(23-06-1948 to 31-01-2003)
Our dearest friar, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumpurath OCD of St. Teresa passed away on 31st January, 2003, Friday in the 32nd year of his religious profession and 23rd year of his priesthood, at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram at the prime age of 45.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumpurath OCD of St. Teresa, hailed from St. Sebastian’s Parish Church, Arikkuzha, in the Diocese of Kothamangalam was born in a renowned family of Nedumpurath on 23rd June 1948. After his school education and serving as a school teacher for some time, he joined the Carmelite Order taking the new name Br. Joseph Nedumpurath of St. Teresa. He made his Simple Profession on 24th April, 1971 and Solemn Profession on 6th June, 1976. After completing his philosophical and theological studies and formation, he was ordained priest on 18th May, 1980.
Rev. Fr. Joseph served Malabar Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites as – Director of Postulants; Master of Students at Philosophy College, Trivandrum; Superior, Carmel Nivas, Ranchi; Superior, Mount Carmer Ashram, Hoshiarpur and Regional Vicar, St. Thérèse’s Regional Vicariate, Punjab.
When the Superiors of Malabar Province thought of a candidate to sent to Bihar, for the expansion of Carmelite Mission there, first name came to their mind was none other than Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumpurath OCD of St. Teresa, because of his fluency in Hindi language, and his aptitude for Mission works. As a pioneer missionary, he founded our Province in Ranchi and for many years he continued to be in charge of the House in Ranchi. Later he was transferred to St. Thérèse’s Regional Vicariate, Punjab.
In 2002, he was elected the Regional Vicar. As Regional Vicar, he had begun to enkindle new life and spirit in the Mission. In July 2002, the dreaded disease Cancer was diagnosed and he was admitted in the Reginal Centre, Thiruvananthapuram for treatment. He suffered sevère pain and suffering – both physically and mentally – heroically and without complaint. He came back to Carmel Hill and his condition was steady for some time. During this period, he visited all the mission areas of St. Thérèse’s Regional Vicariate, Punjab. He came back to Carmel Hill on 1st January, 2003.
Slowly our friar’s condition was deteriorating and by the end of January, his condition became very serious. On 26th January, he developed difficulty in breathing and he asked for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Kizhakkedam OCD gave him the Anointing of the Sick in the presence of other members of the Carmel Hill Monastery at 10.00 p.m. Immediately he was taken to RCC and undergone for an operation. Thereafter he did not regain his consciousness. On Friday, 31st January, 2003, at 4.30 p.m., our dear Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumpurath OCD of St. Teresa gone to Heaven to receive his reward in RCC Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Besides Fr. Provincial and many of our friars, his own brother and sister were present near his death-bed.
By 7.30 p.m., his body was brought to Carmel Hill Monastery Church. His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Soosa Pakiam, Bishop of Trivandrum and His Excellency Joshua Mar Ignatius, Auxiliary Bishop of Thiruvananthapuram Archdiocese, many priests, religious and a good number of people paid their homage to their dear friar Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumpurath OCD of St. Teresa.
At 7.30 p.m., the Community of Carmel Hill celebrated a Requiem Mass officiated by our Very Rev. Fr. Provincial in the Church. On the next day, Saturday, 1st February at 5.00 a.m. the body was taken to Lisieux Centre, Muvattupuzha accompanied by many members of the community. On the way to Muvattupuzha, the body was placed in our Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumanoor, where he served as the Director of the Postulants.
The funeral Mass began at Lisieux Centre, Muvattupuzha at 2.00 p.m. The Funeral Mass was officiated by Very Rev. Fr. Provincial of the Malabar Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. The members from all our communities and Regional Vicariate of Punjab and the relatives of Fr. Joseph participated in it. At 3.00 p.m., the funeral service was officiated by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. George Punnakottil, Bishop of Kothamangalam and the mortal remains of Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumpurath OCD of St. Teresa was interred in the crypt of Lisieux Centre. There he awaits the Glorious Resurrection.
Dead or Alive, they bring us great blessing!
While living with us they walked with us giving us life and light!
After leaving us all, they intercede for us in Heaven!!
May our dearest friar intercede for us!!!
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!