Mar George Punnakottil M.A.,S.T.D.

THE BISHOP : Mar George Punnakottil

H.L.Mar George Punnakottil was born on 13th September 1936 at
Thazhavankunnu. After matriculation in 1953 from Infant Jesus High Sc
hool Vazhakulam he joined the Minor Seminary at Kothamangalam. He did
his philosophical studies at St.Joseph's Pontifical Seminary Mangalap
uzha. His theological studies were at Pontifical Urban University in
Rome.

He was ordained a presbyter in Rome on 18th October1961 through
the imposition of hands by Mar Mathew Kavukatt, the then Metropolitan
of Changancherry. He took licensate in the study of the Sacred Scriptu
re from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and doctorate in Bib
lical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University Rome.
His first appointment in the Eparchy was as the Assisstant Par
ish Priest of St.George's Cathedral Kothamangalam. In 1968 he joined
the staff of the St.Thomas' Apostolic Seminary Vadavathoor. He was the
professor of the Sacred Scripture and Theology.
In 1974 he left for the United State of America on sabbatical
year to pursue his studies. He obtained a master's degree in Internat
ional relations from the Vanderbilt University of Nashville, Tennesse
State in 1976. He was a visiting scholar in Union Theological Seminary
in 1978.
Coming back to India in 1976 he resumed his office as profess
or at St.Thomas' Apostolic Seminary Vadavathoor. He served the semina
ry also as Vice Rector and Editor to the periodical Bible Bhashiyam.
He has written a number of scholarly articles in periodicals and two
books on the Bible.
On 16th February 1977 he was appointed the Bishop of the dioc
ese of Kothamangalam. His Episcopal Ordination was on 24th April 1977.

At present he holds the offices of:
Chairman : Bible Commission, Kerala Catholic Bible Society
Chairman : Commission for Liturgy
Chairman of the CBCI Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue
Member of the Pontifical Council for the Cultural Treasures
of the Church, Rome.
Member of CBCI Standing Committee

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