Bishop Iruthayaraj: A Shepherd of Faith and Vision
- Bishop Savarinathen Iruthayaraj (1927–2001) was the first bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Palayamkottai.
- He dedicated his life to the service of God and the welfare of His people.
- Born in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, he was ordained on December 20, 1959.
- In 1973, he was appointed by Pope Paul VI to lead the newly established diocese.
Shepherd and Visionary
For more than 26 years, Bishop Iruthayaraj guided his flock with remarkable dedication. He was not only a spiritual shepherd but also a visionary builder of social change. Under his leadership, the diocese blossomed into a hub of education, healthcare, and pastoral outreach. He focused on uplifting the marginalized, encouraging vocations, and founding institutions that continue to bless countless people. His body remains incorrupt, and we are prayerfully hoping for his beatification, as many miracles have been attributed to his intercession.