Bishop Emeritus Antony felicitated

[TamilNet, Friday, 17 December 2004, 20:45 GMT]
His Lordship L.R.Antony, Bishop Emeritus of Trincomalee-Batticaloa Diocese was felicitated on the day of his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood. The felicitation event was held in Trincomalee St.Mary's Cathedral on Wednesday.

Bishop Emeritus Antony

Four Bishops of Jaffna, Mannar, Trincomalee-Batticaloa and Kandy- Thomas Soundaranayagam, Joseph Rayappu, Kingsley Swampillai and Leony Fernando respectively participated in the felicitation event. Msgr Claudio Cricini, Secretary of the Papal Delegate, His Excellency Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka attended the event, sources said.

Bishop Emeritus being wished by a girl.

Born in Karampon village in Jaffna district on 19.04.1927, Bishop Emeritus Antony is the last in the family of four of Mr.Leo Rajendran and Ms Mariapillai. He lost his father on the 53rd day he was born. He has had his primary education in Karampon Holy Family Convent and secondary education in Kayts St.Antony's College. He followed higher education in Jaffna St.Patrick's College.

He entered the priesthood on 7th December 1954. He was nominated as the Auxiliary Bishop of Jaffna diocese on 21.11.1968. He was appointed Bishop of Trincomalee-Batticaloa Diocese in 1973 succeeding Bishop Dr.V.Theogupillai who was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of the first Tamil Bishop of Jaffna diocese Dr. Emliyanuspillai. His Lordship Antony served as Trincomalee-Batticaloa Bishop from 1974 to 1983 till his retirement due to ill health, sources said.




Msgr Claudio Cricini handing over felicitation message of the Pope to Bishop Emeritus Antony.






(L-R) Bishop Thomas Soundaranayagam (Jaffna), Bishop Leony Fernando (Kandy), Bishop Kingsley Swampillai, Msgr Claudio Cricini, Secerary to Papal respresentative in Sri Lanka and Bishop Joseph Rayappu are seen at the event.