The Diocese of Cochin

The Diocese of Cochin was established on 4th February 1557, with its jurisdictional domain extending from Canannore to Cape Comorin and from Ceylon on the West Coast to the entire Indian East Coast, including Burma.

Dom George Temudo (1557–1567), the first Bishop of Cochin, gained reputation as an efficient administrator and a benevolent peace maker. His incumbency was marked by spiritual awakening as well as the inception of various social, educational and humanitarian projects, with the tremendous support and cooperation of the Raja of Cochin.

Dom George Temudo's successors followed suit and educational institutions were started under different parishes across the diocese. These institutions were independently managed by the respective parishes.

Formation of the CEA

Bishop Joseph Kureethara took office as the 33rd Bishop of Cochin on 21st December 1975. Soon enough, with the approval of the Diocesan Senate, he initiated the proceedings to form a Corporate Educational Agency for the Diocese of Cochin, abiding by the regulations of the Kerala Educational Acts and Rules.

On Bishop Kureethara's application, dated 11-04-1979, the DPI mandated the CEA by Order No. K.Dis.10370/81/42 dated 05-07-1981.

The CEA started functioning on 1st April 1981, with the Bishop of Cochin as the General Manager. The respective priests of the diocese were entrusted with his power of attorney for administrative ease.

Leadership Through the Years

Msgr. Paul Kattissery (1981–1983) was the first Corporate Manager of the CEA. Fr. Francis Fernandez took charge of the CEA on 15-11-1983. On 29-01-2001, Fr. Josey Kandanattuthara succeeded him as the Corporate Manager. He was followed by Fr. Thomas Parathara (2006–2009), Fr. Francis Kurisinkal (2009–2016) and Fr. Joppy Koottumkal (2016–2022). Fr. Antony Anchuthaikal has been the General Manager of the Corporate Educational Agency since 24-06-2022.

CEA Today

The CEA currently owns and operates 4 Higher Secondary Schools, 8 High Schools, 2 Upper Primary Schools and 15 Lower Primary Schools. The CEA has evolved into a force to reckon with, driving societal development through education.