The mortal remains of Archbishop Emeritus Kuriakose Kunnacherry, the first archbishop of the Kottayam archeparchy of the Syro-Malabar Church, were laid to rest at a specially constructed crypt at the Christ the King cathedral here on Saturday afternoon. Thousands of believers thronged the cathedral premises to have a last glimpse of the archbishop who died at a private hospital on Thursday following age-related ailments.
The body of the archbishop was placed at the cathedral on Friday afternoon for the public to pay their last respects.
The last rites began with the holy Mass by 2 p.m. Archbishop Mathew Moolekkatt, the head of the Kottayam archeparchy, led the celebration of the Mass. Cardinal George Alancherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, led the final stage of the prayers. Archbishop Jacob Thoomkuzhy of Thrissur delivered a special message. Archbishop Soosa Pakiam M., president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council, led the memorial service. Condolence from the Vatican was read out on the occasion.
The rites were followed by the ‘nagarikaanickel’ procession before the body was interred at the crypt.
Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P.J. Kurien, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, and former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy were among those who paid their respects to the mortal remains of the archbishop.
