Rt. Rev. Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan, Bishop of Punalur, conducted a two-day pastoral visit to St. John’s Church, Channapetta, from Saturday, 4 July 2026, to Sunday, 5 July 2026. Prior to the pastoral visit, Msgr. Sebastian Vaz (Vicar General), Rev. Fr. Christy Joseph, and Very Rev. Dr. Sajan Thankachan verified the parish documents and registers.
After the canonical reception, the faithful of St. John’s Church participated in Vespers, Benediction, the Eucharistic celebration, Sacrament of confirmation and the other ceremonies connected with the pastoral visit. As part of the visit, the Bishop met the members of the Parish Pastoral Council, BEC (Basic Ecclesial Community) leaders, catechism teachers, and representatives of KLCWA, Mathruvedi, KCYM, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The representatives presented brief reports on the activities of their respective organizations.
Dr. Joy Francis presented the history of the parish. Rev. Fr. Nebu IVD, Parish Priest, evaluated the pastoral life of the parish and offered suggestions for the future development of the parish. Very Rev. Dr. Sajan Thankachan, Judicial Vicar and Additional Secretary to the Bishop, conducted a class for the newly elected BEC members . The Bishop visited the sick people of the parish.
He visited the parish cemetery and prayed for the departed faithful.
He also visited a BEC unit along with Rev. Fr. Nebu IVD. The Bishop had an interactive session with the parishioners and encouraged them in their faith and parish life. Rev. Fr. Nebu IVD, Parish Priest, the Sisters of the FIH Convent, and the members of the Parish Pastoral Council worked diligently to organize the pastoral visit.
