By Jose Kavi

New Delhi, July 25, 2024: A Catholic priest was found dead in mysterious circumstances six days after a nun died by suicide in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

A press note in Malayalam from the diocese of Kothamangalam on July 25 says one of its priests Father Jose Kuzhikanniyil died in unexpected circumstances.

The 64-year-old priest was found in a weak condition in the hall adjacent to St George Forane Church in Vazhakulam, the diocese explained.

The priest was first rushed to St George Hospital in the same town and then to Nirmala Hospital in Muvattupuzha, some 10 km northwest, where his death was confirmed.

“The circumstances that led to his death are unknown,” says the diocese that promised that the diocesan authorities and parish community would cooperate with the police investigation into the death.

“The entire diocesan family is praying for the eternal rest of the priest while extending its condolences to his family and parishioners,” it adds.

The funeral details will be announced after the police complete their investigation, the diocese said.

Meanwhile social media groups and rashtradeepam.com reported that the priest was found hanging in the kitchen of the parish church. The parishioners rushed him to the hospital that declared him dead on arrival.

Rashtradeepam.com also reported that the priest’s body was kept in the mortuary of the Muvattupuzha hospital. It also pointed out that Fr Kuzhikanniyil had actively participated in the centenary celebrations of Vazhakulam Cooperative Service Bank a day before his death.

The priest was born on January 5, 1960, and was ordained a priest on December 30, 1985.

On July 19, Sister Anne Mariya was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her room at Puthvely Morning Star Convent in Ramapuram near Palai, 20 km south of Vazhakulam.

The 51-year-old nun was a member of the Congregation of Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a 115-year-old Kerala-based congregation.

The convent authorities said the nun was undergoing treatment for depression for some time.