In a deeply moving display of faith and affection, thousands gathered on Sunday to pay their final respects to Archbishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy. The former head of the Thrissur Archdiocese, he dedicated over five decades to leading the Church with exceptional devotion, foresight, and compassionate pastoral care.
The somber funeral rites began at the Archdiocesan headquarters with a poignant service led by Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, initiating a two-day period of prayerful remembrance for the revered prelate.
At 12:15 p.m., his mortal remains were reverently transferred to the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Puthanpally), where they lay in state for public homage until 3 p.m. An immense, continuous stream of mourners queued patiently for a last glimpse of the beloved Church leader, whose life served as a constant source of inspiration, comfort, and blessings for generations.
A Final, Reverent Journey
By 3:30 p.m., a grand funeral procession began, carrying the Archbishop’s mortal remains from the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours to Lourdes Cathedral. The historic Swaraj Round transformed into a vast ocean of humanity as the flower-adorned vehicle bearing his body slowly made its way. Hundreds of priests and nuns led the solemn march, followed by countless faithful who had come to offer their ultimate tribute. Those whose lives were touched by Mar Thoomkuzhy’s kindness and spiritual guidance lined the streets, overcome with reverence and sorrow.
In a beautiful continuation of his lifelong dedication to the less fortunate, the archdiocese issued a heartfelt appeal: instead of traditional floral tributes, mourners were encouraged to bring saris or other items of clothing. These generous offerings will subsequently be distributed among underprivileged women and families, perpetuating a cherished tradition that the late archbishop had passionately upheld throughout his ministry.
“The Traveling Father” Remembered
Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath fondly reminisced about the late leader, stating, “Father Thoomkuzhy’s life was characterized by tender care and an embracing spirit, coupled with a visionary outlook that confidently guided society into modernity. He cultivated an extensive network of friendships, traveled extensively across the globe in service, and never hesitated to personally drive to every mission station. It was this unwavering commitment that lovingly earned him the title, ‘the traveling father.’”
Well into the night, people continued to arrive at the Lourdes Cathedral to pay their final respects. Public homage is scheduled to continue until 9:30 a.m. on Monday. Subsequently, Cardinal Mar George Alencherry will lead the second phase of the funeral rites, followed by the third phase under Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church.
At 1 p.m., official honors will be bestowed in the cathedral courtyard. The mortal remains will then be transported to St. Joseph’s Church, Devagiri, Kozhikode, for further public homage, and later to the Home of Love Generalate of the Kristu Dasi Sisters at Kottooli, Kozhikode. The concluding 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, marking the official condolences.