New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) commemorated the life and service of Archbishop Jacob Thoomkuzhy, Archbishop Emeritus of Trichur and former Vice President of the CBCI, with a solemn Memorial Mass held on Saturday morning at the Chapel of the CBCI Headquarters in New Delhi. The ceremony provided clergy, laity, and Church officials an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of a revered shepherd whose leadership left an enduring impact on the Indian Church.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Grace Archbishop Anil Couto, Secretary General of the CBCI, who delivered a heartfelt homily praising Archbishop Thoomkuzhy’s exemplary leadership and pastoral vision. Archbishop Couto recalled the CBCI General Body Meeting of 2004, hosted at Mary Matha Major Seminary in Trichur, highlighting how Archbishop Thoomkuzhy’s guidance and strategic foresight shaped the deliberations and inspired the conference to address pressing challenges within the Church.
In his introductory address, Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal, Deputy Secretary General of the CBCI, offered a reflective tribute to Archbishop Thoomkuzhy’s life, noting his six-year tenure as Vice President of the CBCI and his tireless efforts to strengthen ecclesiastical administration, promote pastoral initiatives, and foster unity among the bishops. Dr. Koyickal emphasized that Archbishop Thoomkuzhy’s dedication extended beyond formal office, touching the lives of clergy, religious, and laity through mentorship, guidance, and compassionate outreach.
Secretaries and staff from various CBCI offices joined the Mass as concelebrants, uniting in prayer and thanksgiving for the Archbishop’s life, ministry, and enduring contributions to the Church in India. The gathering also served as a moment of reflection on his spiritual legacy, which continues to inspire leadership, service, and devotion within the Catholic community.
The memorial Mass underscored the high esteem in which Archbishop Thoomkuzhy was held, celebrating not only his achievements in ecclesial administration but also his deep personal commitment to pastoral care, education, and community development. Attendees described the ceremony as a poignant reminder of his lifelong devotion to the Church and his unwavering guidance of the faithful in Trichur and beyond.