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Salesian Bishop Jeromedhas Varuvel Passes Away
The Salesian Province of Chennai (INM) has announced with deep sorrow the passing of Most Rev. Bishop Jeromedhas Varuvel, SDB (74), Emeritus Bishop of Kuzhithurai Diocese, who died at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, at the Care Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai.
Born on 21 October 1951, he made his Perpetual Profession on 24 May 1981 and was ordained a priest on 2 June 1985. He was ordained Bishop of Kuzhithurai on 24 February 2015, serving as shepherd of the diocese until 2021.
The Requiem Mass was celebrated on 24 March at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Perambur, Chennai. The Funeral Mass will be held on 25 March 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Thirithuvapuram, Kuzhithurai.
A Life fully given to God and the Young
Bishop Jerome’s life was marked by deep faith, pastoral zeal, and unwavering dedication to the Salesian mission. After completing his Licentiate in Education at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), Rome (1985–1987), he served in various educational and pastoral roles across Tamil Nadu.
He was Vice Rector and Dean of Studies at Vellakinar, Rector in DB Tirupattur and Pallithammam, Administrator and Vice Rector in Trichy, and later Correspondent and Rector at St. Mary’s, Chennai. He also directed “Kalvisolai” initiatives in Tirupattur and Ennore, demonstrating a strong commitment to educational outreach.
His heart, however, was particularly drawn to rural and marginalised communities. From 2005 to 2010, he served in Thalavadi, first as Director and later as Rector, strengthening missionary outreach among the poor and tribal populations. His pioneering work in underserved areas, including Kadambur and Thalavadi, reflected his preferential love for the most abandoned.
From 2010 to 2015, he served as Rector and Novice Master at Yelagiri (Idaya Deepam), where he accompanied young Salesians during their formative years. Many recall him as a gentle and affirming formator, a fatherly presence who always sought to encourage rather than correct harshly. His monthly personal dialogues with novices were marked by kindness, patience, and an ability to recognise and nurture each individual’s goodness.
Shepherd of Kuzhithurai
Appointed Bishop of Kuzhithurai in 2015, Bishop Jerome guided the diocese with humility, simplicity, and a pastoral heart close to the people. He was known for his accessibility, deep prayer life, and compassionate outreach, especially to struggling families and remote village communities. His episcopal ministry combined spiritual depth with social concern, as he remained attentive to the sufferings of his flock.
Even as Bishop, he retained the simplicity and fraternity of a true son of Don Bosco—approachable, serene, and deeply rooted in prayer.
A Man of Prayer, Music, and Compassion
Bishop Jerome was widely admired for his personal holiness and interior life. Prayer was central to his daily rhythm, and his detachment from material concerns was evident to all who knew him. His life bore witness to the primacy of God and to the Salesian spirit of loving-kindness.
Gifted musically, he composed hymns and liturgical songs that continue to enrich celebrations in Salesian communities. Music was for him both a prayer and a pastoral tool—an expression of joy and faith.
In his later years, especially after completing his episcopal ministry, he served quietly as Confessor at St. Bede’s (Chennai) and Becchi (Kavaraipettai), and then as Spiritual Director at The Citadel, Kilpauk, Chennai (2023–2026). Even amid physical frailty and prolonged suffering, he radiated peace and hope, offering a silent testimony of faith.
Gratitude and Prayer
The Salesian Province of Chennai expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Bishop Jerome in his final days, including the Little Sisters of the Poor, medical professionals, and confreres who accompanied him.
With his passing, the Church in Tamil Nadu and the Salesian Congregation lose a gentle shepherd, a wise formator, a compassionate missionary, and a humble servant of God. His life remains a luminous example of fidelity, kindness, and total dedication to the young and the poor. May the Good Shepherd, whom he served so faithfully, welcome him into eternal peace.
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