Emeritus Archbishop of Hyderabad Thumma Bala
Emeritus Archbishop of Hyderabad Thumma Bala passed away on Thursday. He was 80. Announcing the death, Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and the clergy remembered the ministry of Most Rev. Thumma Bala.
He was born in Narimetta village of Warangal. He was ordained as priest in December 1970, and played significant roles, including as professor of Catechetics at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, as chairman of A.P. Regional Catechetical Commission, chairman of CBCI Health Commission, and a member of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Apostolate, Vatican.
He was consecrated as a bishop in March 1987, and was later appointed as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad in March 2011.
“He was proficient in Telugu, English, Hindi, Italian, German, and Latin, and his extensive contributions to the church and community are a testament to his lifelong dedication and service,” said Cardinal Poola Anthony.
Funeral rites of Most Rev. Thumma Bala will be held on Friday 11 a.m. onwards at St. Mary’s High School, Secunderabad, followed by the burial at St. Mary’s Basilica.
Mortal remains will be kept at St. Mary’s Basilica for paying final tributes.
