17 Facts About Joseph Powathil

Joseph Powathil was an Indian prelate of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.

Joseph Powathil was the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Changanassery, serving from 1985 until 2007.

Joseph Powathil was the first bishop of Kanjirappally, having served from 1977 to 1985.

Joseph Powathil served as the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India from 1994 to 1998.

Joseph Powathil was born in the hamlet of Kurumbanadom, near Chanaganacherry, British India.

Joseph Powathil was known as Pappachan in his childhood, and was officially known as P J Joseph.

Joseph Powathil went to school at Holy Family LP School and St Peter's UP School, and then at St Berchmans' High School in Changanacherry.

Joseph Powathil did his seminary studies in St Thomas Seminary Changanacherry and Papal Seminary, Pune.

Joseph Powathil was appointed auxiliary bishop of Changanacherry on 29 January 1972, despite having little Episcopal experience, and was consecrated by Pope Paul VI on 13 February 1972.

Joseph Powathil rose to become archbishop and returned to Changanacherry on 16 November 1985, succeeding Antony Padiyara.

Joseph Powathil served as President of Catholic Bishops Conference of India, Chairman of Kerala Catholic Bishops Council, and Chairman of Education Commission of the CBCI.

Joseph Powathil has been a member of the Post Asian Synodal Council in Rome, Italy since 1998, Chairman of KCBC Commission for Education, Founder and Chairman of Inter Church Council for Education, Chairman of Inter Religious Fellowship, member of the Pro Oriente Foundation in Vienna, Austria and member of the Scientific Commission of International Publication 'Oasis' in Venice, Italy.

In 1990, Powathil founded the I C Chacko award for cultural and literary excellence and it was awarded to Prof.

Joseph Powathil established the Diocesan Youth Movement called 'Yuvadeepti' in 1972.

Joseph Powathil was the first chairman of the KCBC Youth Commission.

Joseph Powathil started Apostolate for the senior citizens, apostolate for the emigrants and apostolate for the tourists in the Archdiocese.

Joseph Powathil led CANA, the Indian Section of the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, at Thuruthy with headquarters in Rome.