Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop

The detailed narrative outlines Thattil’s journey from his early life and priesthood to his various roles within the Church, culminating in his appointment as Major Archbishop.

Early Life and Priesthood:

Raphael Thattil was born on April 21, 1956, in Trichur, Kerala, India, as the youngest of 10 children. He began his priestly formation at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Trichur in 1971. After completing studies at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary in Vadavathoor, Kottayam, he was ordained as a priest on December 21, 1980, by Mar Joseph Kundukulam. He further pursued studies in Oriental Canon Law at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome.

Priestly Ministry:

Thattil served as the Assistant Vicar in Aranattukara and Assistant Procurator at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary. Over the years, he held various positions, including Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Vice Rector of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, and Diocesan Biblical Catechetical Liturgical Center Director. In 1998, he became the First Rector of the Mary Matha Major Seminary and served as Chancellor and Eparchical Judge of the Archdiocese.

Auxiliary Bishop of Trichur (2010-2017):

On January 18, 2010, he was elected as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Thrissur. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as the Titular Bishop of Buruni. Thattil was ordained as a bishop on April 10, 2010, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours. During this time, he played roles such as Chairman of the Kerala Charismatic Movement and Manager of St. Thomas College, Thrissur.

Apostolic Visitator (2013-2017):

Pope Francis appointed Thattil as the Apostolic Visitator for all the lay faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church living in India outside their own territory in December 2013. He served in this role, bringing priests to work in missions across 23 states, 2 Union Territories, and 2 Islands.

Bishop of Shamshabad (2017-2024):

On October 10, 2017, Pope Francis announced the creation of the Eparchy of Shamshabad, with Thattil as its first bishop. The eparchy covered 23 states, two union territories, and two islands. During his tenure, he established numerous parishes and missions, and in 2022, he received two Auxiliary Bishops.

Major Archbishop (From January 2024):

On January 9, 2024, the Synod of Bishops elected Raphael Thattil as the fourth Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, succeeding George Alencherry. He was installed on January 11, 2024, in a simple ceremony at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad.