Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Jan 16: The first bishop of Puttur diocese, Dr Geevarghese Mar Divannasios Ottathengil, passed away on Tuesday, January 16.

He was 67. He breathed his last in Thiruvalla in Kerala where he was living after his retirement in last January.

Dr Divannasios was born on 1 November 1950 in the ancient Syrian Christian family of Ottathengil to NS Varghese and Mariamma Varghese at Thalavady near Thiruvalla in Central Travancore. In 1956, his family migrated to Dakshina Kannada district. They stayed at several places in the district and finally settled at Ichilampady. In 1962 his family embraced Catholic faith.

After finishing school he started his seminary formation in 1966 at Infant Mary Minor Seminary in the Eparchy of Thiruvalla. Having completed his priestly formation he was ordained a priest on 20 April 1978 by Benedict Mar Gregorios.

After his ordination, Varghese Ottathengil was appointed assistant vicar of five parish stations at Nilambur. Later he was the vicar of four parishes at Narangathode, Onjil, Mycavu and Manalvayal. In 1980 he was sent to Rome for higher studies. He completed his Ph D in spiritual theology. After his doctoral studies, he returned to Bathery in 1987 and was appointed vicar of Palanthadom parish in the district of Kasargod. In the same year he took charge as the Rector of the minor seminary in the Eparchy of Bathery, and also served as the vicar of the cathedral parish.

He was appointed the Rector of the Major Seminary of the Malankara Catholic Church in May 1990, which was in its early stages. The seminary developed further during his seven-year tenure as rector.

On 18 December 1996 Pope John Paul II appointed Varghese Ottathengil as the Bishop of Bathery, after Cyril Mar Baselios. He was consecrated a bishop on 5 February 1996 at Bathery by Cyril Mar Baselios. He received the name Geevarghese Mar Divannasios. His sacerdotal Silver Jubilee was celebrated in 2003. He was the Administrator of the Malankara Catholic Church during the short period after the demise of Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos.

On 25 January 2010, he was appointed as first Bishop of the newly erected Eparchy of Puttur.

Dr Divannasios was a good writer. He had published a short story collection. He spoke Kannada and Tulu fluently. He was trained singer in Carnatic music too. He was a good orator and liked by people from all faiths. He was known for his love of the poor and downtrodden.

He took the retirement from his bishop’s service due to health reasons.

Funeral will be held on Thursday, January 18 at Metropolitan Cathedral in Thiruvalla.