Roman Catholic Diocese of Tanjore
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Diocese of Tanjore Dioecesis Taniorensis தஞ்சை மறைமாவட்டம் |
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| Location | |
| Country | India |
| Ecclesiastical province | Pondicherry and Cuddalore |
| Metropolitan | Pondicherry and Cuddalore |
| Statistics | |
| Area | 9,583 km2 (3,700 sq mi) |
| Population - Total - Catholics |
(as of 2010) 4,223,000 260,800 (6.2%) |
| Parishes | 88 |
| Information | |
| Rite | Latin Rite |
| Established | 13 November 1952 |
| Cathedral | Sacred Heart Cathedral in Thanjavur |
| Patron saint |
Sacred Heart of Jesus Our Lady of Good Health |
| Current leadership | |
| Pope | Francis |
| Bishop | Devadass Ambrose Mariadoss |
| Metropolitan Archbishop | Antony Anandarayar |
| Vicar General | A. Titus Antony Raj |
| Website | |
| Website of the Diocese | |
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tanjore/Thanjavur (Latin: Tanioren(sis)) is a diocese located in the city of Tanjore in the Ecclesiastical province of Pondicherry and Cuddalore in India.
When we trace the history of the Church in India, it is as old as Christianity itself. St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ brought the Good News of God's Salvation to India. We have quite a few evidences to believe that St. Thomas preached the Gospel in the East and West coast of South India especially in Madras (Chennai) and in the city of Kollam(Quilon) (pronounced Koy-lon)in the present State of Kerala. In 1953, the Diocese of Thanjavur was bifurcated from the Diocese of Mylapore which was established in 1606. Mylapore was the second biggest diocese in India. The Padruado Missionaries by their able leadership and dedicated service led this diocese towards the omega point i.e., "Christ" by bringing many more souls to the Catholic Church. In 1950 Mylapore came under the direct jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Propagation of Faith.
Genesis of the Diocese: The Diocese of Thanjavur was bifurcated from the Diocese of Mylapore on November 23, 1952 by the Holy See, and was erected into a diocese by the Papal Bull Ex Primaevae Ecclesiae
Missionaries in the Diocese: The territory that constitutes the present Diocese of Thanjavur has been the field of the heroic labour of the Portuguese Padruado Missionaries from Goa, Franciscans, Augustinians, Jesuits, Foreign Missionary Society of Paris (MEP), Salesians and the Diocesan Clergy.
Geography of the Diocese: At Present the Diocese of Thanjavur comprises the entire districts of Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagai (excepting two taluks of Papanasam and Kumbakonam in the district of Thanjavur). It is also covers six taluks of Pudukottai district and two taluks of Cuddalore district.
Shepherds of the Diocese: On 25 March 1953 R.A. Sundaram became the first Bishop of Thanjavur. With his motto "Cor Jesu et Mariae spes mea" and with his special gifts for masterly planning and efficient administration, Sundaram began to build the diocese from scratch. Under his leadership the diocese grew steadily and strongly in every aspect of life. After 33 years of laudable Episcopal ministry, Sundaram retired in 1986. His successor P. Arokiaswamy (called Archbishop) took charge on the 26th of November 1986 and continued to lead the diocese to realize her goal. After 11 years of fruitful Episcopal ministry he retired in July 1997. M. Devadass Ambrose was consecrated as bishop of Thanjavur on 24 September 1997. He is the third bishop of the Diocese of Thanjavur. Known for his hard work and sincerity he continues to lead the Diocese in the right direction.
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