Shillong, 15th October 2025: Sacred Heart Theological College rejoices with Fr. Arul Kumar Sebastian, SDB, on the release of his book Religious Elevated to Episcopate: Formation & Juridical Interpretation of cann. 705–707 CIC 1983. The work is the fruit of his dedicated research, carried out during his doctoral studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, Rome.
The first release of the book took place at Dharmaram College, Bangalore, in the presence of Card. Oswald Gracias, during the Annual Conference of the Canon Law Society of India on 15 October 2025. A second release was held at Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai–Shillong, on 5 November 2025, graced by Fr. John Zosiama, Provincial of the Shillong Province, and Fr. Jose Chunkapura, Director of the Institute.
In his preface to the book, Ángel Fernández Card. Artime, SDB, highlights the significance of the author’s contribution, stating:
“Among the author’s contributions, it is noteworthy that he examines the challenges posed by the modifications introduced by the Code regarding a religious bishop’s obligations of obedience and poverty, as well as the use of the religious habit upon his elevation to the episcopate. Particularly commendable is his archival research on the active and passive rights of religious bishops during their tenure and after retirement. Certainly, this work stands as a valuable contribution to canonical science.”
Fr. Arul Kumar, SDB, belonging to the Province of Tiruchy (INT), presently serves as a Professor of Canon Law at Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong. His scholarly contribution not only enriches the field of Canon Law but also inspires young theologians and religious scholars to engage deeply with the juridical traditions of the Church.
Reported by Cl John Avinash
