Thrissur: The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur, turned into a sea of grief and devotion as Archbishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy, a towering figure of the Catholic Church in India, was given a historic farewell marked by prayers, processions, and public homage. Known for his wisdom, humility, and spiritual leadership that spanned over 25 years across different dioceses, Mar Thoomkuzhy’s final journey from Thrissur to Kozhikode drew together the faithful, clergy, and people from all walks of life, reflecting the profound impact he had on society.
The day began with the first phase of funeral rites at the Archdiocese Hall in Thrissur, where Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath presided over prayers. The mortal remains of the Archbishop Emeritus, resting in a flower-decked refrigerated vehicle designed for public veneration, were then brought to the historic Dollars Basilica at Puthenpally. The atmosphere was filled with solemn chants, incense, and the tolling of bells as thousands poured into the courtyard of the Basilica, which overflowed with people despite the sweltering midday heat. Political leaders, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and representatives of various organizations stood alongside common believers, united in mourning and reverence.
By afternoon, Thrissur’s famed Swaraj Round witnessed one of its largest ever mourning processions. About five hundred members of the visitation community, dressed in ceremonial attire with crosses of gold, silver, and wood, marched in disciplined rows. Members of the Legion of Mary, priests, seminarians, and religious sisters followed, while hundreds of members of the Kristudasi Sanyasini Samooham an order founded by Mar Thoomkuzhy himself joined in solidarity. The participation of the congregation in such magnitude reflected the deep spiritual connection between the late Archbishop and the faithful he served.
The bier was flanked by Monsignor Jason Koonamplakkal, Vicar General of Thrissur Archdiocese, and Sister Jessie Dominic, who had personally ministered to Mar Thoomkuzhy in his final years. Behind the vehicle, altar boys swung thuribles, spreading the fragrance of incense into the crowd, while Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop Prince Antony Panengadan of Shamshabad, and Auxiliary Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil walked alongside in prayerful silence. The procession culminated at Lourdes Cathedral, where the Holy Mass was celebrated with Archbishop Thazhath as the chief celebrant. Bishops from across Kerala, including Mar Jose Porunnedam, Mar Sebastian Pozholiparambil, Mar Bosco Puthur, and others, joined as co-celebrants, making the liturgy a truly statewide tribute. Bishop Mar Pauly Kannukkadan of Irinjalakuda delivered the homily, recalling the pastoral zeal and compassionate mission of the departed prelate.
Following the solemn farewell in Thrissur, the mortal remains began their final journey to Kozhikode. By 4 pm, the body is scheduled to arrive at Devagiri St. Joseph Church, where it will be kept for public homage, allowing thousands from the Malabar region to bid their final farewell. In the evening, the body will be taken to the Home of Love the generalate of the Christudasi Sanyasiniham in Kottuli, Kozhikode where the closing prayers and cremation service will be held. The Archbishop Emeritus will then be laid to rest in the SKD Generalate Chapel, a place intimately tied to his lifelong service and vision.
As a mark of respect, the Diocese of Thamarassery has declared a holiday for all its schools and institutions. Parish churches across the diocese have been instructed to celebrate Holy Mass and offer Opis (special prayers for the departed) today in memory of Mar Thoomkuzhy. Given the limited space at the Christudasi Generalate, only a few will be able to attend the final burial rites in person, but the diocese has arranged for live-streaming of the funeral through parish networks, ensuring that the faithful across Kerala and beyond can unite spiritually in this moment of farewell.
The journey of Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy from Mananthavady to Thamarassery, and later as Archbishop of Thrissur was marked by a tireless commitment to faith, education, and social upliftment. His leadership was not confined to the altar but extended to community life, where he worked to bridge divides and nurture harmony. Today, as Thrissur and Kozhikode together honor his life and legacy, the Catholic community of Kerala mourns not just the passing of a church leader but the departure of a shepherd who understood the pulse of his people. For generations to come, Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy’s memory will remain etched in the heart of the Church and the faithful who cherished him as their spiritual father.