996, where he endeared himself to parishioners through house visits during pastoral tours. He retired in 2010 after also serving as chairman of the Family Commission for the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council. 

Full statement available: original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.

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Thamarassery Diocese honours Bishop Paul Chittilapilly six years after his passing, remembering his 13 years of ministry and dedication.