New Shepherd for Jaffna Diocese

The Apostolic Nunciature in Sri Lanka in a press release states that the Holy Father Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Jaffna, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Thomas Savundaranayagam, which was presented in accordance with Canon 401-1 of the Code of Canon Law.

The release states that the Holy Father has appointed Rev. Fr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, of the diocesan clergy of Jaffna, until now Vicar General of the Diocese of Jaffna as Bishop of Jaffna.

Bishop Emeritus, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam was appointed Bishop of Jaffna on July 6, 1992.He was also the first Bishop of the then newly erected diocese of Mannar from January 24, 1981 to July 1992. -Messenger