(06-11-1945 to 15-05-2018)
Rev. Br. Antony Koikkara OCD of the Blessed Virgin Mary expired on 15th May, 2018, at the age of 73.
Our beloved brother, Rev. Br. Antony Koikkara OCD, 73 yrs., returned to his Heavenly Abode on 15th May, 2018 after a valiant battle of cancer. His devotion the Order of Discalced Carmelites and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle with his disease and gave him a soothing peace ultimately.
Rev. Br. Antony Koikkara OCD of the Blessed Virgin Mary was born on 11th November, 1945 as the 5th son of Ulahannan Koikkara (late) and Rosa Ulahannan, at Kizhakkambalam in the Diocese of Ernakulam. He had 2 brothers and 4 sisters. He joined the Malabar Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites on 3rd November, 1970 Br. Antony Koikkara of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Thuckalay. His Simple Profession was on 4th November 1971 and Solemn Profession was on 23rd January 1977.
Rev. Br. Antony served Malabar Province as Manager to Carmel Book Stall, Thiruvananthapuram; Asst. Manager, San Jose Process; and as Sacristian at St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam and Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram for a long time. He was a special helper at Christ the King Church, Vettucaud and a popular and passionate Charismatic preacher, healer and pastor at St. Jude Church, Killipalam, both the churches in Thiruvananthapuram. He was also the Director of Scapular Apostolate and was in-charge of the Third Order members, while he was in Carmel Hill, Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram. To many communities of the Malabar Province he was a sought after member.
During the last years of his life, he had been experiencing weakness due to various weaknesses due to various illnesses, which disabled him active services. In February 21, 2018, he was transferred to Mount Carmel Ashram, Palai from Kalady Ashram for better climate and in convenience for good treatment due to his ill-health and weakness. The doctors diagnosed with cancer in serious condition, which is beyond medical remedies like surgeries or chemotherapy.
In April 29, Rev. Brother was transferred to Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumannoor for immediate care and continuous treatment. He spent his last day in Càritas Hospital. In 15th May, 2018 Rev. Br. Antony Koikkara OCD of the Blessed Virgin Mary passed away at 4.35 p.m. for his Eternal rest for which he was well prepared. At the time of his death, Very Rev. Fr. Francis Kunnelpurayidam OCD, Vicar Provincial, Rev. Fr. George Edappulavan OCD, Superior, Cherupushpa Ashram and his family members were present around his bed.
Later, the mortal remains of Rev. Br. Antony Koikkara OCD of the Blessed Virgin Mary was placed in mobile mortuary at Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumannoor, for prayers and wake on 16th May. On the following day, on 17th May after the Holy Mass in the morning, his mortal body was taken to Lisieux Centre, Muvattupuzha for the funeral at 11.00 a.m.
His Excellency Mar George Madathikandathil, Bishop of Kothamangalam said the Office of the Dead. Very Rev. Fr. Francis Kunnelpurayidam OCD, the Vicar Provincial presided over the funeral Mass at 11.00 a.m. con-celebrated with Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Mittathanickal OCD, Provincial, Delhi Province; Rev. Fr. George Edapulavan OCD, Superior, Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumannoor; and two fathers, relative of Br. Antony. Rev. Fr. George Edapulavan OCD delivered the homily.
His Excellency Most Rev. Yoohanon Theodosius Kochuthundiyil, Bishop of Muvattupuzha conducted the funeral service during which he recalled his wonderful experiences with Rev. Br. Antony Koikkara OCD while he was at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram. A large number of people gathered for the Mass and the funeral process that included 65 priests, 70 religious and 400 lay faithful.
Life of Rev. Br. Antony Koikkara OCD of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a life well-lived and he was a precious gem of the Malabar Province of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites and to the Catholic Church.
“Vado Paràre Vòbìs lòcùm….ut ubì sum ego et vòs sists”
(Jo. 14, 2.3)
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Brother!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!