Archbishop Thumma Bala installed as archbishop of Hyderabad

(May 09, 2011) Indian Bishop Thumma Bala was officially installed as the Archbishop of Hyderabad by the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio at a ceremony attended by nearly 7,000 people. A few bishops, scores of religious and clergymen also witnessed the pontifical concelebrated mass held at the St. Mary’s School grounds at Secunderabad in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The nuncio and Archbishop of Visakhapatnam, Kagithapu Mariadas led Bishop Bala to the ceremonial chair symbolizing the bishop’s taking of office. The official appointment letter of Pope Benedict XVI was read out at the ceremony. The see of Hyderabad had been vacant since the death of Archbishop Marampudi Joji on Aug. 27, 2010. Speaking on the occasion, the Nuncio asked Archbishop Bala to promote Christian values in society and public life. The newly-installed archbishop said he would follow the preaching of Christ and strive hard to share love and peace with the people. Noting that his motto would be ‘to work in charity and in unity’, Archbishop Bala said he would try to fulfil the works of his predecessor. A few ministers and highly-placed government officials took part in the ceremony.