MAR SEBASTIAN MANKUZHIKARY (1929 -1994) (Former Bishop of Thamarassery)

His Excellency Bishop Sebastian Mankuzhikary was born at Thannirmukkom, near Cherthala, on 2 March 1929. He did his ecclesiastical studies at St Joseph's Apostolic Seminary Alwaye, and was ordained priest on 12 March 1955. After working for some time as Assistant Parish Priest at the St. Mary's Cathedral, Ernakulam, he resumed his studies at the Gregorian University, Rome, from where he took a Doctorate in Philosophy, with distinction. On his return, he was appointed professor of Philosophy at the Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye; He was nominated Bishop Auxiliary to archbishop Joseph Cardinal Parecattil, on 15 November 1969. He was consecrated bishop on 6 January 1970 at Ernakulam. He took charge as the Vicar General of the archdiocese on 7 February 1970, which post he held until 1 April 1984 when he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese following the resignation of His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Parecattil. On 28 April 1986, he was nominated bishop of Thamarassery and he assumed charge of the new diocese on 3 July 1986. He passed away on 11 June 1994 and was buried in the pro-cathedral at Thiruvampady on 13 June 1994.