By Archbishop Mar Andrews
Copyright thehindu
Thousands of people on Sunday paid their last respects to Archbishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy, the former head of the Thrissur Archdiocese, who led the Church with devotion, foresight, and pastoral care for more than 50 years.
The funeral rites commenced at the Archdiocesan headquarters with a solemn service led by Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, marking the beginning of two days of prayerful farewell to the beloved prelate.
At 12.15 p.m., the mortal remains were taken to the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Puthanpally) for public homage until 3 p.m. An unprecedented crowd queued up for a glimpse of the revered Church leader whose life remained a source of guidance, consolation, and blessing to generations.
For a last glimpse
By 3.30 p.m., the mortal remains of the Archbishop were taken from the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours to Lourdes Cathedral in a funeral procession. The Swaraj Round turned into a sea of humanity as the funeral procession made its way through, with the body placed in a flower-decked vehicle.
Hundreds of priests and nuns led the solemn march, followed closely by thousands of faithful who had gathered to pay their final respects. The faithful who had experienced Mar Thoomkuzhy’s compassion and pastoral care during his lifetime lined the streets in reverence and grief.
In a gesture reflecting his lifelong commitment to the poor, the archdiocese has made a meaningful appeal: instead of floral wreaths and bouquets, mourners are encouraged to bring saris or clothing. These offerings will be distributed later among underprivileged women and families, continuing a tradition that the late archbishop himself had cherished and promoted during his ministry.
The travelling father
“Father Thoomkuzhy’s life was defined by tender care and a spirit of embrace, combined with a vision that led society confidently into modernity. He built a wide circle of friendship, travelled across the world in service, and never hesitated to drive himself to every mission station. It was this tireless commitment that earned him the affectionate title, ‘the travelling father,’” recalled Mr. Thazhath.
People continued to stream into the Lourdes Cathedral late into the night to offer their final tributes. Public homage will continue till 9.30 a.m. on Monday. Following this, the second phase of the funeral rites will be led by Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, and the third phase by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church.
At 1 p.m., official honours will be accorded in the courtyard of the cathedral. The mortal remains will then be taken to St. Joseph’s Church, Devagiri, Kozhikode, for public homage, and later to the Home of Love Generalate of the Kristu Dasi Sisters at Kottooli, Kozhikode. The final phase of the funeral rites will take place there on Monday evening.
Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice R. Bindu placed a wreath on behalf of the Chief Minister and the State government on the mortal remains.
