Bishop of Hosur (Syro-Malabar)
Sebastian (Jobby) Pozholiparampil, born on September 1, 1957, in Pullur (within the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda), entered the Minor Seminary in Trichur. After completing his studies at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary in Kottayam, he was ordained a priest on December 22, 1982. He obtained a Licentiate in Theology (specializing in Ecclesiology) from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In addition to English and Malayalam, he speaks Hindi, Italian, and German. He has held the following positions: parish priest of several parishes, including the Cathedral of Irinjalakuda; Bursar and subsequently Rector of St. Paul's Minor Seminary; Director of the Catholic Charismatic Movement, the Biblical Apostolate, and Jesus Youth; Coordinator of the mission in Chennai; and Bursar and, until now, Syncellus of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda. Background note: The Eparchy of Hosur encompasses the northern part of the state of Tamil Nadu, home to approximately 50,000 Syro-Malabar faithful in the city of Chennai and another 15,000 in the nearby cities of Chingleput, Dharmapuri, Vellore, and Pondicherry. Their pastoral care is entrusted to 22 priests from the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda, who oversee 44 pastoral centers. There are also 73 religious sisters working in the region, managing 8 schools and other charitable works. Despite the concentration of Syro-Malabar faithful in Chennai, the new Eparchy will have its seat in the city of Hosur. However, the cathedral and the chancery will be located near Chennai: St. Antony's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Noothenchery and the St. Thomas Pastoral Centre in Aynavaram, respectively.