Brief History of the Diocese of Adilabad

The Diocese of Adilabad was originally part of the Diocese of Chanda until July 1999, when it was erected as a new diocese by Pope Saint John Paul II through the Papal Bull Ad Aptius Consulendum dated 23 July 1999. On the same day, His Holiness also appointed Rev. Joseph Kunnath CMI as its first bishop through the Bull Quoniam Oportet. He was consecrated on 6 October 1999, the day on which the new diocese formally came into existence. After completing the canonical age of 75, Bishop Joseph Kunnath submitted his resignation.

On 6 August 2015, Rev. Prince Antony Panengadan was announced as the second Bishop of Adilabad. His episcopal consecration and installation took place on 29 October 2015 at St. Chavara Pastoral Centre, Thimmapur.

On 28 August 2025, Msgr. Joseph Thachaparambath CMI was announced as the third Bishop of Adilabad. His episcopal ordination and installation are scheduled for 25 October 2025.

When it was first established in 1999, the Diocese of Adilabad comprised the civil district of Adilabad with an area of 16,210 sq. km. Over time, its territory has expanded. Today, the Diocese encompasses 17 civil districts of Telangana:
Adilabad, Nirmal, Mancherial, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Peddapalli, Kamareddy, Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Warangal Urban, Warangal Rural, Mahabubabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Khammam.

Its geographical area has also widened significantly, now covering over 16,128 sq. km, with a population of about 2.7 million people spread across more than 1,750 villages in 69 Mandals.

Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

Rite: Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

Status: Diocese within the proper territory of the Syro-Malabar Archiepiscopal Church

Province: Suffragan of the Archdiocese of Shamshabad

Missionary Beginnings

The evangelization work in this region was pioneered by the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) in 1962, the year when the Ordinariate of Chanda was established. Before that, there were only two Catholic centres in Adilabad: one at Sirpur Kagaznagar with a resident priest and another at Bellampally, visited by priests from the Archdiocese of Nagpur.

The history of the Diocese of Adilabad is closely connected with the history of Chanda Mission, sharing its legacy of missionary zeal. The diocese owes its growth to the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication of the pioneering CMI missionaries, whose spirit continues to inspire the clergy and faithful today.