Mananthavady: A beacon of faith and development, Fr. Thomas Mannoor affectionately known as Mannoorachan passed away, marking the end of a remarkable journey that intertwined missionary zeal with grassroots transformation. He was 87.
Fr. Mannoor, a priest of the Mananthavady Diocese, played a pioneering role in uplifting the highland settlements of northern Kerala through his decades-long commitment to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and spiritual leadership. He is most celebrated for founding the Kottiyoor Immigration Jubilee Memorial High School (IJMHS) 50 years ago, a transformative initiative that opened doors of higher education to generations of settlers in the remote hill regions. Today, that institution stands as a Higher Secondary School an enduring testament to his vision.
Beyond education, his leadership extended to public health. As treasurer of the local People's Committee, he helped establish a government dispensary on land donated by Puliyammakkal P.K. Joseph. That modest clinic has since evolved into an award-winning Family Health Center, recognized by the central government for excellence.
Fr. Mannoor’s passion for community upliftment was felt across Kottiyoor, Kelakam, and Kanichar panchayats, where he was actively involved in numerous development efforts. He expanded Yuvadeepthi College, a parallel educational institution under St. Sebastian's Church, and served six years as the church's vicar. His contributions also shaped the physical and spiritual landscape of the region, including the construction of the Palchuram–Ambayathodu road, which brought vital connectivity to isolated areas.
Born on November 15, 1937, in Mannur, Pala, into a devout Catholic family, Thomas Mannoor was the fifth of six children of Ulahannan and Eli. Drawn to missionary life from a young age, he entered Kunnoth Minor Seminary in 1957 under the Thalassery Diocese and was ordained a priest on March 10, 1966, by Bishop Valloppilly.
His pastoral journey began in Shimoga, Karnataka, where he served as assistant vicar and played a key role in relocating displaced settlers to Chandanakkampara. He later led parishes in Nellikutty, Kottathara, Kottiyoor, and Mullankolli, where he constructed St. Mary’s Church over five years of relentless effort. In 1982, he founded the Thiruhridaya Church in Pulpally, uniting families from surrounding parishes and extending spiritual care to underserved communities.
Fr. Mannoor’s missionary zeal carried him far beyond Kerala. At age 62, he moved to Rajkot, Gujarat, joining the Wanganir Mission. There, he walked alongside marginalized communities, strengthening their faith and social bonds. He was present during the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake, facing adversity with prayer and perseverance.
Upon returning to Kerala in 2003, he was assigned to Ooty by Bishop Mar Emmanuel Pothanamuzhi, where he established a new parish for 40 Catholic families. From 2009 onwards, he served as the vicar of Kolavayal parish in the Mananthavady Diocese, continuing his service until his final years.
The mortal remains of Fr. Mannoor will lie in repose at the Dwarka Pastoral Centre on Sunday from 7 AM to 5 PM. On Monday, the body will be taken to the priest’s brother’s residence in Vellad parish, near Karuvanchal in the Archdiocese of Thalassery, followed by public homage at the parish church. His funeral will be held at 2 PM, presided by Mar. Alex Taramangalam.
Fr. Thomas Mannoor will be remembered as a priest who saw every pastoral assignment as a divine mandate to serve and serve fully. The Diocese of Mananthavady mourns his loss and offers prayers for his eternal rest. His life remains a stirring reminder of what one person’s faith, vision, and perseverance can achieve in the service of both God and humanity.