Irinjalakuda: The Diocese of Irinjalakuda mourns the loss of one of its devoted sons, Reverend Father Anto Parassery, who passed away peacefully at 6:00 am on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Ernakulam Lisseu Hospital. Father Anto, aged 58, was widely respected for his unwavering dedication to spiritual service, education, and community welfare throughout Kerala.
Born on August 17, 1967, in Alamatta, Parassery, to Rocky and Catherine, Father Anto hailed from a family known for its deep-rooted faith. He is survived by his siblings: Jose, Annam George, Francis, Mary Jose, C. Maria Rose, Varghese, Paulose, Joy, C. Maria Isabel, and Biji Shaji, who remember him not only as a spiritual guide but also as a loving brother.
Father Anto’s journey of faith began with his early education at Elanthikkara High School, followed by undergraduate studies at St. Teresa's College, Mala, and postgraduate studies at Christ College, Irinjalakuda. His calling to the priesthood led him to St. Paul's Minor Seminary, Irinjalakuda, and later to Mangalapuzha-Karmalagiri Seminary, Aluva, where he underwent rigorous priestly formation. On December 27, 1995, he was ordained by Bishop Mar James Pazhayattil, marking the beginning of a remarkable spiritual vocation.
Throughout his priesthood, Father Anto served numerous parishes and institutions with devotion and humility. He was the parish priest at Parappukkara Forona, Mala Forona, Perumpadappu, Chendrapinni East, Ooragam, Kallamkunnu, Irinjalakuda Dollars, Vellani, Poovathinkal, Moorkanad, Seviyoor, Vennoor, Inchakund, and Pariyaram. Beyond parish duties, he held key positions such as director of the Catholic Labour Association, sacristan fellowship director, executive director of Mala Jesus Training B.Ed. College & Ave Maria TTI, secretary of the Priest Welfare Fund, diocesan internal auditor, regional manager, Madras Mission assistant chaplain, and chaplain of various convents, demonstrating his commitment to both spiritual guidance and organizational leadership.
Tributes and public viewing of Father Anto’s body will commence on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, beginning at 7:00 am at St. Joseph's Priest House, connected to St. James’ Hospital, Chalakudy, and will continue at 8:30 am at his brother Joy’s residence in Alamattam.
The cremation service will begin at 12 noon at the family residence, followed by the last rites at Alamattam Parish Church from 12:30 pm, culminating in a burial at Alamattam Parish Cemetery after Holy Communion and other sacred rites at 2:30 pm. The funeral services will be led by Mar Pauly Kannukkadan, President of the Irinjalakuda Diocese, and Mar Sebastian Pozholiparambil, President of the Hosur Diocese, reflecting the high esteem in which Father Anto was held within the ecclesiastical community.
Father Anto Parassery’s passing leaves a profound void in the Diocese and the broader community he served tirelessly. Remembered for his deep faith, compassionate leadership, and commitment to education and social welfare, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of clergy and laity alike.