Media release
Mysuru, Jan 8: Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras has been named the Apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Mysore on Saturday, January 7. He was formally introduced at St Joseph’s Cathedral or St Philomena’s Church here.
According to a press release issued by Vijay Kumar, Public Relations Officer of the Diocese, Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, is appointed for the ordinary administration and pastoral care of the Diocese of Mysore.
“Bishop of Mysore K Antony William will be absent from the Diocese from January 8. During his absence from the Diocese, he will be taking care of his health. William was ordained Bishop on February 27, 2017,” the press note said.
Archbishop Felix Machado, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), said in a letter: “In a communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform that the Dicastery for Evangelization has appointed His Grace Most Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore for the ordinary administration and pastoral care of that local Church. The Dicastery for Evangelization has decided that the Diocesan Bishop, the Right Rev Kannikadass A William takes a period of absence from the ministry. The appointment will become effective from 7th January 2023, at 6 pm.”
Meanwhile, Raphael, secretary of Kannada Christara Sangha said it was unfortunate that the glory, name, fame and spirituality of Mysore Diocese has been tarnished by the last two Bishops from the last few years.
He said the late Bishops Rene Fuega Matthias Fernandez, Michealappa and Joseph Roy had upheld the dignity of Christianity, despite little disturbances. "They accumulated land, and properties in and around Mysuru and protected them for the development of the Diocese. The deterioration began during the tenure of Bishop Emirates Thomas Antony Vazhapilly. Vazhapilly never had any concern for local Christians and Karnataka," he said in a note
Raphael said since K A William had become Bishop, public money was being spent on luxuries and to cover up illegal activities.
He said the Diocese funds were misused and mismanaged by some groups of priests,” he added.