Rt. Rev. S. Iruthayaraj

The nominated first Bishop of Palayamkottai, Rev. Msgr. S. Iruthayaraj took canonical possession of the diocese on 9th September 1973, and was consecrated as the first Bishop of Palayamkottai on 12th Sep- tember 1973 at Palayamkottai by Archbishop P. Justin Diraviam of Madurai Archdiocese.

Bishop S. Iruthayaraj pastored the diocese of Palayamkottai for 26 years and contributed to its growth in the various fields of spiritual, pas- toral, educational, social, develop- mental, ecumenical activities etc. He voluntarily retired from his Episco- pal ministry of the diocese on 14th July, 1999.

Rt. Rev. A Jude Gerald Paulraj D.D, M.A.

When God calls us to lead His people, He also gives us a model to follow in His Son Jesus. Like Jesus the Good Shepherd, I feel I am called to serve His people and care for them till it hurts, to sacrifice every thing, including myself.

About Native

Parents: Mr. Arockiasamy,   Mrs.Arockiamary
Born On: 28.04.1943
Parish: Church of Our Lady of Dolours [Pazhaya koil], Trichirapalli

Education

• B.A (English, History, Sociology) - Mysore University.
• M.A (Pastoral Counseling, Spiritual Direction) - Fordhem University, Bornx - New York.
• P.G Certificate in Family counseling, lona college, New Rochelle - New York.

Archbishop Most Rev. Antony Pappusamy

Archbishop Most Rev Antony Pappusamy was born on Oct. 1, 1949 in Marambady in Dindigul diocese. He was ordained a priest on July 7, 1976 incardinated into the Diocese of Trichy.

He was consecrated as a Bishop on 4th February 1999 and served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Madurai from 4-2-1999 t0 10-11-2003; also became theTitular Bishop of Zaba on Feb. 4, 1999. He was appointed the first Bishop of Dindigul on Nov. 10, 2003.

On July 25, 2014 Pope appointed Bishop Most Rev. Antony Pappusamy as the Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Madurai. He is also the President of Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Conference.

Ministry as Priest :

• Assistant parish priest at Holy Redeemer’s Church, Trichy (1976-1977).
• Secretary to the Bishop of Trichy (1977-1978)
• Secretary of the Commission for Christian Life,Trichy (1977-1980)
• Professor of Philosophy and Prefect of Philosophers, Seminary, Trichy (1978-1980)
• Prof. of Pastoral Theo.& Director of Pastoral Prog., St. Paul’s Seminary, Trichy (1984-1991)
• Director of Catechetical Sisters of St. Thomas, Fatima Nagar, Tiruchirappalli (1985-1995)
• Vicar General of the Diocese of Tiruchirappalli (1991- 1994)
• Dean of Studies, St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli (1995-1998)
• Apostolic Administrator, Palayamkottai Diocese (2018 - 2019)

Early Education:

• High School: R.C. Higher Secondary School, Trichy (1963-1966)
• Courses on Latin and Initiation: St. Peter’s Seminary, Madurai (1966-1968)
• P.U.C.: St. Joseph’s College, Trichy (1971-1972)
• Priestly Studies: St. Paul’s Seminary, Trichy, Philosophy (1968-1971), Theology (1972-1976)
• Academic Qualification: S.T.L. John Lateran University, Rome (1980-1982)
• S.T.D John Lateran University, Rome (1982-1984)
• Diploma in Spirituality, St. Thomas Acquinas University, Rome (1982-1984)