By Matters India Reporter
Tellicherry, May 30, 2023: Road accidents have claimed the lives of a Catholic priest and a nun in two separate incidents in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Father Manoj (Abraham) Ottaplackal was killed on the spot and three other priests were wounded May 29 when their car collided with a stationary truck near Vadakara in Kozhikode district. The wounded priests were Fathers George Karottu, Paul Mundockal and Joseph Pandaraparambil. All four belonged to the archdiocese of Tellicherry.
On the same day, Sacred Heart Sister Bincy Karukappilly, a schoolteacher, died of wounds she had sustained in a road accident at Rajakad in Idukki district, ten days ago.
The 50-year-old nun was carrying provisions for her convent in an autorickshaw when a car hit the vehicle. She was undergoing treatment at Rajgiri Hospital in Aluva, more than 100 km northwest of Rajakad. Her companion Sister Alphonsa and the autorickshaw driver were also wounded in the accident.
The four priests were traveling from Palai in Kottayam district to Tellicherry. Father Ottaplackal was dead by the time the fire department retrieved the car from under the truck parked on a national highway.
The art Kerala joined the Tellicherry archdiocese to mourn the death of Father Ottaplackal, a multifaceted personality.
The art world in Kerala and the Catholic Church have lost a rare genius in the passing away of Father Ottaplackal, reports the Malayala Manorama, Kerala’s leading newspaper. He had made a name as an artist, singer and a teacher, the report adds.
His funeral was held at 3 pm on May 30 at his native parish – St Mary’s Forane Church Edoor, Kannur. Archbishop Joseph Pamplany of Tellicherry led the funeral rites.
Father Ottaplackal, who joined the Tellicherry minor seminary in 2000, was ordained a priest on December 27, 2011, by Archbishop George Valiamattam. The 36-year-old priest was appointed the vice rector of the minor seminary only two weeks ago.
One of Father Ottaplackal’s siblings, Father Jojesh now serves as a missionary in Tanzania.
Respectful farewell to Father Manoj Ottaplackal and to Sister Bincy Karukappilly. Strength and courage to all their loved ones.