Mananthavady: Fr. Anoop Varghese Kollamkunnel, a 37-year-old priest of the Mananthavady Diocese, passed away following complications from pneumonia and a heart condition. He had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode, where he had shown signs of recovery before suffering a sudden heart attack.

Born on July 9, 1988, to Varghese (Kunj) and Valsamma, Fr. Anoop was ordained on December 29, 2015. He served as an assistant vicar in Payyampally, Thariyode, Boys Town, and Nilambur, and later as vicar in Bospara and Kallumukku parishes. In 2022, he took on the role of Assistant Director at the Nilgiri Development Society.

The funeral services will commence today, May 21, with public viewing at Kunnalady Church from 3:30 PM, followed by another viewing at Kallumukku parish, where he last served. The body will then be taken to Dwaraka Pastoral Centre for the first part of the funeral rites. On May 22, a Holy Mass will be held at 7:00 AM, followed by the final rites at 1:00 PM in Zion Hall, with the concluding service at 2:00 PM. Auxiliary Bishop Mar Alex Tharamangalam will preside over the ceremonies.