Victor Gnanapragasam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Grace Victor Gnanapragasam |
|
|---|---|
| Apostolic Vicar of Quetta | |
| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| See | Apostolic Vicariate of Quetta |
| In Office | 2010 - 2020 |
| Successor | Khalid Rehmat OFM (Cap.) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 21 December 1966 |
| Consecration | 16 July 2010 by Adolfo Tito Yllana |
| Rank | Bishop |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 21, 1940 Jaffna, Sri Lanka |
| Died | December 12, 2020 (aged 80) |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Previous post | Apostolic Prefect |
Victor Gnanapragasam was an important leader in the Catholic Church in Pakistan. He was a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a group of priests. He was the very first leader of the Catholic Church in a special area called the Apostolic Vicariate of Quetta in Balochistan, Pakistan. He served in this role from 2010 until he passed away in 2020.
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Early Life and Studies
Victor Gnanapragasam was born on November 21, 1940, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. His family was Sri Lankan Tamil.
He decided to become a priest and joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He studied philosophy and theology at a seminary in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from 1960 to 1966.
Becoming a Priest
Victor Gnanapragasam became a priest on December 21, 1966. He moved to Pakistan in 1973 and worked there for many years. He was part of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate group in Pakistan.
He worked as a parish priest in different towns in Pakistan. He also studied in other countries, like the Philippines and England. He learned about youth ministry, psychology, and spirituality to help him in his work.
In December 2001, he was chosen to be the Apostolic Prefect of Quetta. This meant he was in charge of the Catholic Church in that region.
Becoming a Bishop
On April 29, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI made the Quetta area an "Apostolic Vicariate." This is a special area led by a bishop. The Pope then chose Victor Gnanapragasam to be the first bishop for this new area.
He officially became a bishop on July 16, 2010. This special ceremony, called a "consecration," happened at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Karachi. Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, who was the Pope's representative in Pakistan, led the ceremony.
Challenges and Later Life
In 2019, Bishop Gnanapragasam faced some challenges. There was unrest in Balochistan, making it hard for him to travel. His cathedral was near army buildings, so he needed a special pass to go there. This meant he often had to go through police and army checks.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, said his government would help people who were struggling, including minority groups like Christians.
Death and Legacy
Bishop Victor Gnanapragasam passed away on December 12, 2020, from a heart attack.
His funeral was held on December 15, 2020, at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Quetta. Many important church leaders, including Cardinal Joseph Coutts, attended the service. Bishop Gnanapragasam was buried in the garden of the Cathedral.
On January 1, 2021, Pope Francis chose Father Khalid Rehmat to be the new leader of the Catholic Church in Quetta.
