Fr. Jolly Vadakken Appointed Apostolic Visitator for Syro-Malabar Faithful in Gulf.

New Delhi, 18 November 2025: Pope Leo XIV, after consultations with the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church, has appointed Fr Jolly Vadakken as the Apostolic Visitator for the Syro-Malabar faithful in the Arabian Peninsula. The appointment comes as the Syro-Malabar community in the region continues to grow, calling for closer pastoral care and coordinated guidance. Fr Vadakken, aged 60, is currently serving as the Vicar General of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda.

 

Born on 20 April 1965 in Mala, Thrissur district in Kerala, Fr Vadakken began his education at Soccorso Convent L.P. School and St Antony’s High School in his hometown. He entered St Mary’s Minor Seminary, Thope, and later completed his philosophical and theological studies at St Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye, between 1983 and 1989.

 

He was ordained a priest on 26 December 1989 by Mar James Pazhayattil. His early ministry took him to Kuttikkad and South Thanissery as assistant parish priest, followed by assignments as parish priest in Kuzhur and Parakkadav. In 1995, he was sent to Rome for higher studies. At the Salesian Pontifical University, he earned a licentiate in Media and Catechesis and defended his thesis in 2001 on the Cultivation Theory of communication scholar George Gerbner.

 

After returning to India, Fr Vadakken took up multiple responsibilities in the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda. He served as vicar at Kadupiserry and later became director of the diocesan media apostolate. He also headed the catechetical department, pastoral centre, Bible apostolate, justice forum and Pratyasa counselling centre. His pastoral leadership continued as vicar of St Mary’s Forane Church, Puthenchira, and as dean of studies at the Pastoral Orientation Centre in Palarivattom.

 

Between 2013 and 2019, he served the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council as secretary of the Media Commission, contributing to Church communications and media formation across the state. He later served as vicar at Meladoor and Chalakudy. In 2024, he was appointed Vicar General of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda.

 

Known for his calm leadership and expertise in media, catechesis and pastoral formation, Fr Vadakken has also been a teacher in several major seminaries.

 

By Dr. Stephen Alathara