Bishop John Mulagada of Eluru passes away

(August 17, 2009) Indian bishop John Mulagada of Eluru in Andhra Paradesh has passed away. The 71-year old bishop died on Sunday at a private hospital in Vijayawada after several weeks of illness. Bishop Mulagada was born on Dec. 12th, 1937 at Marriveedu village in Andhra Pradesh. He completed his seminary studies at St. John's Seminary, Hyderabad, and was ordained priest on January 4^th, 1965. He was appointed the first bishop of the newly erected diocese of Eluru and his episcopal ordination took place on the 5th of May 1977. In his 32-year service as head of Eluru diocese he initiated many projects for the welfare of the poor. A great devotee of the Virgin Mary he started several shrines dedicated Our Lady, most notable among them the shrine of Nirmalagirimatha. Bishop John Mulgada’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in the Cathedral in Eluru.