Former PrelatesDiocese of Kumbakonam

  • Most Rev. Hugo Matholen BOTTERO
    (1889-1913)

    First Bishop of Kumbakonam

    Native Place  

    		  

    Shamperi, Chambery, in France

    Date of Birth  

    		  

    20.01.1837

    Parents

    		  

    Mishel Angelo Potero & Martha Koren

    Education

    		  

    Potero Learned Greek, Latin

    Philosophy

    		  

    National College, Shamperi

    Law

    		  

    Law College in Turin
    Joined in MEP May 8th, 1856

    Priestly ordination

    		  

    23.12.1859

    Episcopal Ordination

    		  

    30.11.1899

    Died

    		  

    21.05.1913

    Special Remarks

    		  

    The first two Bishops of Kumbakonam diocese were the M.E.P. missionaries. Most Rev. Hugo Matholen BOTTERO was appointed as the first Bishop of Kumbakonam on September 1, 1899.  Being a Tamil Scholar, he translated the entire Bible into Tamil.

  • Most Rev. Marie Augustine CHAPUIS
    (1913-1930)

    Second Bishop of Kumbakonam

    Native Place  

    		  

    Hostien, Haute Loire (France)

    Date of Birth  

    		  

    20.04.1869

    Priestly ordination

    		 

    24.09.1892, for the Society of
    Paris Foreign Missions.

    Ministry

    		  

    Professor in Government College for 5years
    Co- Adjustor to the Prelate of Hugo M. Bottero: 25.07.1911

    Bishop

    		  

    1913

    Died

    		  

    13.07.1930

    Special Remarks

    		  

    In his earlier life because of Government Order he joined the military and worked for 2years.
    “India, thy sons shall be the ministers of thy salvation” was the clarion call of Pope Leo XIII. Making the dreams of Pope Leo XIII a reality, Bishop M.A. Chapuis promoted native vocations to priesthood and religious life.

  • Most Rev. Peter Francis
    (1931-1955)

    First Indian Bishop of Kumbakonam diocese

    Native Place  

    		  

    Kottapalaiyam, Trichy (Dt.)

    Date of Birth  

    		  

    01.08.1882

    Priestly ordination

    		 

    23.12.1911

    Episcopal Ordination

    		  

    19.05.1931

    Died

    		  

    04.05.1973 (at the age of 91)

    Special Remarks

    		  

    He is the second native bishop of Tamilnadu and first Indian Bishop of Kumbakonam diocese. Golden Jubilee of the diocese was celebrated on 6th-8th, December 1949.

  • Most Rev. Paul Arulsamy
    (1955-1988)

    Native Place  

    		  

    Viragalur (Trichy Dt.)

    Date of Birth  

    		  

    05.09.1915

    Parents

    		 

    Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Paripuranathamal

    Priestly ordination

    		 

    24.08.1944

    Episcopal Ordination

    		  

    05.05.1955

    Special Remarks

    		  

    He took keen interest to implement the teaching of the Vatican II. The Pastoral Centre was his creation made in 1979. In order to regulate the social activities, he established the Kumbakonam Social Service Society in 1974.

  • Most Rev. Peter Remigius
    (1990-2008)

    Native Place  

    		  

    Melamanakudi, Kaniyakumari(Dt.)

    Date of Birth  

    		  

    20.03.1939

    Parents

    		 

    Mr. Peter & Mrs. Clara

    Priestly ordination

    		 

    18.04.1966

    Episcopal Ordination

    		  

    03.01.1990

    Special Remarks

    		  

    His thirst was to be a real pastor to his flock makes him visit all the parishes and substations of the diocese. By his humaneness, humour and simplicity he won over the hearts of young and old, rich and poor, great and small, men and women. He is called by the people as “ beloved bishop ”.