NEWS
SHTC Honours Fr. Arul Kumar for Groundbreaking Work on Religious Bishops in Canon Law
Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai–Shillong, rejoiced with Fr. Arul Kumar Sebastian, SDB, on the release of his scholarly book Religious Elevated to Episcopate: Formation & Juridical Interpretation of cann. 705–707 CIC 1983. The publication, a culmination of his extensive doctoral research at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, Rome, explores the canonical nuances surrounding the elevation of religious priests to the episcopate.
The first release of the book took place at Dharmaram College, Bangalore, on October 15, 2025, during the Annual Conference of the Canon Law Society of India, in the presence of Cardinal Oswald Gracias. The second release followed at Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong, on November 5, 2025, graced by Fr. John Zosiama, Provincial of the Shillong Province, and Fr. Jose Chunkapura, Director of the Institute.
In his preface, Ángel Fernández Cardinal Artime, SDB, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, praised Fr. Arul Kumar’s meticulous research, noting:
“Among the author’s contributions, it is noteworthy that he examines the challenges posed by the modifications introduced by the Code regarding a religious bishop’s obligations of obedience and poverty, as well as the use of the religious habit upon his elevation to the episcopate... Certainly, this work stands as a valuable contribution to canonical science.”
A member of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT), Fr. Arul Kumar currently serves as Professor of Canon Law at Sacred Heart Theological College. His academic dedication, grounded in rigorous research and ecclesial sensitivity, marks a significant contribution to canonical jurisprudence and serves as an inspiration for young theologians and religious scholars engaged in the study of Church law.
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