The Catholic Church has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Emeritus Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy. His death marks the conclusion of a remarkable era defined by visionary leadership, steadfast commitment, and transformative initiatives within the Archdiocese of Thrissur and beyond.
Born on December 13, 1930, in Vilakumadam, Palai, Kerala, Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy pursued extensive theological and legal studies, ultimately earning a doctorate in Canon and Civil Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. His intellectual depth and administrative acumen became the cornerstone of his episcopal ministry.
Appointed the first Bishop of Mananthavady in 1973, he laid the foundations of the diocese, shaping its structures, institutions, and community programs. His tenure in the Diocese of Thamarassery and subsequent leadership as Archbishop of Thrissur from 1996 to 2007 solidified his reputation as a leader capable of blending spiritual guidance with practical institution-building.
Archbishop Thoomkuzhy was instrumental in founding and guiding several significant institutions, including Marymatha Major Seminary, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Jyothi Engineering College, and Jeevan TV, a Catholic television channel. Each of these initiatives reflects his vision for education, healthcare, and communication, creating a lasting legacy that continues to influence countless lives.
Twice serving as Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), he played a central role in national ecclesiastical initiatives, displaying an uncommon capacity for strategic leadership. His approach combined deep spirituality with reformist zeal, ensuring the Church's institutions remained both effective and responsive to social needs.
With his passing, the Church loses more than a leader it loses a guiding force whose intellect, vision, and relentless dedication shaped an era. The vacuum left by Archbishop Thoomkuzhy’s absence underscores the magnitude of his contributions and the challenge of filling the void left by such a singular figure in contemporary Church history.