By Matters India Reporter
Kohima, Jan 18, 2022: A Catholic priest from India who was working in Australia died of cardiac arrest January 18 while on vacation in his native country.
Father Manoj Manuel, a priest of the diocese of Kohima diocese, died in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram state in northeastern India, where he had gone to meet his friends, says a message from Bishop John Thoppil of Kohima. The priest, a native of Kerala, was on his way to Kohima after visiting his relative in the southern Indian state.
The 46-year-old priest had been serving the diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, Australia, for the past several years.
“Due to covid-19 protocol, he had to go for isolation in Aizawl. Though Covid report is negative (received only Jan 18), he had a cardiac arrest and was taken to a hospital and there he was declared dead,” the bishop’s message says. The medical report of the priest showed that he had a history of heart problem, the bishop explains.
The bishop’s message says that after “the necessary formalities in Aizawl, if possible his body will be taken to Kerala for funeral since his mother is alive and relatives want him to be buried there.”
Father Manoj was a much loved priest with a genuine love of mankind. His kindness and thoughtfulness was evident in everything he undertook. We are forever grateful for the time he spent in our parish. RIP dear Father Manoj.
Father Manoj Manuel was a wonderful priest , he genuinely cared about about parishioners and went out of his way to make people feel loved
Sad loss. Respectful farewell to Father Manoj Manuel. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon the departed soul. Strength and courage to all his loved ones.