Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy Passes Away

New Delhi, 17 September 2025 (CCBI): Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Thrissur, passed away on 17 September 2025 at 2:50 p.m. at Jubilee Mission Hospital, Thrissur. He was 94 and had been under treatment for age-related ailments for several months. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy served as Archbishop of Thrissur from 1996 to 2007. He was the first Bishop of Mananthavady (1973–1995) and later Bishop of Thamarassery (1995–1996). He is the founder of Society of Kristhu Dasi (SKD), a congregation dedicated to pastoral and social service.

Born on 13 December 1930 to Kurian and Rosa Thoomkuzhy in Vilakkumadam, Diocese of Pala, he joined the Minor Seminary in Changanassery as its youngest seminarian, earning the nickname Benjamin. After completing philosophy studies at the Major Seminary in Alwaye, he pursued theology in Rome, where he was ordained a priest on 22 December 1956. He remained in Rome for four additional years, earning a doctorate in Canon Law before returning to Kerala. 

Fr. Jacob Thoomkuzhy served as Secretary to the Bishop and Chancellor of the Diocese of Tellicherry while also assisting in several parishes. 

When the Diocese of Mananthavady was established on 1 May 1973, he was consecrated and installed as its first bishop. During his tenure, he founded the Society of Kristhu Dasi (SKD), a congregation dedicated to pastoral and social service.

In 1995, he was transferred to Thamarassery as bishop and, the following year, appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur. He led the archdiocese until his retirement on 22 January 2007.

Archbishop Thoomkuzhy was widely admired for his humility, pastoral zeal, and deep spirituality. He often reminded the faithful with his characteristic words: “Don’t forget to pray for me too.”

By Dr. Stephen Alathara