He was the Pontifical Delegate of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church with the powers of the Major Archbishop vested in him by Pope John Paul II.

During his tenure as Pontifical Delegate to the Syro Malabar Catholic Church, the powers of Major Archbishop were vested in him, though the office was held by Mar Antony Padiyara.

He died from a massive heart attack during a visit to Rome to submit his observations on the Syro Malabar Church.

Kattumana was elected to the titular see of Cebarades following his appointment as Pro-Nuncio to the African states of Ghana, Benin and Togo and was consecrated bishop on 3 August 1991 at Ernakulam by Cardinal Antony Padiyara.

In December 1992 Archbishop Kattumana was appointed as Pontifical Delegate to the Syro-Malabar Church when the latter was elevated to Major Archiepiscopal status.