His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Netto
Archbishop, Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum
Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Netto was born on 29th December, 1964 in Puthiyathura in the Archdiocese of Trivandrum, and was ordained priest on 19th December 1989, for the same Archdiocese. After attending St. Vincent’s Minor Seminary in Trivandrum (1980-1983), he studied Philosophy at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, followed by Theology at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha, Alwaye. He holds a M. A. Degree in Sociology from the University of Kerala and, in 1999, he obtained a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology (Ecclesiology) from the Pontificia Università Urbaniana. He served the Archdiocese in the following ministries: Assistant Priest at Peringamala (1990-1991), Assistant Priest at Palayam (1991-1995), Executive Secretary for Ecumenism and Dialogue (1994-1995). From 1995 to 1999 he completed his studies in Rome. He was then appointed Parish Priest in Pettah (1999-2003), Executive Secretary of the BCC (2000-2004), Rector of St. Vincent’s Minor Seminary, Trivandrum (2003-2010), Parish Priest in Thope and Ministries Coordinator (2010-2014), Episcopal Vicar for Ministries (2014-2017), Parish Priest of St. Augustine Church, Murukumpuzha and Editor of the Diocesan Magazine (2017-2021). From 2007, he is Member of the College of Consultors; and from 2021, Episcopal Vicar and Coordinator of Ministries.
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Christudas Rajappan
Auxiliary Bishop, Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum
Born on November 25, 1971, in Adimalathura, Archdiocese of Trivandrum, Christudas Rajappan entered St. Vincent’s Minor Seminary in 1987. He completed his priestly formation at the Papal Seminary, Pune, and was ordained a priest on November 25, 1998. He pursued advanced studies in Austria (German language course, 2004) and Rome, earning a Licentiate in Pastoral Theology (2005-2007) from the Scalabrinian International Migration Institute and a Doctorate in Missiology (2007-2010) from Pontificia Università Urbaniana.
After ordination, Fr. Christudas served as Parish Administrator at St. Nicholas Church, Neerody (1998-1999), Secretary to the Archbishop and Director of K.C.Y.M. (1999-2004), and Parish Priest at Paruthiyoor (2001-2004). He was Professor at the Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye (2010-2012), Rector of St. Vincent’s Minor Seminary, and Parish Priest at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Kochuthura. Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum and Titular Bishop of Avitta Bibba on February 2, 2016, he was consecrated on April 3, 2016.
Since 2016, Bishop Christudas has served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum. He is Vice Chairman of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference (KCBC) Youth Commission and supports initiatives like LIFFA, the archdiocesan football academy, reflecting his passion for sports, particularly football.