Mar Kurian Mathew Vayalumkal, apostolic nuncio (diplomatic representative of Vatican) to Papua New Guinea and titular archbishop of Ratiaria, was consecrated archbishop at a solemn ceremony here on Monday.
Archbishop Mathew Moolekkatt, head of the Knanaya archeparchy of Kottayam, was the chief celebrant of the function, with Archbishop Michael Luis Fitzgerald , former nuncio to Egypt, and Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary general of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), acting as concelebrants.
The celebration commenced with the Archbishop Vayalumkal being taken out in a procession.
This was followed by the announcement of his appointment as the titular archbishop of Ratiaria and nuncio of Papua New Guinea. This was followed by the adorning of the new archbishop with his crown and sceptre by the chief celebrant, archbishop Moolekkatt. The message of apostolic nuncio to India, Archbishop Salvattore Pennacchio was read out on the occasion.
