By Thomas Scaria

Mysore, Jan 9, 2023: Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras taken over as the apostolic administrator of Mysore diocese after its bishop was “asked to go for leave” by the Vatican.

According to a press release by the Public Relations Officer of the diocese, Archbishop Moras took charge January 7 at a ceremony held at St. Philomena’s Cathedral on in Mysore, a major city in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.

Bishop Kannikadass Antony William of Mysore, who is facing several allegations, including sexual assaults, has gone on a “medical leave” until he is proved innocent.

Archbishop Felix Machado, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCIsays the Dicastery for Evangelization has decided that Bishop William takes a “period of absence from the ministry.”

Another communication from the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi said Archbishop Moras will act as the apostolic administrator with immediate effect.

A few years ago, as many as 37 priests of the Mysore diocese had written to the Vatican authorities alleging that Bishop William had indulged in misappropriations of funds and violation of celibacy. A woman had also filed a suit against the bishop stating she was allured for sexual favors in exchange of receiving a job.

“It was unfortunate that the bishop stuck to his position for so long despite several allegations,” said Father Faustine Lobo, the spokesperson of the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Council.

Father Lobo welcomed the Vatican decision, although it was delayed. “In fact, Bishop William should have voluntarily gone for a leave long ago and prove his innocence,” he told Matters India on January 9.

4 Comments

  1. Which one of the following two points is correct? (1) Bishop William takes a “period of absence from the ministry.” or (2) He has gone on a “medical leave.” If Medical leave, then the Vicar General should take over. What was the need to appoint Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras as Apostolic Administrator of Mysore diocese?

    Readers would do well to read 07 January 2023 issue of Church Militant. The link is: https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/vatican-suspends-bishop-with-five-mistresses?fbclid=IwAR2ucHPx4z8S8OXDI9iVQN8FiNssMh3p0yed83TbSdCniRTR8aJlejcG3gg

    In this report Father Gnana Prakash, one of the 37 priests who petitioned Pope Francis with evidence and photographs of William’s mistresses, illegitimate children, multiple bank accounts, kidnapping, assault and embezzlement, said he was assured that “truth had triumphed.”

    The report also has recorded telephonic conversation between Cardinal Oswald Gracias and Bp K.A. William in August 2020 where the Cardinal entreats Bp. William to undergo a Paternity (DNA) Test. William’s response was “Personally I have nothing against it,but I don’t want shame on me and the Church.”

  2. A Canon Lawyer has informed me that there is no provision for an Apostolic Administrator, there can only be a Diocesan Administrator after the See is declared vacant. So William continues as the Bishop of Mysore in absentia. Let us see what further action the Vatican takes.

  3. To bring this case to closure the paternity test as ordered by Cardinal Tagle on 15.8.2020 must be conducted immediately.

  4. As the Convenor of the Indian Catholic Forum I have been supporting and guiding the clergy and laity of Mysore diocese in their struggle to cleanse the Church. This is just a soft dismissal in cricketing parlance

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