The diocese of Eluru, which was bifurcated from the Diocese of Vijayawada, consists of the entire revenue district of West Godavari and the island of Konaseema in East Godavari district. The paternal tireless labour of Bishop John in the pastoral field, lasting over three decades, yielded a rich harvest. The strength of the faithful multiplied from about 76, 000 to 2, 85,000, and the number of diocesan clergy from 26 to over 100. Bishop John, a passionate and compassionate leader, entrusted many parishes and areas to the religious for their integral development. Now there are more than 20 men religious congregations and 40 women religious congregations engaged in the apostolate in the diocese. At time of his taking over, there only 12 religious priests, of whom 10 were PIME, presently there are close to 80 religious priests minister in the diocese. Similarly, the number of women religious rose from 140 to over 540.
The diocese of Eluru, which was bifurcated from the Diocese of Vijayawada, consists of the entire revenue district of West Godavari and the island of Konaseema in East Godavari district. The paternal tireless labour of Bishop John in the pastoral field, lasting over three decades, yielded a rich harvest. The strength of the faithful multiplied from about 76, 000 to 2, 85,000, and the number of diocesan clergy from 26 to over 100. Bishop John, a passionate and compassionate leader, entrusted many parishes and areas to the religious for their integral development. Now there are more than 20 men religious congregations and 40 women religious congregations engaged in the apostolate in the diocese. At time of his taking over, there only 12 religious priests, of whom 10 were PIME, presently there are close to 80 religious priests minister in the diocese. Similarly, the number of women religious rose from 140 to over 540.
The fruits of the careful tending of the vineyard by Bishop John are the 100 parishes of which 10 of them are pilgrimage centers with shrines frequented by people of all religions. People in the area, irrespective of caste and creed are served by over 10 colleges, 200 schools, 70 orphanages, and about 40 hospitals and homes for the disabled facilitated by Bishop John, a devoted shepherd after His own heart.
Peoples Bishop showed much interest and took great pains to liberate the marginalized from their bondages. Through the Andhra Pradesh Social Service Society (APSSS) of which he was Chairman for over two decades, he promoted social awareness and literacy. Lakhs of poor people, especially the women, were challenged to organise themselves into self help groups, take up saving schemes and self employment projects. They were given training to be their own leaders which resulted in many of them getting elected as sarpanches and peoples representatives of local civil bodies. Massive house construction projects were taken up by the Eluru Diocesan Social Service Center, which was founded by the kind hearted Bishop, as the coastal area of the diocese is prone to natural calamities like cyclone and storm.
The poor people of the area, the faithful of the diocese, the priests and the religious feel that they are orphaned at the demise of their affectionate Father. However, they are sure they have gained a strong advocate who would continue to pray for them and support them. His venerable memory will be a constant source of strength and encouragement to carry forward his vision and works for the spread of Divine region.