Thrissur: The faithful across Kerala are preparing to bid farewell to Archbishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy, a revered shepherd who guided the Thrissur Archdiocese and later the dioceses of Mananthavady and Thamarassery. The first phase of his funeral rites will commence tomorrow in Thrissur, beginning a solemn journey that will stretch across multiple centers of the Syro-Malabar Church.
The ceremonies will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Thrissur Archdiocese Hall, with Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath presiding over the prayers. At 12:15 p.m., the mortal remains will be transferred to the Thrissur Dollars Basilica, where the faithful will have an opportunity to pay their respects. Later, at 3:30 p.m., the body will be escorted in a mourning procession through the historic Thrissur Swaraj Round before reaching Lourdes Cathedral.
The day’s observances will culminate at 5:00 p.m. with a Holy Mass at the Cathedral. Archbishop Thazhath will officiate, while Mar Pauly Kannukkadan, Bishop of Irinjalakuda, will deliver a condolence message. Auxiliary Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil and Mar Prince Panengadan, Metropolitan Archbishop of Shamshabad, will serve as co-celebrants in the liturgy.
The second stage of the funeral services will be held on Monday, September 22, beginning with public homage at Lourdes Cathedral until 9:30 a.m. Following this, the service will be led by Mar George Alencherry, former Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church. At 10:00 a.m., Archbishop Thazhath will deliver a special remembrance in honor of Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy.
The Holy Mass of the day will be celebrated by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, the present head of the Syro-Malabar Church. During the service, Mar Joseph Porunnedam, Bishop of Mananthavady, will share a memorial reflection. More than thirty bishops and archbishops are expected to participate, reflecting the deep respect Archbishop Thoomkuzhy commanded across the Syro-Malabar hierarchy.
At 1:00 p.m., the body will be taken to Devagiri St. Joseph’s Church in Kozhikode, where Archbishop Mar Remigius Inchananiyil of Thamarassery will lead prayers before the faithful. The final stage of the funeral will take place at the Home of Love Generalate of the Christ Daughters of Charity Society in Kottuli, Kozhikode, where Archbishop Thoomkuzhy will be laid to rest.
Archbishop Thoomkuzhy is remembered not only as a former head of multiple dioceses but also as a compassionate pastor who guided the Church through times of growth and challenge. His funeral services, spread across Thrissur, Kozhikode, and the Syro-Malabar heartland, are expected to draw thousands of clergy, religious, and laity united in mourning and gratitude for his lifelong service.