Archbishop R.Ambrose

Archbishop R.Ambrose

(1955-1973)

He became Archbishop in 1955. As Auxiliary Bishop he fully cooperated with Archbishop Colas in the removal of caste distinctions in the Churches. He maintained discipline in the Archdiocese and, though firm, he had a great concern for the priests.He retired on 15-06-1973, and passed away on 24-11-1999.

Archbishop V.S. Selvanather

Archbishop V.S.Selvanather

(1973-1992)

Bishop V.S.Selvanather was transferred from the see of Salem and appointed Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore in 1973. He had a great concern for the poor. It was he who was responsible for the establishment of Pondicherry Multipurpose Social Service Society (PMSSS) and South Arcot Multipurpose Social Service Society (SAMSSS) and credit societies in various parishes.
He encouraged promotion of laity and formation of good family life. Regarding higher education, he helped to start St.Joseph’s College of Arts and Science and St.John’s College Seminary at Cuddalore to help the Seminarians of the Province of Pondicherry and the Pope John Paul II College of Education. He retired on 24-06-1992 and passed away on 14-10-1993.

Archbishop Michael Augustine

Archbishop Michael Augustine

(1992-2004)

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.

Archbishop A. Anandarayar

Archbishop A. Anandarayar

(2004 -2021)

ON 06-05-2010 THE ARCHBISHOP, MOST. REV. DR. A. ANTONY ANANDARAYAR APPOINTED HIM AS THE VICAR GENERAL OF OUR ARCHDIOCESE. Apart from the works of the Vicar General our very Rev. Monsignor also looks after the catechists of our Archdiocese. When evangelization and pastoral needs predominate, the main concern of the Archdiocese is to employ the necessary personnel to impart the Word of God. A catechist in our tradition is like a right hand helping us in our evangelization and pastoral work. At present we have both trained and untrained catechists who assist the priests of our Archdiocese in carrying out their pastoral responsibility effectively.