-Chandigarh, May 13, 2025: Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas was formally installed as the sixth Bishop of the Simla-Chandigarh Diocese during a ceremonial event held today. The installation marked a significant moment for the diocese, which spans parts of northern India.
Originally from Chinnavilai in Tamil Nadu, Bishop Thomas was born on November 6, 1971. After completing his early education, he moved to North India in 1988 to join the Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh, undertaking his priestly formation/training in seminaries in Lucknow and Jalandhar. He was ordained a Catholic priest on May 13, 2001.
Over the past two decades, Bishop Thomas has served in various pastoral and leadership roles, including assignments in Panchkula, Kauli-Shekhpura and Sangrur missions. He has also held positions such as Secretary to the Diocesan Priests, Senate Director of the Diocesan Enquiry Centre and Media Commission, and as Rector of the Holy Trinity Regional Major Seminary, Jalandhar. In addition, he served as the regional secretary to VSCR (Vocation, Seminarians, Clergy and Religious) Commission and as president of regional ARMS (Association of Rectors of Major Seminaries) respectively. Academically, he holds a Doctorate in Sacred Scripture from the University of Vienna, Austria, as well as postgraduate degrees in Journalism & Mass Communication and Human Rights from Punjabi University, Patiala and Indian Institute of Human Rights, Delhi.
The installation ceremony was attended by Bishops, clergy, religious and members of the laity. The official appointment made by the late Pope Francis was formally read during the event. The principal consecrator was Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi, joined by co-consecrators Bishop Ignatius L. Mascarenhas and Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias.
Following his installation, Bishop Thomas assumed pastoral leadership of the diocese. The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony also honouring priests marking their Silver and Ruby Jubilees of ordination.
