The diocese of Kumbakonam was canonically erected on September 01, 1899. It was bifurcated from the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and it was entrusted to the able leadership of MEP(Mission Etrange De Paris). The Diocese is very proud to say that the first two Bishops were from the MEP Most Rev. Hugo M. Bottero was appointed as the first Bishop on September 01, 1899. He showed a keen interest in the firm establishment of the diocese which was facing many challenges and almost insurmountable difficulties. Being a Tamil scholar, he translated the entire Bible into Tamil. Most Rev. Marie Augustine CHAPUIS was appointed as the co-adjutor to the Prelate, Hugo M. Bottero on July 25, 1911.
