Bishop John Nellikunnel

John Nellikunnel was born on March 22, 1973, in Kadaplamattom, in the Eparchy of Palai. After attending Saint Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Kothamangalam, he pursued the standard courses in philosophy and theology at Saint Thomas Apostolic Seminary in Vadavathoor. Ordained a priest on December 30, 1998, he subsequently exercised his ministry in various parishes. Sent to Rome for advanced studies, he obtained a Licentiate and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas. Upon returning home, he held the following positions: Eparchial Chancellor, Secretary to the Bishop, Director of Catechesis and the Biblical Apostolate, and Professor—and later Dean—of the Faculty of Philosophy at Saint Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary in Mangalapuzha.