Motto: to love and to serve. (Amare et Servire)

Born: 18 January 1948
Priestly Ordination: 3 February 1975
Episcopal Consecration: 8 September 1994
Retired on: 15 October, 2023

BIOGRAPHY

His Excellency Most Rev. John Thomas Kattrukudiyil, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church in Northeast India, served as the Bishop of Itanagar from 2005 to 2023. He previously held the position of Bishop of Diphu from 1994 to 2005. On June 29, 2023, His Holiness Pope Francis accepted his resignation in accordance with Canon 401 § 1.

Early Life and Education

Born on January 18, 1948, to Thomas and Mary Kattrukudiyil in Kaduvoor, Kerala, within the Kothamangalam Syro-Malabar Eparchy, Bishop Kattrukudiyil completed his high school education before joining the Diocese of Tezpur in Assam to pursue priesthood. He studied at St. Paul’s Minor Seminary in Shillong, followed by Philosophy at Morning Star, Kolkata, and Theology at Sacred Heart Theological College in Poonamallee. He was ordained a priest on February 3, 1975, for the Diocese of Tezpur.

Priestly Leadership

Bishop Kattrukudiyil became the first Rector of Muktidata Seminary, Tezpur, before continuing his studies in Scripture at the Biblicum in Rome. Upon his return, he served as a professor and later as Rector at Oriens Theological Institute in Shillong. He was appointed Bishop of Diphu on June 10, 1994, and was ordained on September 8, 1994.

On December 7, 2005, he was transferred to the newly established Diocese of Itanagar, where he was installed as its first bishop on March 12, 2006. His Episcopal motto, “To love and to serve,” reflects his dedication to his ministry. He holds a licentiate in sacred scripture and a doctorate in biblical theology. He also served as the General Secretary of the Northeastern India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC).

Visionary Leadership and Contributions

As a visionary leader known for his compassion and commitment, Bishop Kattrukudiyil recognised the urgent need for education in the Northeast. He spearheaded the establishment of numerous educational institutions and mission centres within both the Dioceses of Diphu and Itanagar. Notably, he initiated an Agriculture Training School at Manja in Diphu, which has trained hundreds of students. To address the issue of school dropouts, he founded the National Open School (NOS).

In 2019, he celebrated the silver jubilee of his episcopal ordination and in 2025 golden jubilee of his priestly Ordination at Sacred Heart Church, Papu Nallah. After 50 years of priestly service and 28 years as a bishop, Bishop Kattrukudiyil leaves behind a lasting legacy rooted in education, service, and dedication to the Church.

As he transitions into retirement, the Diocese of Itanagar continues to express deep gratitude for his sacrificial service and transformative impact on the community.