Alappuzha: Fr Prashanth IMS, the well known meditation preacher and Director of the IMS Dhyana Bhavan retreat centre at Punnapra, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 70. He died following a heart attack while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi.
Born as the second son of the late Reynold, popularly known as Ummachan, and Ernnamma of Arukulassery, Fr Prashanth dedicated nearly four decades of his priestly life to meditation ministry and social service. He was a senior priest of the Indian Missionary Society and belonged to the IMS Delhi Province.
Fr Prashanth arrived at the Punnapra IMS centre on June 13, 1989, the feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua. At that time, the centre was known as Bharat Rani Presitha Bhavan and had earlier functioned as a minor seminary of the IMS congregation. Charismatic activities had begun there in 1985, and under Fr Prashanth’s leadership, the retreat centre grew into a major hub of spiritual renewal. Through his preaching and retreats, lakhs of people were drawn closer to Christian faith and many found spiritual healing and hope.
Along with spiritual ministry, Fr Prashanth gave strong emphasis to social outreach. Several institutions under the IMS Dhyana Bhavan, including Maria Bhavan, Mariyalayam, Maria Sadan and Mariadham, today provide shelter and care for people abandoned by society due to mental health challenges. Many who were left on the streets or rejected by families found dignity, protection and care through these centres. The dedicated community founded by him, known as the Daughters of IMS Amma, continues these services with commitment and sacrifice.
The IMS Delhi Province expressed deep sorrow at his passing and described him as a priest who combined deep faith with tireless service to the poor and the suffering.
Public viewing of the mortal remains will be held at his residence in Pallithode, at Pallithode church, at Maria Sadan, Maria Bhavan, Mariadham and at the IMS Dhyana Bhavan. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 3 pm at the IMS Dhyana Bhavan, with senior church leaders leading the rites.
Fr Prashanth is remembered as a compassionate shepherd whose life of prayer and service left a lasting impact on countless lives.