Sacerdotal Diamond Jubilee of Monsignor I. Chinnappa

Bangalore, 13th April 2021: Very Rev Monsignor Ignatius Chinnappa, more popularly known as ‘Father I Chinnappa’ in Karnataka Catholic circle, celebrated the sacerdotal diamond jubilee of his priesthood on April 13, 2021 at Infant Jesus Shrine, Viveknagar. The octogenarian priest recalled with gratitude God’s faithfulness and unfailing love all through the journey of his priesthood as he presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration along with other Archdiocesan priests.

Father I. Chinnappa was born to C. Innasappa (Dodda Meshtru) and Anthonamma on March 16, 1932 in a small village called Harobale in Ramanagara district 85 kms from here. He entered minor seminary of the Archdiocese in 1952 with the intention of becoming priest. After the completion of his seminary studies, he was ordained to the priesthood on April 13, 1961, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Pothakamuri, the then Archbishop of Bangalore, who after ordaining Father I. Chinnappa said “We have the tallest priest in the Archdiocese.”

Archbishop Most Rev Dr. Peter Machado in his message of greetings lauded the services of Rev Fr I Chinnappa in different positions as Asst. Parish Priest, Parish Priest, Manager & Correspondent, Vicar General, Financial Administrator etc. Assuring his prayers, he said “May God grant him good health and many more long years of fruitful and prayerful priestly ministry” Ad multos annos!

Soon after his ordination, Father I Chinnappa began his priestly ministry as the assistant priest at Our Lady of Victories Church, Champion Reefs, KGF. Later he served in St. Mary’s Orphanage, Mariannapalya, Gokunte, Chikkaballapura, St. Teresa’s Church, JC Road, St. Anthony’s Church, TC Palya, Immaculate Conception Church, Doresanipalya, St. Rita’s Church, Kunigal, Resurrection Church, Rajajinagar, St. Jude’s Church, RT Nagar and St. Ann’s Church, Mestripalya. Besides this, he has also served the Archdiocese of Bangalore as Vicar General and as Financial Administrator.

Soon after the grand Eucharistic celebration, Father I Chinnappa was warmly and affectionately felicitated by his family members, relatives and fellow priests present on the occasion. In view of the pandemic, the prescribed Covid protocol was strictly adhered to and people participating in the celebrations were therefore restricted to a small number.