Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Karikkassery, the auxiliary Bishop of Verapoly and a Salesian Cooperator, has been elevated as the new Bishop of the diocese of Kottapuram. Rt. Rev. Joseph Karikkassery hails from Karthedom, one of the largest parishes in the island of Vypin, Ernakulam. He was born on 13th February 1946. On December 19th, 1973 he was ordained a priest. He rendered meritorious service as parish priest at Perumanoor, Palarivattom, Chathiyath, Cheranellor and Kuttikattukara. He has also served as the Vice-Rector of St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri. In March 2002 he was made the Rector of the Minor Seminary Kalamassery. On 1st February 2006 he was made the Vicar General of Archdiocese of Verapoly. He was nominated as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly and titular Bishop of Buxentum (Capo Della Foresta) by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on 25th November, 2006. The Episcopal ordination took place at the National Shrine - Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam on December 28, 2006. He had a very close contact with the Salesians of Don Bosco, Vaduthala when he was the Vicar of Chathiath. He has great admiration and love for the Salesian charism and the spirit of Don Bosco. He made the promise as Salesian Cooperator in the presence of Rev. Fr. Mathew Maruvathrail, the then Salesian provincial, in the chapel of Our Lady of Thattazham, Vaduthala in 2001. On 13th February, he assumes office as the Bishop of the diocese of Kottapuram. The entire Salesian family rejoices at his new appointment and we wish him all the best.