Diocese of Belthangady

5 Jan

Diocese of Belthangady Rejoices as Three New Priests are Ordained for the Year 2025-26

BELTHANGADY – The Syro-Malabar Diocese of Belthangady celebrated a momentous milestone in its spiritual journey as it welcomed three new priests into its fold during the 2025-26 period. The ordination of Rev. Fr. Kuttickal, Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Puthettupadavil, and Rev. Fr. Joseph Vadakkemulanjinal marks a significant addition to the diocesan clergy, promising renewed vigor for the pastoral mission in the region.

The ordinations come at a historic time for the diocese, following the recent installation of Most Rev. James Patteril as the second Bishop of Belthangady, succeeding Bishop Emeritus Lawrence Mukkuzhy.

Profiles of the Newly Ordained

The three new priests bring diverse backgrounds and rigorous theological training from prestigious seminaries across India:

Rev. Fr. Kuttickal

Hailing from the serene village of Mutholapuram in Pala, Kerala, Fr. Kuttickal completed his priestly formation at the renowned St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary in Aluva. His journey from the heartland of the Syro-Malabar Church to the mission fields of Belthangady reflects a deep commitment to the universal Church.
Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Puthettupadavil

A native of Devagiri St. Jude Church, Fr. Kuriakose is a local "son of the soil" who pursued his studies closer to home at St. Joseph Seminary in Mangaluru. His familiarity with the local culture and languages—including Kannada, Tulu, and Malayalam—is expected to be a great asset to his ministry.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Vadakkemulanjinal

Representing the vibrant community of Thottathady St. Antony's Forane Church, Fr. Joseph underwent his theological training at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary in Vadavathoor, Kottayam. His roots in one of the diocese's key forane churches strengthen the bond between the local parishes and the diocesan leadership.

A Growing Mission

The Diocese of Belthangady, which serves the Syro-Malabar faithful across the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kodagu, continues to witness growth in its vocations. These new priests join a dedicated team of over 50 diocesan clergy serving approximately 30,000 faithful.

The ordination ceremonies, attended by family members, religious sisters, and the lay faithful, were filled with prayerful solemnity. In his address to the new priests, the diocesan leadership emphasized the role of a priest as a "Shepherd of the People," called to serve with humility and compassion in a multi-cultural society.

The faithful of the diocese have expressed their joy and offered prayers for the new priests as they begin their first assignments in various parishes across the three revenue districts.

Watch the Episcopal Ordination of the New Bishop of Belthangady

This video provides context on the recent leadership transition in the Belthangady Diocese, during which these new priests are beginning their ministry.

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