Bio- data

Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kureethara,
Bishop of Cochin 1975 - 1999.

His Excellency's pilgrimage from the womb to the tomb.

          
SCHOOL DAYS
Did his schooling in three different institutions: St. Louis High School, Mundamvely; St. Sebastian's High School, Thoppumpady and Leo XIII High School, Alappuzha.

SEMINARY LIFE
Joined the Diocesan Apostolic School in 1950. Began studies at Sacred Heart Seminary at Alappuzha. Completed studies at St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye in the year 1958.

THE PERSON
He was a linguist. He could handle English, Malayalam, Latin, Portuguese, Italian and German with equal ease.
He was an historian. The Historical Archives of Cochin Diocese and the Padroado Museum are living monuments that bear testimony to the fact.
He had many hobbies, mainly collections of stamps, coins and pictures.
He was a lover of music. His mastery over architectural work was an inborn gift. And he had a keen interest in drawing.
In admiration and recognition of His Lordship's keen interest in historical matters he was honoured by the Portuguese President, H.E. Dr. Maria Soarus with the highest honour of his nation - "Order of the Knight Commander of Prince Henry the Navigator".

THE PRIEST
Ordained priest by His Grace Joseph Attipetty, Archbishop of Verapoly: 18-03-1958.
Assistant, St. Louis Church, Mundamvely: 27-03-1958
Chaplain, St. Francis Assisi Church, Kattiparambu: 06-04-1958
Assistant, Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Cochin: 22-06-1958
Chaplain, Boys' Town, Fort Cochin: 30-11-1958
Assistant, St. Joseph's Church, Chullickal: 24-02-1959
Assistant, at Earavely, Our Lady of Life Chruch, Mattancherry: 04-07-1959
Assistant, Our Lady of Assumption Church, Poonkavu: 19-04-1960
Prefect, Mount Carmel Petit Seminary, Fort Cochin & left for Rome to do doctoral studies in Canon Law at Urbaniana University, Rome: 27-05-1960

OFFICES HELD
Rector of Mount Carmel Petit Seminary: 17-01-1968
Secretary of Priests' Mutual Benefit Fund
Director of Catholic Teachers' Guild
Chaplain, Newman Association: 26-02-1969
Vocation Promoter: 11-11-1969
Spiritual Director of Vincent De Paul Society: 11-11-1969
The Diocesan Director, the Mission League: 1970
Chaplain, Bethany House, Ezhupunna :09-07-1973
Chaplain, Our Lady's Convent, Aroor: 28-12-1973
Secretary, the Priests' Senate: 01-06-1974
The Chancellor: 01-12-1974
Chaplain, Rosary Convent, Palluruthy: 13-03-1975
Chaplain, Cottolengo Convent, Fort Cochin: 12-05-1975

BISHOP
Nominated the 33rd Bishop of Cochin Diocese: 29-08-1975
Officially proclaimed by the Holy See: 20-09-1975
Consecrated: 21-12-1975
Assumed office: 22-12-1975
Celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Priesthood: 18-03-1983
Seriously ill and admitted to the Kottiyam Holy Cross Hospital, Quilon: 25-08-1984
Under the grip of the illness and resultant paralytic effect from September 5th to December 1984
His long cherished dream came to reality - The Portuguese Ambassador, Dr. Elvaro Oheru, inaugurated the Padroado Museum 31-01-1989
The most prestigious honour granted to the ancient and the second diocese in India by the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II - elevation of the Santa Cruz Cathedral to the status of Santa Cruz Basilica: 23-08-1984
Celebrated the 60th Birthday: 02-07-1988
The Portuguese President, H. E. Dr. Mario Soares, in recognition of His Lordship's keen interest in historical matters, honoured him with the highest honour of his nation - "Order of the Knight Commander of Prince Henry the Navigator": 29-01-1992
The Historical Archives of Cochin Diocese was solemnly inaugurated by H. E. General Carlos de Azeredo, Personal Representative of the Republic of Portugal and H. E. Dr. Marcello Mathias, the Ambassador of Portugal to India: 10-04-1995
Celebrated the 20th year of Consecration: 21-12-1996
Celebrated the 70th Birthday: 02-07-1998
Called to Eternal Life, the 40th year of his Priesthood and 23rd year of his reign as Bishop: 06-01-1999