Bishop Rev. Franco Mulakkal
Born : Mar. 25,1964
Priestly Ordn.: Apr. 21, 1990
Epis Ordn: Feb, 21, 2009
Pope
Benedict XVI has appointed Father Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar Diocese Auxiliary
Bishop of Delhi Archdiocese and titular Bishop of Chullu. This was announced in
Rome, on Saturday 17th January 2009.
Most Rev. Franco Mulakkal, belonging to the clergy of Jalandhar Diocese, was
born on 25th March, 1964, at Mattom, Trichur, Kerala. After his high school at
his own native village, he joined the St. Mary’s Petit Seminary at Thope,
Trichur. After completing his Philosophy and Theology at the St. Charles
Inter-Diocesan Major Seminary at Nagpur, he was ordained priest for the Diocese
of Jalandhar, Punjab, on 21st April, 1990, at St. Thomas Forane Church, Mattom.
His Episcopal Ordination was on 21st February, 2009.
He holds a B.A. from Nagpur University, M.A. in English Literature and another
in Sociology from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab as well as a
Doctorate in Moral Theology from Alphonsian Academy of Lateran University, Rome.
He served the Diocese of Jalandhar in various capacities. Member of Staff of St.
John Mary Vianney Minor Seminary, P.R.O., Secretary of the Priests’ Senate,
Diocesan Coordinator of Small Christian Communities, Director of Diocesan
Pastoral Centre, Parish Priest of Khanuwan (1990-1997), Financial Administrator
of the Holy Trinity Regional Major Seminary, where he also was Professor of
Moral Theology (2001-2007). From 2003-2006 he served as National President of
Apostolic Union of Clergy.
Besides being International Counsellor of the Apostolic Union of Clergy he was
appointed Treasurer-cum-Animator of the Apostolic Union of Clergy (Rome), in
June 2007, and Consultor of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue
(2008), the posts he occupied at the time of his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop
of Delhi Archdiocese.
Coat of Arm
The Cross with shining Eucharistic Sun: Symbol of the paschal mystery of our Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of the world, the source of every grace and blessing, also the summery of the Sacred Scriptures and the Sacraments, the inspiration of all activities of the Church as the continuation of the mission of Christ....
The Word of God: The message of the paschal mystery is transmitted through the Word of God, ‘the Love Story of the Father towards the humanity’.
Holy Spirit: The agent of the transforming message of the Word and Grace which is hidden beneath every letter in the Sacred Scriptures, which helps us to form image of God in us, which helps us to form Christ in us and which help us to be united with the Body of Christ-the Church. It is trough this Spirit of reconciliation and unity the true peace is accomplished in each human person, Church and the society.
The hand of Jesus and Francis: The classical example of being another Christ in the world, an example of living the paschal mystery, an example of living the Word of God and an example of complete transformation into the person of Christ, which is the basic call of every baptised Christian. The bishop-elect who is also bearer of the name Francis (Franco) takes this Saint as his model of life.
The Wheat: The symbol of fructification of the Pascal experience and the proclamation of the Word of God. The Word of God and Grace of God fructifies and gives hundred fold when responded positively.
The lily: The lily in the field is the symbol of providence of God. It is also symbol of purity and sanctity. It symbolises also the person who experienced the immensely the providence of God and live the life of purity and sanctity- Mary, Mother of Jesus, and through the will of Jesus, also mother of all believers.
Ut in Omnibus Glorificetur Deus: The motto of the bishop-elect, is the ultimate aim of all what a Christian does. Since ‘a complete-perfect humanity is the glory of God’ this also inspires to work for the glory of God and seek his glory in everything.