Bp Joseph Thykkattil
Gwalior

Episcopal Ordination on
4th August, 2019

What will be your motto as bishop?
My motto is “For God’s glory and for the welfare of humanity.”

What do you know about the Gwalior diocese, which has been handed over to you after the passing away of Bp Thomas Thennatt?
I do not know much about the diocese apart from what I’ve heard from the priests there. It is a 20 year old diocese that was carved out of Jhansi diocese, which itself was once part of the Agra Archdiocese.  Geographically, the mission area consists of 6 districts, with only about 5000 Catholics. Bishop Joseph Kaithathara, the first bishop of the diocese, retired after 17 years of service. He was followed by Bishop Thennatt for the next 2 years, but he has sadly passed away. Now, I am their third Bishop.

The diocese you will be taking over is very different from the Agra diocese you’ve served for years. What would be your priority in terms of pastoral work in the new diocese?
Even though Gwalior is part of Madhya Pradesh, it lies along its border with UP and is quite close to Agra. Also, many of the priests of the diocese were my contemporaries in seminary, so I feel quite comfortable with the situation. My priority, even in Agra, has always been team work. I have found that our young priests are very talented, and they are the ones who make the show go on. I would like to work towards creating a basic structural framework amongst the Catholic families, where they can form different units and meet up for Bible discussion and Eucharistic adoration whenever possible.

Pope Francis is initiating a shift to a Synodal system in the Church, where leadership is shared by a group rather than be concentrated in a person.   What do you think of it, and why do you stand for team leadership?
There are several people who are much more talented than I in various fields. I find it much more efficient and beneficial to seek their help than struggling to get the work done alone. I am only a facilitator for the immense wealth of God-given talent around us, and I believe this is what God expects from us. We must work together for the glory of God and to ensure the welfare of the people – to ensure that they have access to good education, food and places to live.

How would you in general describe the people of Gwalior?
As I said before, my knowledge regarding Gwalior is very limited. I believe a large portion of the people belong to Chattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. Tamilians and Keralites are also part of the region.

Have there been many conversions to Christianity in that area?
Not many; conversions are not as common as they used to be. Our main focus is on the existing Christians while branching out to others as well. We spread the teachings of Christ, and those who opt to follow Him join us.

In India, Christianity is being frowned upon, mainly in the northern states. How are you facing the fanatical movements that are on the rise, especially in the area you are in?
Thankfully, in Agra, the Catholic Church has not faced much aggression or threat. We have had beautifully organised inter-faith meetings in our diocese. King Akbar himself had brought people of different faiths together at Fatehpur Sikhri, and this was where Jesuits introduced Christianity to the region. They also built Akbar’s Church, which is situated inside the campus of St Peter’s College. Christian values are being indirectly imparted to people through our educational institutions, and they are part of their lives.

How would you explain the sweeping electoral victory of fundamentalists in that region, having been only a fringe-group up until recently?
I believe their ideologies have been simmering in the minds of people for a long time, but I do not know much about the situation and therefore I cannot give you a competent answer.

Tell me a bit about yourself. Where did you do your studies?
I am from Enamakkal in Thrissur, where I attended St Joseph’s High School. I went to St Law-rence Minor Seminary in Agra and then to St Joseph’s, where I studied Philosophy and Theology. I also did some of my studies at Madras University. I am very interested in human psychology. I used to read about it even as a seminarian.

Why did you choose to go to the North as a missionary?
My eldest brother, who was a priest, was in Agra. During his seminary days, my brother along with Fr Jose Maliackal had been regular visitors at our house. I was drawn to their way of life and so aspired to join them. After I completed my Masters, I joined the seminary, where my companions were 8 years junior to me. Afterwards, I was appointed the Vice Principal of St Peter’s College and then became the parish priest of Immaculate Conception Cathedral. I believe God had a plan for me, and my life fell into place accordingly.

As someone who reads and meditates on the Bible, what would you say, captivates you most about Jesus Christ and the Bible?
People are very important. I believe that my spirituality and attachment to Jesus have helped me to be attached to the people around me. Jesus’ life is very down to earth and His parables and examples are all ordinary in nature, and so easy to understand. I therefore believe that spirituality is not there somewhere far above our heads. When we take care of ourselves and those around us, we grow closer to God.

How do you pray and what does prayer mean to you?
Prayer to me is a very pleasant experience. During the last two years, I used to have a lot of time for prayer, at all times of the day. I believe God has blessed my work and my people accordingly. During the holy mass, I make it a point to remain as down to earth as possible in my reflections, and to keep my sermons short. When I am alone, I remember the people I know and those who have died, and take their name when I pray. Above all, I believe that our hard work becomes fruitful when we pray. Prayer is powerful that way.