Kolkata: A Salesian priest, who had worked nearly 25 years in Bolivia as a missionary, died at the Salesian Provincial House in Kolkata, January 9. He was 79.
A requiem Mass for the soul of Fr Joseph Punchakunnel was held at the Provincial House, Kolkata, at 6.00 pm. His funeral rites will be held at the Marian Shrine at Bandel on Tuesday January 12.
Fr Punchakunnel, affectionately known as Fr Puncha, was a renowned educationist who also served as the director of novices.
“Fr. Joseph’s patient sufferance during the prolonged illness was a constant source of inspiration for confreres and visitors at the provincial house,” testifies Salesian provincial Fr Nirmal Gomes, one of Fr Puncha’s students.
Fr Puncha returned to Kolkata province from Bolivia due to failing health at the age of 75. On his arrival in 2012 he received a hero’s welcome at the Provincial House, Kolkata. Some 25 priests and five brothers joined the impromptu celebrations.
Fr Puncha’s last assignment before he took seriously ill was at the Salesian candidates’ house Savio Bhavan at Azimganj in Murshidabad district of West Bengal state.
Fr Puncha was rector and principal of Salesian College Sonada Darjeeling in 1970s. For several years he was the novice master at Nazarath Bhavan Siliguri North Bengal before he left for South American missions.
His younger brother, Salesian Fr Thomas Punchakunnel, also from Kolkata province, has been working as a missionary in East Africa for more than 35 years.
He is among some 25 priests and brothers of Calcutta province who have opted for Africa, Europe, Asia-Oceania and South America.