Meet Our President
His Grace Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios
His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios is a distinguished bishop, pastor, educator and social leader of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, whose life and ministry have been marked by a deep commitment to faith, education, social justice and the empowerment of the marginalized.
Born on 24 May 1950 at Kottarakkara, Kerala, His Grace began his formation for priesthood at St. Aloysius Minor Seminary, Trivandrum, in 1967. He pursued his philosophical and theological studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli, and was ordained a priest on 2 April 1978.
His Grace has an outstanding academic background. He completed his studies at Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum, Christian College, Marthandam, and Madurai Kamaraj University. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and later earned his Doctorate from the University of Madras in 2000, with research focusing on leadership, organisational health and school effectiveness. His academic interests and experience have greatly influenced his vision for education and human development.
Throughout his priestly ministry, His Grace served in various parishes and mission stations and was actively involved in establishing and developing educational and social institutions. During his ministry in Chennai, he contributed to the establishment of the Mar Ivanios Dispensary, Sacred Heart School and Mar Gregorios College. His leadership has consistently reflected a commitment to education, social responsibility and the integral development of people.
In 1998, he was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum. In 2007, he became the first Metropolitan of the newly established Eparchy of Mavelikara. For more than eighteen years, he served the Mavelikara Eparchy with dedication, guiding its spiritual, pastoral, educational and social mission. He retired from the pastoral governance of the Eparchy on 30 May 2025.
His Grace has also made significant contributions to the wider Catholic Church in Kerala and India. He has served in various leadership positions in the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), including responsibilities connected with labour, education, culture and social concerns. His experience in these areas reflects his strong commitment to building a more just, compassionate and harmonious society.
A significant part of His Grace’s ministry has been his concern for the poor and marginalized. His association with Chethana Integrated Development Society reflects this commitment. Chethana works for the overall development of marginalized communities and promotes self-help, empowerment and social inclusion among women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sections of society. His Grace has served as President and Patron of Chethana, providing vision and leadership to its mission of social transformation.
His Grace is also known for his eloquent preaching, organizational abilities and command of Malayalam, English and Tamil. His ministry continues to be remembered for its emphasis on compassion, education, social responsibility and the dignity of every human person.
Through his years of dedicated service, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios has inspired many to look beyond individual concerns and work towards a society founded on faith, justice, compassion and human dignity. His life and ministry remain a source of inspiration to the Church and to the many communities touched by his service.