The Archdiocese of Birmingham rejoices in the ordination of Fr Jithin Titto to the sacred priesthood, which took place at St Chad’s Cathedral on Monday 6 July.

Fr Jithin, 32, was ordained in the Syro-Malankara Rite by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. The ordination took place in the presence of Archbishop Bernard Longley and Most Rev. Dr Kuriakose Mar Osthathios, Apostolic Visitor to the United Kingdom and Europe. The liturgy was celebrated according to the Antiochian tradition of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

Following his ordination, Fr Jithin will continue his ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Redditch.

Originally from Idukki in Kerala, India, Fr Jithin was born in Saudi Arabia and baptised into the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. After being received into full communion with the Catholic Church, he entered formation for the priesthood at St Mary's College, Oscott, for the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Reflecting on his call to the priesthood, Fr Jithin said: “The call developed gradually during my university years. Through Catholic chaplaincy, prayer, Sacred Scripture, and the guidance of a lay missionary called Br. Prince Vithayathil, I encountered a deeper relationship with Christ and a growing love for the Eucharist, Our Lady, and the Word of God. Over time, through prayer and discernment, I came to recognise that God was calling me to serve Him and His Church through the ministerial priesthood.”

Before entering seminary, Fr Jithin studied Mathematics at university and initially pursued other career paths, training as a teacher before later working in accountancy.

Speaking in the days leading up to his ordination, he shared both his excitement and gratitude: “I feel excited and also slightly nervous! But mostly, I feel deeply grateful to God for His providence, mercy, and faithfulness. I am also very grateful to my family, friends, formators, and the many people who have supported me through their prayers and encouragement throughout my journey.”

Fr Jithin encourages any man discerning a vocation to remain open to God's call and to develop a life of prayer rooted in Scripture. “Be open to God's will and make time for prayer. Without the scriptures, we cannot hear God’s Words — Read in it all the days of your life and make the prayers of lament, joy, and supplication in there your very own!”

Away from ministry and study, Fr Jithin enjoys reading, particularly Scripture and spiritual books, spending time with family and friends, and keeping active through badminton. He also describes himself as a keen foodie, joking that he is engaged in a “lifelong study of the world's cuisines”.

As he begins his priestly ministry, Fr Jithin draws inspiration from the words of St Paul: *“I seek not what is yours but you.”*

Reflecting on the pastoral ministry that lies ahead, he said: “The heart of Apostolic work is not to seek what people possess, but to seek the people themselves. To fix my eyes as God Himself gazes on every soul with love and desire their salvation. My prayer is that, as a priest, I may learn to share something of that Pauline zeal of pastoral charity: to love the people entrusted to me, to lead them closer to Christ, and to spend myself generously for their salvation.”

Fr Jithin celebrated his first Mass in the Latin Rite at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Banbury, on Tuesday 7 July. He will celebrate his first Holy Qurbana in the Syro-Malankara Rite later this week.

Please keep Fr Jithin in your prayers as he begins his priestly ministry in service of the people of God.

Ordination of Fr Jithin Titto - Photo Gallery by Con McHugh

Ordination of Fr Jothin Titto: Livestream

First Mass

First Mass, Fr Jithin Titto: Photo Gallery by Con McHugh

First Mass, Fr Jithin Titto: Livestream