Mysuru: Thousands of people, including 40 Catholic bishops and political leaders from Karnataka and Kerala states, Sunday attended the ordination of Father Antony Kariyil as the bishop of Mandya diocese.
Archbishop George Njaralakkatt of Tellicherry led the consecration ceremony at Infant Jesus Cathedral, Hunsur Road, Hinkal, some 10 km from Mysuru (formerly Mysore).
Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio and Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore were the co-consecrators.
More than 5,000 people from the two southern Indian states attended the Episcopal ordination and subsequent public function inaugurated by Karnataka state Transport Minister Ramlinga Reddy.
Replying to the felicitations, the new bishop said he was indebted to God and Church leaders for various responsibilities entrusted to him during his life. He said he would bear any cross with the support and prayers of his people. It was faith that led the Church whenever it faced persecution during its 2,000-year history, he added.
Also present were Archbishops Abraham Virthakulangara of Nagpur, Joseph Perumthottam of Changanacherry, Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of Faridabad and Jacob Thoomkuzy, Archbishop Emeritus of Trichur.
Bishops Thomas Antony Vazhappilly of Mysore, Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath of Ernakulam-Ankamaly, Alex Vadakkumthala of Kannur, Syro-Malabar Apostolic Visitator Bishop Raphael Thattil, Bishop of Puthur Geevarghese Mar Divannyasios, Prior General of CMI Paul Achandy and Superior General of Missionaries of St Thomas Father Kurian Ammanathukunnel also attended the functions.