Fr. D. Selvarajan Appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of Neyyattinkara

Bangalore, February 8, 2025: In a significant development for the Catholic Church in Kerala, Pope Francis has appointed Fr. D. Selvarajan (62) as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara. The announcement was made on February 8, 2025.

Fr. Selvarajan, who has been serving as the Judicial Vicar of Neyyattinkara since 2011 and as the Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier in Thirupuram since 2019, brings with him a wealth of experience in pastoral and canonical affairs.

A Life Dedicated to the Church
Born on January 27, 1962, in Valiyavila, Fr. Selvarajan pursued his priestly formation at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary in Alwaye. He later earned a License and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Université catholique de Louvain. Ordained a priest on December 23, 1987, for the Archdiocese of Trivandrum, he has since taken on several key roles in the Church.

His pastoral journey includes serving as Parish Priest in various churches, Director of Catechesis, Defender of the Bond in the ecclesiastical tribunal, and Director of Pastoral Care. He has also held administrative positions such as Chancellor of the Diocese and member of the College of Consultors.

The Diocese of Neyyattinkara
Established on June 14, 1996, the Diocese of Neyyattinkara was carved out from the Archdiocese of Trivandrum. Bishop Vincent Samuel was the first bishop of the diocese. The diocese comprises Neyyattinkara and Nedumangad taluks, with a Catholic population of 132,650, spread across 65 parishes, and served by 135 diocesan priests.

With his extensive experience in pastoral leadership and canon law, Bishop-elect Fr. Selvarajan is expected to strengthen the spiritual and administrative framework of the diocese.
by Dr. Stephen Alathara