Fr. Anoop Kollamkunnel of Mananthavady Eparchy Passes Away at 37

Mananthavady, 21 May 2025: Fr. Anoop Kollamkunnel (37), a member of the Mananthavady Eparchy, passed away unexpectedly on May 21, 2025, due to a sudden cardiac arrest.

Born on July 9, 1988, in Kundalady, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, Fr. Anoop was the eldest son of Varghese (Kunj) and Valsamma Kollamkunnel. He is survived by his younger brother Ajeesh, sister-in-law Tushara, and their children Abel and Ethan. After completing his primary education at Bharathamatha School, Uppatti, he joined the minor seminary of the Mananthavady Eparchy in 2004 with a desire to become a priest.

Following three years of formation at the Mananthavady Minor Seminary, he pursued philosophical studies at Mary Matha Seminary, Thrissur. He then served as a teacher at Sri Sai English Medium School in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, for two years, during which he earned a postgraduate degree in English Literature through distance education from Annamalai University. Later, he completed his theological studies at Good Shepherd Major Seminary, Kunnoth, and was ordained a priest on December 29, 2015.

After ordination, Fr. Anoop served in the parishes of Payyampally, Thariode, Nilambur, and Boys Town. He pursued higher studies in Youth Ministry at Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore. Upon returning, he served as the vicar of Bospara parish and Assistant Director of the Nilgiri Development Society, while also earning a postgraduate degree in Social Work from Bharathiar University College, Gudalur. Since May 19, 2024, he had been serving as the vicar of Kallumukku parish.

In recent days, Fr. Anoop had been undergoing intensive treatment for severe pneumonia. Though his health had shown signs of improvement, he succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest on the morning of May 21, 2025.

The Mananthavady Eparchy mourns the untimely loss of a vibrant and devoted priest. Fr. Anoop was deeply loved not only by the faithful in the parishes he served but also by all who encountered him. Known for his cheerful, friendly nature and pure-hearted love for others, he embodied a magnetic personality that naturally drew people to him. His dedication to pastoral care and his genuine concern for the people of God were hallmarks of his priestly ministry. He faithfully fulfilled all responsibilities entrusted to him by the bishops and diocesan leadership with seriousness and commitment.

His mortal remains will be brought to Dwaraka Pastoral Centre tonight (May 21), where the first part of the funeral rites will be held in the chapel. On May 22, Holy Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 AM, followed by the second part of the funeral rites. The body will then be transferred to Zion Hall at 1:00 PM, and the final part of the funeral will begin at 2:00 PM, with Most Rev. Alex Tharamangalam presiding over the Holy Qurbana.

The Eparchy of Mananthavady expresses deep sorrow over the demise of Fr. Anoop Kollamkunnel and invites the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul.

Office of the Public Relations

Eparchy of Mananthavady