Bishop Jerome, the first native bishop of the Kollam diocese of the Catholic Church, will be elevated as Servant of God on February 24 at a function at Infant Jesus Cathedral, Thangassery. This will be the first step towards beatification and canonisation of the late priest.

Bishop Jerome had helmed the Kollam diocese, the first Catholic diocese in India, from 1937 to 1978. “An embodiment of Christian spirituality and a true visionary, he played an integral role in the overall development and progress of Kollam city. He also made key interventions in social and educational sectors, establishing a chain of institutions for the uplift of backward classes,” said Fr Julian.