Diocese of Belthangady

6 May

Diocese of Belthangady Announces Major Clergy Transfers and Appointments for 2026

BELTHANGADY — The Diocese of Belthangady has officially released its list of annual transfers and appointments for priests, as announced by the Bishop’s House. The directive, issued under Prot. No. C/111/2026 on May 2, 2026, outlines significant leadership changes across various parishes and institutions within the diocese.

Key Leadership Changes

The reshuffle includes the appointment of several new Forane Vicars, who oversee specific pastoral districts:

Very Rev. Fr. Ayamkudy Joseph: Appointed as Forane Vicar at the Cathedral Church, Belthangady.

Very Rev. Fr. Chelackapally Sebastian: Takes charge as Forane Vicar at Thotathady.
Very Rev. Fr. Kannamkal Thomas: Assigned as Forane Vicar in Dharmasthala.
Very Rev. Fr. Poothakkuzhiyil Joseph: Named Forane Vicar and Vicar for the Bajagoli, Malachowki, and Kervashe regions.
Very Rev. Fr. Valookaran Joseph: Appointed Forane Vicar for Kutrupady and Mardala (Neeraje).

International and Educational Missions

Several priests have been assigned to pastoral ministry abroad or to specialized educational roles:

International Postings: Fr. Kezhakkethazhe Joseph and Fr. Vadakkemulanjanal Joseph are assigned to the Diocese of Wuerzburg, Germany. Fr. Kolakunnel Varghese will serve in the Diocese of Augsburg, Germany, while Fr. Valiyaparambil Joseph (Jins) moves to the Diocese of Great Britain.
Seminary & Youth: Fr. Puthettupadavil Kuriakose has been appointed Vice-Rector, Procurator, and Vocation Promoter at Santhome Gurumndira (Minor Seminary) in Puttur.
Education: Fr. Maligeyil Varkey and Fr. Paikatt Devasia will take on roles as Correspondent and Teacher, respectively, at St. Thomas High School, Neria.

Specialized Appointments

The decree also highlights roles in social services and administration:

Social Service: Fr. Puthiyedath Joseph is the new Director of DKRDS, Social Service.
Pastoral Centre: Fr. Thazhekattil Mathew will serve as Assistant Director at Jnananilaya, Pastoral Centre.
Agricultural Interests: Fr. Puthussery Joseph has been appointed Director of Mariambika Farm, Byndoor, while also serving as Vicar for Kalmakki, Maddiodi, and Shiroor.

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