By Matters India Reporter
Guwahati, July 11, 2022: Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mittathani of Imphal died July 11, a day before his 91st birthday.
The death occurred at 9:55 am in Imphal, capital of the northeastern Indian state of Manipur.
A message from Father G P Amalraj, deputy secretary of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Conference, says the funeral is on July 14 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Imphal.
The rest of the details will be communicated later, the message adds.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and entrust him to Saint Joseph, his patron, and Saint Benedict whose memory we celebrate today,” Father Amalraj says.
Archbishop Mittathani was born on July 12, 1931 at Kalikavu in Kerala’s Kottayam district. He was ordained a priest on April 21, 1959, in St Jean Bosco Cathedral of Tezpur diocese in Assam.
Pope Paul VI appointed him the bishop of Tezpur on June 26, 1969. He was ordained a bishop on September 27 the same year.
He was transferred to Imphal on March 26, 1980. On July 10, 1995, he was promoted as the first archbishop of Imphal.
He retired as the Imphal archbishop on July 12, 2006.
He was a priest for 63 years and a bishop for 52 years.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him and may his soul rest in peace Amen
Respectful farewell to Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mittathani. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon the departed soul.
Archbishop Mittathani is from Kalikavu near Kuravilangadu in Kottayam district.
May his soul rest in peace!
Fr. Jose Kochuparampil