|
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. The new Diocese was handed over to the care of the members of the 'Foreign Mission Society of Paris'.
These glorious missionaries were cultivating with their tears and sweat this part of the vineyard of Christ until 1930, when it was handed over to the Indian Diocesan Clergy. We cannot adequately express their wonderful self-sacrifice, zeal and energy for the extension of the Kingdom of God in this Diocese. The missionaries who laboured in the Diocese of Kumbakonam have left to their successors a shining example and splendid tradition. Their guiding principle was 'simple living and high thinking'.
The M.E.P. Bishops
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.
Indigenous Bishops 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.
The Diocesan Centenary
Last year we had the great occasion of the Diocesan centenary celebrations, which were held from 28th to 31st of August 1999. We thank God for His bountiful graces and we gratefully remember all who have helped us in our journey for the past 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.
Bind Us Together
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 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.
|
|
