On Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10:25 a.m., the faithful received somber news: Most Rev. Thumma Bala, Archbishop Emeritus of Hyderabad, passed away at the age of 80 in Karuna Puram, Warangal, India.
His old age and ailments marked his departure, signaling the end of a remarkable journey that touched countless lives.
Archbishop Bala’s final moments were poignant. He visited his sister in Karuna Puram, where he drew his last breath. As the details of his funeral awaited confirmation, the community mourned the loss of a spiritual leader who had left an indelible mark on their hearts.
His tenure as Archbishop of Hyderabad (2011–2020) and earlier as Bishop of Warangal (1987–2011) exemplified unwavering dedication. Born on April 24, 1944, in Narimetta, within the Warangal Diocese, he embarked on a lifelong commitment to serve God and His people.
Archbishop Bala was ordained as a priest on December 21, 1970, and his journey unfolded with purpose. At the age of 42, he assumed the role of the second Bishop of Warangal on November 17, 1986, and received episcopal ordination on March 12, 1987.
His leadership was characterized by compassion, wisdom, and a deep understanding of pastoral care.
In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI recognized his exceptional qualities and appointed him as Archbishop of Hyderabad.
He officially took office as the tenth Archbishop on May 5, 2011, guiding the faithful with grace and humility. During his tenure, he navigated challenges, fostered unity, and upheld the teachings of the Church.
Archbishop Bala’s legacy extended beyond administrative roles. Before assuming the episcopate, he was the rector of St. Paul's Regional Catechists' Training Centre in Nuzivid, Vijayawada diocese (1978–1981).
His commitment to education continued as Professor of Catechetics at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad (1984–1986) and as Procurator at the same seminary during those years.
As a bishop, he championed various causes. From 1987 to 1995, he chaired the Telugu Regional Youth Commission, nurturing the faith of the younger generation. From 1990 to 1995, the Jyotirmai Society found him to be a dedicated leader. During the same period, his influence extended to the Regional Catechetical Commission.
Archbishop Bala’s commitment to holistic well-being was evident through his chairmanship of the CBCI Health Commission (2002–2006). His global perspective led him to serve as a member of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Apostolate at the Vatican (2002–2007).
Notably, he played a pivotal role in communication. As Chairman of Amruthavani Communications Center, Radio Veritas Asia Telugu Service (2008–2019), he ensured that the message of faith reached far and wide.
His academic pursuits were equally commendable. Archbishop Bala earned a Licentiate in Pastoral Theology and Catechetics from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome (1980–1983), enriching his pastoral ministry with theological depth.
In 2020, at the age of 76, he retired from active episcopal ministry, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Those he served continue to feel his impact, and they will forever cherish his memory.
May Archbishop Thumma Bala rest in eternal peace, and may his life inspire generations to come. Inputs by Pujitha Nagalli
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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