Bangalore 20 September, 2018 (CCBI): Holy Father Pope Francis has received the request of Bishop Franco Mulakkal to be temporarily relieved of his Pastoral responsibilities in the diocese of Jalandhar. Having considered all circumstances the Holy Father has accepted this request of Bishop Mulakkal and appointed His Excellency Most. Rev. Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias, (79), Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Bombay, as Apostolic Administrator sede plena ed at mutum Sanctae Sedis of the diocese of Jalandhar. This Ecclesiastical provision was made on 20 September, 2018.
Bishop Agnelo Gracias was born in Mombasa, Kenya, Africa, on 30 July, 1939. He was ordained priest on 21 December, 1962. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay on 13 March, 2001 and ordained Bishop by Cardinal Ivan Dias on 21 April, 2001. Bishop Agnelo was served the CCBI as the Chairman of the CCBI Family and Doctrinal Commissions.