Bishop Joseph G. Frenandez
Bishop Joseph G. Frenandez
On 14th May 1978, Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Joseph G. Fernandez was consecrated as the bishop of Quilon. Under his pastoral care the mission steadily progressed, mission centres and many other institutions had their birth during this period.
Thus the mission grew for the glory of God and the honour of the Church in Inida and memorable gift of Papal visit of Pope John Paul II in 1986, the Holy See thought it opportune to bifurcate the diocese of Quilon and erect the new diocese of Punalur
Local pioneers in Punalur mission
During the second world war the first missionaries had to go back, entrusting the mission to the Diocesan clergy.Divine providence was always there for the help of new missionary personnel. Their efforts made a new epoch in the history of the mission of Punalur.
Their life, work, suffering and sacrifiese are indeed inspiring.
Here few names of those missionaries are picked up and they are worth mentioning: Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Peedikayil in Pathanamthitta, Fr. Thomas Pathalil in Elanthur, Fr. Scarias Thekkedath in Kottarakkara, Fr. C.K. Mathai Sankaram Pallil in Anchal Bro. C K Chacko, Kandathil Mathew Mappila and the catechist of Meenkulam T.D Samuel. These pioneering evangelizers struggled heroically to bring forth the culture of Goodnews in and around Punalur mission