Thrissur: Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Thrissur, was called to eternal rest on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at 2:50 p.m. at Jubilee Mission Hospital, Thrissur. He was 94 and had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments for several months. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

Archbishop Thoomkuzhy served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur from 1996 until his retirement in 2007. Earlier, he was the first Bishop of Mananthavady (1973–1995) and later Bishop of Thamarassery (1995–1996). He is also remembered as the founder of the Society of Kristhu Dasi (SKD), a congregation devoted to pastoral and social service.

Born on 13 December 1930 to Kurian and Rosa Thoomkuzhy in Vilakkumadam, Diocese of Pala, he entered the Minor Seminary in Changanassery as its youngest seminarian, affectionately nicknamed “Benjamin.” After completing his philosophy studies at the Major Seminary in Alwaye, he went to Rome for theological formation and was ordained a priest on 22 December 1956. He remained in Rome for further studies, earning a doctorate in Canon Law before returning to Kerala.

As a young priest, Fr. Thoomkuzhy served as Secretary to the Bishop and Chancellor of the Diocese of Tellicherry, while also assisting in parish ministry. With the establishment of the Diocese of Mananthavady on 1 May 1973, he was consecrated and installed as its first bishop, a role in which he laid strong pastoral and institutional foundations.

In 1995, he was transferred to the Diocese of Thamarassery, and within a year, was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur. During his 11 years of episcopal leadership in Thrissur, he prioritized pastoral care, evangelization, education, and social outreach. He retired from active ministry on 22 January 2007.

Archbishop Thoomkuzhy will be remembered for his humility, pastoral zeal, and deep spirituality. His oft-repeated request to the faithful, “Don’t forget to pray for me too,” remains etched in the hearts of many.