James Patteril

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James Patteril

C.M.F.
Bishop-elect of Belthangady
Church Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
Diocese Belthangady
AppointedAugust 28, 2025
Predecessor Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy
Previous post(s)Provincial bursar (Würzburg); Mission Procurator; Provincial Econome and Consultor (Claretians)
Orders
OrdinationApril 26, 1990
Personal details
Born (1962-07-27) July 27, 1962 (age 63)
Mangalore, Karnataka, India
NationalityIndian
Alma mater St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore
Christ University, Bangalore
Pastoraltheologisches Institut, Friedberg

James Patteril, C.M.F. (born 27 July 1962) is an Indian prelate of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On 28 August 2025, the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, with prior assent from Pope Leo XIV, elected him Bishop of the Eparchy of Belthangady in Karnataka, India, succeeding Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy. [1] [2]

Contents

Early life and formation

Patteril was born in Mangalore, Karnataka, to Abraham and Rosamma Patteril. [2] He entered the Claretian congregation in 1982 and professed perpetual vows on 12 June 1988. [1] He completed studies in philosophy and theology at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute in Bangalore and was ordained a priest on 26 April 1990 at St. Sebastian’s Church, Kalenja. [1] [2] He also earned a B.A. from Christ University, Bangalore, and pursued pastoral-theology studies at the Pastoraltheologisches Institut of the Pallottine Fathers in Friedberg, Germany. [1]

Priesthood

Following ordination, Patteril transitioned to various pastoral and administrative assignments, both in India and Germany, including:

Episcopacy

On 28 August 2025, after the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church accepted the resignation of founding Bishop  Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Patteril transitioned from his previous roles to become Bishop of Belthangady, with the prior assent of the Holy Father. [1] His episcopal consecration and enthronement will be scheduled following the announcement of the election.

The Eparchy of Belthangady

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Belthangady was erected on 24 April 1999 by Pope John Paul II and inaugurated on 4 August 1999. As of 2025, it serves roughly 30,000 faithful (4,750 families) across 55 parishes and 8 forane churches within an area of 12,543 km²; principal languages include Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Malayalam, English, and Coorgi. [2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Resignations and Appointments, 28.08.2025 (Belthangady)". Holy See Press Office (in Italian). 28 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Fr. James Patteril, CMF, named as Bishop-Elect of Belthangady". Claretian Missionaries. 28 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.