Ranchi: Across the hills of Jharkhand and the valleys of Kerala, candles flickered and prayers rose for a man who chose love in the face of betrayal. Fr. James Kottayil, a Jesuit missionary who laid down his life for the upliftment of the tribal poor, was remembered on the 58th anniversary of his martyrdom not as a victim, but as a witness of compassion who called his assassins "brothers."

Born on November 15, 1915, in Thuruthipally, under the Pala Diocese, Fr. James began his spiritual journey from the parish of St. John the Baptist Church. After passing his intermediate, he joined the Chotanagpur Jesuit Mission a path that would lead him into the heartlands of central India, to places many dared not go. He joined novitiate at sitagarha in 1936.

Ordained on November 1, 1948, in Kurseong, West Bengal, Fr. James served as school minister of St Mary's High school Samtoli, and later as vicar and Headmaster khanjaloya Biru, under Simdega Diocese. But it was in Nawatanr parish, Ranchi, that his life met both its brightest and darkest moments. Fr. Kottayil was the first Vicar of Tamamunda Church under Diocese of Jashpur.

Despite the shadow of danger cast by criminal elements and feudal landlords who feared the empowerment of tribals, Fr. James fearlessly transformed the parish. Through cooperative banking and education, he helped free the local community from the shackles of debt and servitude. His work was a direct challenge to entrenched exploitation and it made him a target.

On the night of July 13, 1967, those who came asking for food and shelter repaid him with betrayal. Stabbed thirteen times in the dark, Fr. James collapsed in pain. Yet when asked who did it, his only reply was: "They are my brothers." He succumbed to his injuries on Sunday night, July 16.

Laid to rest on July 17 in the Mandar Church cemetery, his funeral was attended by a sea of mourners, led by the Archbishop of Ranchi and the Jesuit Provincial. His martyrdom plaque, first unveiled in 1967, still stands before the room where he once lived now a shrine for those seeking courage and forgiveness.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, faithful from across Kerala and Jharkhand gathered to honor this martyr of mercy. A special Vishudha Qurbana (Holy Mass) and the blessing of a newly engraved plaque took place in Navathad. Fr. Sunil Topno, the local vicar, led the service, joined by Fr. Tommy Anju Pankil (Director, Hazaribagh Social Services), Montfort Brothers and Sisters, and many faithful. From Kerala, members of the Kottayil family, including Rajesh James (President, Kottayil Kudumbayogam), Baby Kottayil, and Mary Kottayil from Mangalore, were present.

At Mandar Church, the burial site, a solemn Holy Mass was led by Fr. Bipin Kundalna and Fr. Johnish Gary. Adding a personal touch, a hand-stitched portrait of Fr. James created by Thresyamma Cheruvallikkatt, niece of his 93-year-old elder sister was presented to Archbishop Mar Vincent Aint of Ranchi in the presence of Jesuit Provincial Fr. Xess Ajith Kumar SJ.

Meanwhile, in Fr. James’s birthplace, St. John the Baptist Church in Thuruthipally, the 58th martyrdom anniversary was observed with a solemn Mass led by parish vicar Fr. Augustine Peethikamalayil. Fr. Reji Paimattom, now serving in the Daltonganj Diocese, also joined in prayer and remembrance.

Today, thousands still visit three sacred places tied to the martyr’s memory: the plaque in Navathad, the grave at Mandar Church, and the memorial stone at Thuruthipally Church, where his portrait watches over the faithful. Here, prayers are whispered, candles lit, and hearts stirred by the message of a man who conquered hate not with revenge but with unconditional love.

Fr. James Kottayil’s legacy remains etched not just in stone, but in the soul of a people he chose to serve until his final breath a martyr who saw even his killers through the eyes of Christ.