Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry, Archbishop Emeritus of Kottayam, passed away on 14thJune, 2017, at 4:45 p.m. at Caritas Hospital, Kottayam. He was 89. His body will be taken to Christ the King Cathedral at 2.00 p.m. on Friday, 16th June, where a large number of people are expected to offer prayers and pay homage to their beloved departed shepherd and esteemed friend. The funeral Rites will be held at the Cathedral at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday, 17th June, 2017.
Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry was born on 11th September, 1928, at Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam. He had his Seminary studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye. He was ordained a Priest on 21st December, 1955. He obtained Doctorate in Canon Law from the Urban University, Rome, and Doctorate in Theology from the Lateren University, Rome. On 9th December, 1967, he was appointed Co-adjutor Bishop of Kottayam and the Episcopal Ordination took place on 24th February, 1968. As His Excellency Bishop Thomas Tharayil retired, Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry took possession of the Diocese of Kottayam on 5th May, 1974. When the Diocese of Kottayam was raised to a Metropolitan Archdiocese, Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry was appointed as the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Kottayam, on 3rd June, 2005. He laid down his office as the Archbishop of Kottayam on 14th January, 2006, since then he was leading a retired life, but quite active in pastoral ministry, till he became so weak and fragile due to aging. The Lord called him to eternal rest and heavenly reward during the Golden Jubilee of his Episcopal Ordination (1968-2018).
Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry served the Diocese of Kottayam as its shepherd for almost 32 years with dedication and zeal. He was a scholar, able administrator, a great visionary and a caring and loving pastor. Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry’s contributions to the Church in Kerala and to the Indian Church are manifold and praiseworthy. As Chairman of St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye, and of the St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Kottayam, Archbishop Kunnacherry had given new direction to the seminary formation, enriching it with his vast experience in Rome and other places. Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry also served the Church in India in different capacities, especially as the Chairman of the CBCI Commission for Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue. Archbishop Kuriakose held several important offices in the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council, and was frequently sought after for his prudent advice and counsel.
Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry leaves behind a legacy of a total loyalty to the Church, perfect commitment to those entrusted to his pastoral care, stanch advocacy of peace, harmony and unity among people of various denominations and different Religions and, above all, a dedicated shepherd after the model of the Good Shepherd. While the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India shares the sorrows of the bereaved family of Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry and the sense of loss of the members of the Archdiocese of Kottayam, we raise our hearts and minds in prayer for the departed soul, that God may reward him with eternal glory for all that Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry has done for Him and for His people. May his soul rest in peace.
You are kindly reminded to offer one Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry, a revered member of the CBCI Family.