By Sujata Jena
Bhubaneswar: The Catholic Church in Kolkata on June 21 mourned the death of an outstanding priest, who had played a key role in the administration, governance and pastoral advancement of the Calcutta archdiocese.
Archdiocese’s judicial vicar Father John Mohandas died at 6 am on June 21 because of cerebral hemorrhage at Christ the King Presbytery, Park Circus, Kolkata. He was 73.
The death was announced by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta through an official letter.
The funeral Mass is scheduled at 2:30 pm at Christ the King Church followed by interment at St John’s Cemetery in Sealdah. Only 50 people would be allowed at the funeral because of the pandemic.
“Others can join it virtually,” said vicar general Father Dominic Gomes.
Father Gomes hailed Father Mohandas as an outstanding pastor, who was “sociable and incredibly generous with his time, expertise and resource for the service of the Church.”
As a canon lawyer Father Das monitored many cases in the archdiocese without delay. “He was swift to reply any issues of the people,” Father Gomes added.
Recalling the senior priest’s selfless service, Sacred Hearts Sister Aurora Laguarda, a Spanish native, told Matters India in a WhatsApp message, “Father Mohandas was immensely kind, always concerned for the good of others. With his generosity and wisdom, he introduced us to the customs and culture of India. His office in the Archbishop’s house was always open, and he was ready to welcome and listen to anyone who came by.”
Sister Laguarda has lived in Kolkata for more than a decade. “We will miss him a great deal. His extraordinary personality will always remain with us and we will treasure in our hearts all that we have learnt from him.”
Jesuit Father Irudaya Jothi hailed Father Mohandas as “a jack of all trades, a loyal son of the Church who kept up the rubrics of the liturgy, sacraments of the church intact and promoted them ardently.”
He was sought after by people from different sectors and all walks of life. The Archdiocese will miss him. I was guided by him when I started my pastoral year after my ordination in Christ the King Church, Park Circus, Kolkata, added the Jesuit priest, who had served several parishes in Kolkata.
Father Mohandas was born in 1948 in the southern Indian state of Kerala. He was ordained a priest in 1978.
Angelina Mantosh Jasnani, president of Catholic association of Bengal (CAB) while recalling father Mohandas tremendous service said, “It is heartbreaking news for me because he was my favorite priest in all respects. I knew him from childhood. He was closely associated with our family. More prominently, he was the spiritual advisor of CAB. Whenever we call, he responded promptly and offered good advises.
Jasnami said Father Mohandas had helped countless people during pandemic. CAB will conduct a special Mass on June 21 which will be live-streamed to all.