The 57th death anniversary celebration of Father James Kottayil S.J., who was martyred in the Ranchi Nawad parish, was held at St. John the Baptist Church, Thuruthipally, Pala. Parish vicar Father Jose Nellikka Theruvil led the Holy Mass and the office.

At the commemoration and Holy Mass held on July 13 at Velakavu St. Joseph Church, Father Mathew Kottayil CMF led the services. In the following memorial, Joy Kottayil Velakavu welcomed the gathering. Father Mathew Kottayil spoke in remembrance of Father James' martyrdom. Family meeting secretary Siju Kottayil presented the report.

Kottayil Family Meeting President Rajesh James Kottayil gave the keynote address. Treasurer Jomi Kottayil extended greetings. Sister Lisi Jose Thoppil SCV conveyed her wishes. Then, Sister Steffi of the St. Martha's Congregation extended her greetings. Dr. Shibu Kottayil from Kozhikode conveyed his wishes. Sony Babu Kottayil from Vadakkanchery, Thrissur, extended his wishes. Cherian Kottayil from Wayanad and Jinu Kottayil from Velakavu expressed their gratitude.

Father James Kottayil S.J.

Father James Kottayil S.J. was born in the St. John the Baptist Church, Thuruthi parish in the Pala diocese. He was born on November 15, 1915, as the son of Chacko Kottayil from Kattampak and Mariam from the Kuravilangad parish Mappila family. After passing his Intermediate in Thiruvananthapuram, he joined the Jesuit Mission in Chota Nagpur and was ordained on November 1, 1948, at Kursiog. He served as a priest in the Jesuit order, undertaking mission work in Biru and Jashpur (diocese). He also served as the minister of St. Mary's High School in Sang Tholi (Simdega) diocese.

Father James dedicated his life to the educational, social, economic, and spiritual advancement of the Adivasis. On the night of July 13, on the day of Our Lady of Rosa Mystica, Father James was attacked. To obstruct the progress of the Adivasis, church opponents arranged for hired killers to assassinate Father James. After being stabbed 13 times, he was taken to Holy Family Hospital in Mandar (now Levins Hospital). Despite the doctors and nurses' strenuous efforts to stop the bleeding from his lungs and save his life, Father James passed away on July 16, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He was buried in the cemetery of Mandar Church.