Bangalore: His Holiness Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Grace Most Rev. M. Calist Soosa Pakiam (75) from the pastoral care of the Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum, according to Canon Law 401 § 1, and has appointed Msgr. Thomas J. Netto, (58) of the Clergy of the Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum as Archbishop of the Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum. This provision was made public in Rome on Wednesday, 2 February, 2022.
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.