Srilanka, April 19 -- "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". These words written by St. Paul in his epistle to Timothy (2.Timothy 4.7) are a fitting epitaph to the life and service of former Catholic Bishop of Mannar, the Most Rev. Rayappu Joseph whose 85th birth anniversary was on April 16 this year.

Bishop Rayappu Joseph passed away on April 1st 2021 just 15 days before his 81st birthday. This commemorative article re-visits the life and mission of Bishop Joseph as a tribute to a Catholic prelate who stood by his flock steadfastly in an adverse environment and spoke truth to power regardless of consequences.

Former Bishop of Mannar Rayappu Joseph



Bishop Joseph Rayappu served as the Bish...