Rt. Rev. Dr. Antony Thannikot, Ph. L, S.T.D., was nominated Titular Bishop of Tigillava and Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Verapoly on December 19, 1978. He was ordained Bishop by His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Kelanthara, Archbishop of Verapoly on March 11, 1978. He expired on February 24, 1984.

On the demise of the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Kelanthara, Protonotary Apostolic Rt. Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Lopez was elected Archdiocesan Administrator on October 19, 1986.