Ranchi: As the Church marked the 58th anniversary of the martyrdom of Father James Kottayil S.J., India's first Jesuit martyr, commemorative ceremonies unfolded with deep reverence across multiple parishes tied to his life, mission, and sacrifice.
On the eve of the anniversary, July 15, a solemn funeral procession was held at Mander Church in Ranchi, where Fr. Kottayil is buried. The procession was led by Fr. Bipin Kundulna and Assistant Vicar Fr. Jonish Gari, who together unveiled and blessed a memorial plaque bearing the late martyr’s portrait, placed beside his final resting place in the church cemetery.
The central commemoration was held at 5:30 a.m. on July 16 at Navathad, Ranchi the very parish where Fr. Kottayil laid down his life. The Holy Eucharist was concelebrated by Nawatnar parish priest Fr. Sunil Topano and Fr. Tomy, Director of Social Services for the Diocese of Hazaribagh. The service was deeply symbolic, featuring a five-part liturgical reflection and the blessing of another memorial plaque. This one stands in front of a commemorative slab installed on July 30, 1967, at the room where the martyr was attacked now part of St. Anne’s Convent.
Simultaneously, prayers echoed from the martyr’s home parish, St. John the Baptist Church in Thuruthipally, within Kerala’s Pala Diocese. There, the local community gathered to honor their native son. The Holy Mass was led by parish priest Fr. Augustine Peedikamalayil and Fr. Reji Paimattom CMF, who now serves in the Diocese of Daltonganj in Ranchi.
Fr. Kottayil's legacy, built on forgiveness and unwavering faith, continues to inspire. Even when confronted by his attacker James Sachan he chose mercy over vengeance, referring to his assailants as “my brothers,” without ever revealing their names. It is said that the attacker later repented, moved by the Father’s Christ-like forgiveness.
Today, Fr. Kottayil's memory lives on not just through words, but in sacred spaces his tomb at Mander Church, the memorial slab at Navathad where he was martyred, and the stone cross bearing his image in his mother parish at Thuruthi. Devotees from all walks of life visit these holy sites seeking strength, healing, and divine blessings through the intercession of a man who gave his life for love, faith, and service.