Mar Joseph Powathil, the senior most Catholic Bishop of Kerala, has passed away this afternoon at St Thomas Hospital in Chethipuzha, Changanasserry. The Emeritus Arch Bishop was 93. Mar Pawathil is known as the reformer of the modern Syro Malabar Church in Kerala. Acknowledging his bold stance in policies relating to Faith and his remarkable services rendered to the Chruch in Kerala, Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI called him 'CROWN of the Church'!
Important dates in the life of Mar Joseph Powathil:
1. Born on: 1930 August 14
2. Place of Birth: Kurumbanadam (Changanasserry)
3. Ordained Priest: 1962 October 3
4. Lecturer at SB College: 1962-1972
5. Declared Changanassery Aux Bishop: 1972 January 29
6. Ordained Changanasserry Aux Bishop: 1972 Feb 13 in Vatican
7. 1st Bishop of Kanjirappally Diocese: 1977
8. Changanasserry Arch Bishop: 1986-2007
9. Extereme Unction: 2023 March 17 (By Mar Joseph Perunthottam)
9. Left for Heavenly Crown: 2023 March 18
10. Funeral date: 2023 March 22 (Wednesday)
PS. The Body of the departed Valiya Pithavu will be kept in the Cathedral Church on March 21 Tuesday (Day and Night) for the public to see and pray.
