The announcement of Most Rev.Dr. Michael Augustine as the Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore came on 25-03-1992 and was installed as the Archbishop on 25-06-1992. During his 12 yers of episcopacy the Archdiocese saw newer heights. He laid foundations for 2 new vicariates, 14 new parishes and invited 13 new religious congregations to work in the Archdiocese.
According to 2001 Census, the total population of Cuddalore and Villupuram Districts is 52,24,454 and the total population of Pondicherry & Karaikal Districts is 9,05,644. Thus the total population of this area is 61,30,098. Among them Christians are 2,99,667. He was true to the dignity of his office and always felt happy and cheerful to serve his flock. On 05-07-2004 the Holy Father accepted his resignation and appointed Most Rev. Dr Antony Anandarayar the Bishop of Ottacamund as the succeeding Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore.
