Funeral Ceremony of Rev. Fr. Dominic Palathingal:

Rev. Fr. Dominic Palathingal (91) was called to his eternal reward on 12 July 2026.Rev. Fr. Dominic served the Kanyakumari Mission and later the Eparchy of Thuckalay from 1993 onwards. At the time of the establishment of the Eparchy, he was serving as the Parish Priest of Varuthattu Parish. From the very beginning of the Diocese, he was appointed as its Chancellor and Procurator (Treasurer). During the early years, when the Bishop's House was located at Munchirai, he travelled daily from Varuthattu to assist in the diocesan administration. Shortly afterwards, he began residing at the Bishop's House and devoted himself full-time to the service of the Diocese. He played a leading role in establishing the present Bishop's House at its current location. He also made significant efforts to acquire many of the diocesan properties. With the assistance of Mr. Barnabas, a teacher from Vellicode, all the legal documents relating to diocesan properties were carefully verified and properly completed. Throughout his years of service, he faithfully served the Diocese as Treasurer, Archivist, and Vicar General. He also served as the Director of Religious Men and Women, Coordinator of Educational Institutions, President of the Kanyakumari Social Service Society (KSSS), and Spiritual Director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. After the completion of Sangamam, he resided there and continued his dedicated ministry. Rev. Fr. Dominic was known for his deep concern for the welfare of everyone with whom he worked. During the formative years of the Diocese, he single-handedly managed all the diocesan accounts with remarkable clarity, honesty, and transparency. He was deeply committed to his spiritual life. He never failed to pray the Divine Office and faithfully participated in all the liturgical prayers of the Church, including Ramsa and Lelya. He was always the first to arrive at the chapel and was well known for his beautiful singing and thorough knowledge of the liturgical chants. He worked tirelessly, day and night, for the growth of the Diocese, often without concern for his own comfort, food, or rest. His selfless dedication greatly eased the work of many others. The diocese of Thuckalay gratefully remembers his wonderful ministry in the mission and diocese. After serving in our Diocese he was staying in the clergy home of Archdiocese of Changanassery and in the final days he was admitted in the Chethipuzha Hospital, where he died of his old age. His mortal remains were brought to the residence of Mr. Chacko Chacko Palathingal at Vazhapally on 14 July 2026, where the faithful paid their final respects. The funeral ceremony took place on 15 July 2026. I presided over the first part of the funeral prayers. The Holy Qurbana and the second part of the service were celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Mar Joseph Perumthottam, while the final rites were  5 conducted by Cardinal Mar George Alencherry. I thank Almighty God for the many blessings bestowed upon our Diocese through the devoted life and faithful ministry of Rev. Fr. Dominic Palathingal. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and reward him for his years of generous service.