(17-07-1930 to 09-08-2012)
Rev. Fr. Constantine Padinjarekut OCD of St. Mary expired on 9th August, 2012, at the age of 82.
Thomas Padinjarekut was born on 17th July, 1930, in a well-known family of pious parents – Augusta and Anna – at Neyyassery. His parish was St. Sebastian’s Church, Neyyassery belonging to the Diocese of Kothamangalam. Augusta and Anna had 9 children – 5 sons an 4 daughters. Thommachan entered the Novitiate of the Discalced Carmelites and vested with the Holy Habit of Carmel on 30th April, 1954 and took the name Br. Constantino of St. Mary. He made his Simple Profession on 1st May 1955 and the Solemn Profession on 1st May 1958. He had his Philosophy and Theology studies at Thuckalay, Belgium and Rome. He was ordained priest on 21st April, 1963 in Rome.
Fr. Constantine held the offices as the Prior, Provincial Councilor, Master of Students and Provincial for 5 years at a stretch. He constructed Benziger Memorial Spirituality Centre, Thiruvananthapuram and it was a vast building, which could be able to accommodate so many people. He was very affable, loving towards all people, and highly sociable. His role in the establishment of our Mission in the North India was appraisable and crucial.
In 2001, he met with an accident and gradually he had problem with his memory. His heart deteriorated and he was in Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly from the early days of August 2012. As his condition worsened, he was given the Anointing of the Sick on Sunday, 5th August. On 6th August, he fell into a comma. On 9th August evening at 5.35 p.m., his saintly soul flew to Heaven to enjoy the Beatific Vision.
In the Afternoon of 10th August, Friday, his body was brought to Carmel Ashram, Kalady where he was kept in a mobile mortuary. A large number of priests, religious and lay people including Justice Kurain Joseph came to pay homage to his mortal remains. Rt. Rev. Sebastian Edayanthuruth, the Auxiliary Bishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Diocese officiated the first part of the funeral service held in our church. His body was taken to Lisieux Centre, Muvattupuzha on 11th August at 8.00 a.m. The funeral service began at 10.15 a.m. officiated by Very Rev. Fr. Sebastian Koodapattu OCD, our Provincial, assisted by many priests, in the presence of a large gathering of religious and faithful. The final rites were officiated by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. George Punnakkattu, Bishop of Kothamangalam, a close relation of Rev. Fr. Constantine, interred the mortal remains into the cemetery at 12.00 p.m.
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!