The diocese of Kumbakonam was bifurcated from the archdiocese of Pondicherry and was erected on 1st of September 1899 by the apostolic letter of Pope Leo XIII. It is prestigious to note that the first two bishops were the M.E.P. missionaries. Rt.Rev.Msgr.Hugo M.BOTTERO led the diocese from 1899 to 1913 and Rt.Rev.Msgr.Marie Augustine CHAPUIS from 1913 to 1930. After a year of able guidance by Msgr. M.A. Xavier as its Apostolic Administrator, Rt.Rev. Msgr. Peter Francis became the first indigenous bishop in 1931 and was followed by Rt.Rev.Msgr. D. Paul Arulsamy in 1955. In his tenure of 33 years (1955-88), the diocese witnessed the liturgical and theological renewal of the Second Vatican Council. At his resignation in 1988, Msgr. Antony David as its diocesan administrator led the diocese. The fifth bishop, Rt.Rev. Msgr. Peter Remigius was ordained bishop on 3rd January 1990. Under his able leadership and vast experience both at the national and international level, he has widened up its horizon towards the integral development of people.

The diocese is situated in 12 civil taluks from 5 districts of Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Thiruvarur and a small portion of South Arcot; it covers 7823 sq.kms. Among the total population of 50,44,798, the Catholics form 4.66 %, Muslims 4.24 %, Hindus 91% and others 0.10 %.

It is prestigious to note that the first two Bishops were the M.E.P. missionaries. Born on January 20, 1837 at Chambery, in France, Rt.Rev.Msgr.Hugo M.BOTTERO was ordained priest on December 23, 1859. He was appointed the first Bishop on September 1, 1899. He showed a keen interest in the establishment of the Diocese which was facing many challenges and difficulties. Being a Tamil Scholar, he translated the entire Bible into Tamil. After 14 years of Episcopate, he died on 21st May 1913.
Born on 20th of April 1869 at Hostien, Haute Loire, in France, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Marie Augustine CHAPUIS became a priest on 24th September 1892 for the Society of Paris Foreign Missions. When he was the Parish Priest of Koneripatti, he was appointed as the Co-adjutor to the Prelate of Hugo M. Bottero on July 25, 1911. When Msgr.Hugo M. Bottero rested in his eternal abode, Bishop Augustine Maria Chapuis succeeded him in 1913. 'India, thy sons shall be the ministers of thy salvation' was the clarion call of Pope Leo XIII. Making the dreams of Pope Leo XIII a reality, Bishop M.A. Chapuis promoted native vocations to Priesthood and Religious life. By his far-sighted vision, he prepared the Diocese to be handed over to the indigenous Clergy.

After a year of able guidance by Msgr. M.A. Xavier as its Apostolic Administrator, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Francis became the first indigenous Bishop in 1931. When he took over the administration, the material resources of the Diocese were at the lower ebb. Under such conditions, it was his undaunted courage and his immense trust in God that helped him to carry on his work unflinchingly. During his episcopate, the Diocese had made a rapid and all-round progress in the number of Priests, Seminarians, establishments, etc

He was followed by Rt. Rev. Msgr. D. Paul Arulsamy in 1955. In his tenure of 33 years (1955-88), the Diocese witnessed the Liturgical and Theological renewal of the Second Vatican Council. At his resignation in 1988, Msgr. Antony David led the Diocese as its Diocesan Administrator.

The fifth Bishop, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Remigius was ordained Bishop on 3rd January 1990. Under his able leadership and vast experience both at the national and international level he has widened its horizon towards the integral development of people.

This year it marks the greatest occasion of the diocesan centenary celebrations to be held on 31st of August 1999. We thank God for His bountiful graces and we gratefully remember all who have helped us in our journey for 100 years. May God give eternal reward to all those deceased Bishops, Clergy, Religious, Laity and benefactors who were associated with the diocese in one way or other.

The diocese of Kumbakonam has a catholic population of 1,98,048 in 75 parishes and 525 substations grouped under 6 vicariates. The 124 diocesan priests are committed to the diocese with common aims and united efforts with their bishop and brother-priests. About 30 Religious Priests, 17 Religious Brothers and 453 religious Sisters cooperate with the diocesan bishop and priests in the apostolate and exercise their charism in the diocese.

As the diocesan priests are the necessary collaborators of the Bishop, due care is taken to promote the diocesan clergy. Special interest is shown in the minor seminary in selecting good and promising candidates. After initial training, the suitable candidates are sent to the Regional Major Seminaries; they are closely followed, corrected and shaped during their formation. The worthy candidates are ordained priests. Ample chances are given for the priests to grow in their talents in their respective assignments. Through Seminars, renewal programmes and further studies, the clergy is formed according to the needs of the diocese.

Attending to the spiritual needs of our Catholics comes as the priority. 2,20,772 Catholics live in 75 parishes and 525 sub-stations. According to the urgency and need of the people, Churches, chapels, and community halls are constructed in the parishes and sub-stations. Here the generosity or our donors are very much appreciated. We woe them our sincere gratitude and prayers. The Parish priest, responsible for pastoral ministry in the parish, endeavour their best in all spheres. The different pastoral commissions devote their interest and work towards the parish by conducting seminars, prayer sessions, faith animation, catechism etc.

Taking man in his integrity, the diocese does not fail to look into the social needs of the people. It carries out the social activities through two societies - KMSSS (Kumbakonam Multipurpose Social Service Society) and PSSS (Perambalur Social Service Society). The social works are carried out irrespective of caste and creed having the objective to help the people help themselves. Saving schemes, motivation and awareness programmes etc are some of their thrusts.

The education is imparted through the 123 schools in the diocese of which 13 are Hr. Sec. Schools, 8 High Schools, 42 Middle Schools, 61 Primary Schools, 2 technical schools and 1 deaf and dump school. 42 Hostels and children’s Home accommodate thousands of children and facilitate their education and character formation.

Health and hygiene is one of the basic needs of the society. Motivated by the same spirit of Jesus Christ, who went about healing the sick, the diocese carries out the hospital ministry through 2 Leprosy Hospitals, 8 Hospitals, 20 Dispensaries and 2 Homes for the handicapped. The most deserving aged people are cared through 2 Homes for the aged.

In all our efforts, we are fully aware that we are only the instruments in the hands of God. Relying on His providence and support and joined hands with our people, clergy, religious, friends, well wishers and generous donors, we are confident to carry out our ministry to our best. Your cooperation is our support; your generosity is our strength; your appreciation is our consolation and service to our Christ’s Faithful is our goal.