The column I had written for Syro-Malabar Vision under the title Message from the Curia Bishop in this series comes to a close with this issue. With the installation on the Archbishop of Kalyan on October 19, 2025, my official duties as Curia Bishop will conclude. On September 12, 2014, the then Major Archbishop Mar George Alencherry called me to serve as Vice-Chancellor in the Curia of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church. On September 1, 2017, the Synod of the Church elected me as Curia Bishop, and later that year, on November 12, Cardinal Mar George Alencherry consecrated me as Bishop. Since then, I have faithfully carried out the responsibilities of this office.
It has been a profound blessing to live alongside and participate in the ordinations of two Major Archbishops, whose lives, wholly devoted to the welfare of the Church, remain an inspiring example. Cardinal Mar George Alencherry was especially dedicated to responding personally to all letters and phone calls, often emphasizing that such attention itself is a form of evangelization. Witnessing others share the joy of receiving his responses confirmed this truth for me. I was deeply moved by his practice of writing condolence letters to comfort families whenever relatives, acquaintances, or those who had assisted in Church ministries passed away. He also showed remarkable generosity toward those facing financial difficulties and possessed an extraordinary ability to remember, observe, and carefully evaluate people, places, and events.
The current Major Archbishop, Mar Raphael Thattil, is a remarkable mediator, endowed with purity of heart, a deep sense of dependence on God, and a unique ability to bring people together. Many flock to hear his homilies. Even as a seminary student, throughout his priestly ordination, and now in his episcopal ministry, he has given utmost importance to the mission of preaching the Gospel. The name “Raphael” means “God has healed,” and Bishop Mar Raphael Thattil embodies this healing spirit in his ministry. He bears no grudges, and his exceptional gift lies in reconciling those who harbor resentment and in soothing troubled hearts with consolation and love.
During my eight years serving as Curia Bishop, the knowledge, affection, and cooperation extended by the two Major Archbishops, along with the confidence and courage they inspired in me, have been immense. The Kalyan Eparchy, established in 1988, has now been elevated to the Archeparchy of Kalyan after 37 years, and I gratefully recall the efforts and leadership of Bishops Mar Paul Chittilapilly and Mar Thomas Elavanal in laying its foundational structures and nurturing its growth.
I humbly request the prayers of the faithful as I undertake the responsibility of shepherding the Archeparchy of Kalyan. I wholeheartedly thank all priests and religious who have collaborated with me over the past eleven years at Mount Saint Thomas, Kakkanad, as well as all secretaries of various commissions and staff members in the Curia. My heartfelt congratulations also go to the members of the editorial board who have beautifully prepared Syro-Malabar Vision. May the good Lord abundantly bless everyone.
Bishop Sebastian Vaniyapurakal
