Thanjavur: Bishop Devadass Ambrose Mariadoss, the former Bishop of Thanjavur, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the age of 76. He had been battling ill health for the past year and was undergoing treatment at Our Lady of Health hospital in Thanjavur. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 4 pm at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Thanjavur.
Bishop Ambrose served as the Bishop of Thanjavur from 1997 to 2023. He was also the Apostolic Administrator of Trichy from 2018 to 2021. Born on October 6, 1947, in Ammapet village, he received his early education at Ukkadai Appavu Thevar High School and a pre-university course at Sri Pushpam College. He joined St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Thanjavur in 1964 and studied philosophy and theology at St. Paul’s Seminary in Trichy. He was ordained a priest on August 5, 1974.
After his ordination, Bishop Ambrose served on the staff of St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore, where he was a professor of sacred Scripture. He pursued higher education at the Biblical Institute in Rome from 1980 to 1984, where he received his licentiate in sacred scripture (LSS). He later attended the Catholic University in Paris from 1991 to 1994, where he graduated “Summa Cum Laude” with a doctorate in sacred theology (STD). He also received a diploma in biblical studies from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Bishop Ambrose was appointed as the Bishop of Thanjavur on July 14, 1997, and was ordained on September 24, 1997. Pope Francis accepted his resignation from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Thanjavur on February 4, 2023.
During his tenure as Bishop, Bishop Ambrose pushed for the creation of new schools and colleges to provide quality education to underprivileged children at affordable fees. He was known for his tireless service and dedication to the Diocese of Thanjavur.
The Catholic Church in India mourns the loss of a dedicated shepherd and a respected scholar. Bishop Ambrose’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide the faithful in the Diocese of Thanjavur and beyond.