Bangalore 2 February, 2022 (CCBI): His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Most Rev. Maria Callist Soosa Pakiam (75) Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum Latin Archdiocese on 2 February, 2022.
Archbishop Pakiam was born on 11 March 1946 at Marthandumthurai, Tamilnadu and ordained priest on 20 December 1969. At the age of 43 he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Trivandrum Diocese and ordained Bishop on 2 February, 1990. He was succeeded Bishop of Trivandrum on 31 January 1991 at the age of 44. When the Trivandrum diocese was elevated as the Archdiocese on 17 June 2004 he became first Metropolitan Archbishop and installed as the Archbishop of Trivandrum on 23 August 2004.
He served the Kerala regional Church in the following capacities: He was the President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) from 2017 to 2020 and the President of the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRLCBC) from 2009 to 2019. He was the Chairman for Catechetical Commission of KCBC (1995-1998); Chairman, Commission for the Ministry of Word and Worship of KRLCBC (1997-2003); Member, Seminary Commission of KCBC (1990-1997); Chairman, Commission for Anti-Alcoholism of KCBC (1998-2005), Chairman, Jubilee 2000 of KCBC (1999-2000); Vice President of KRLCBC (2002-2007) and Chairman of Laity Commission in KRLCBC (2002-2009).
He also served national Church in various capacities. He was the Chairman of the Laity Commission of Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) form 2002 to 2004; Chairman, Commission for the Ministry of Word and Worship of Catholic Conference Bishop of India (CCBI) from 1997 to 2003. He was the member of the FABC Commission for Laity from 2003 to 2005 and Member in International Committee for English Liturgy (ICEL) from 1999 to 2002. He is a priest for 52 years and a Bishop for 32 years.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara
Deputy Secretary General, CCBI