New Delhi – Mar Joseph Powathil “remained devoted throughout his life to the upliftment of the poor and disadvantaged sections of the society”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the demise of late Archbsihop.

In his condolence note, the Prime Minister stated that “Archbishop Emeritus Mar Joseph Powathil remained devoted throughout his life to the upliftment of the poor and disadvantaged sections of the society. He was also known for his work in the empowerment of farmers and strived for inclusive socio-economic development of the people.”

“Archbishop Emeritus Mar Joseph Powathil will continue to live through his ideals and values, which will inspire younger generations to render selfless service to the society and nation.”, the PM continued before concluding the condolence note with prayers for the departed soul.

Mar Powathil’s funeral ceremony
Tens of thousands thronged the city of Changanssery to pay their final respects to Archbishop Emeritus of Changanassery Mar Joseph Powathil. The funeral ceremony was held with official honors from the Kerala state government.

Clergy including many Archbishops as well as several political and social leaders paid homage to the late Archbishop during the funeral. The funeral services started with the Holy Qurbana, the main celebrant being Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church.

The funeral ceremony saw the participation of around fifty bishops including the Archbishop of Changanessry, Mar Joseph Perumthottam and hundreds of priests from within and outside the Changanassery Archdiocese.

Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis Catholica Bava, the Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara, Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal, the current Bishop of the Kozhikode, representing the Latin Church also delivered their condolences.

Bishop Mar Thomas Padiyath read the condolence message sent by the Vatican Secretary of State on behalf of Pope Francis. Pivotal moments and the biography of Mar Powathil’s life was engraved on copper plate and attested by Archbishop Mar Joseph Perunthottam. The memoir was buried in the box preserved with his holy mortal remains.

Mar Powathil was laid to rest next to the tomb of His father's physical body was buried in Mar Pouvvam next to the grave of the blessed bishops including the former Archbishop Daivadasa Mar Kavukat of Martha Mariam Kabarita Church adjacent to the Metropolitan Church.