By Jose Kavi
New Delhi, Jan 25, 2026: Bishop Emeritus Dominic Kokkat of Gorakhpur, the first prelate from the Little Flower Congregation, died January 25, aged 93.
Bishop Kokkat died at 10:58 am in Fatima Hospital he set up in 1995 at Gorakhpur, a town in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. He was admitted there on December 14, 2025, with complaints of fever, cough and breathing difficulty.
“Detailed medical evaluation revealed a severe infection involving the lungs (Pneumonia) with associated fluid around the lungs along with effects on the heart and kidney functions,” Bishop Mathew Nellikunnel of Gorakhpur wrote to the faithful in his diocese.
The letter further explained Bishop Kokkat was under the Intensive Care treatment for more than a month as his health condition kept deteriorating. He was administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on December 21. 2025.
The bishop’s mortal remains are kept in Fatima Hospital for public homage and prayers for the repose of his soul.
Funeral details will be announced later.
Father Jojo Varakukalayil, current superior general of the Little Flower congregation, recalled that Bishop Kokkat, like their patron St Therese of the Child Jesus, “believed that holiness is found not in extraordinary deeds, but in doing ordinary things with extraordinary love.”
He described Bishop Kokkat’s episcopal ministry as “a living commentary on the Little Way: patient listening, hidden sacrifices, gentle words, and a heart totally abandoned to Divine Providence.”
A former superior general, Father Mathew Kumpuckal, says the Church in India is grateful to Bishop Kokkat for his pastoral zeal and missionary vision, which continue to inspire clergy and laity to serve the poor and forgotten.
Bishop Kokkat’s installation as the first prelate of Gorakhpur on October 4, 1984, marked the beginning of a vibrant and compassionate pastoral ministry in one of India’s most challenging mission territories, Father Kumpuckal said.
“His leadership was deeply missionary in spirit, fostering outreach in remote villages, starting clinics, schools, and service centers to bring hope and dignity to the marginalized. Under his guidance, the Gorakhpur Eparchy developed a strong network of parishes, mission stations, health care services, and educational programs, embodying the Church’s commitment to holistic evangelization,” said Father Kumpuckal who was recruited by Bishop Kokkat in 1970.
“His missionary zeal and his devotion to St. Therese of Child Jesus of Lisieux influenced me throughout my seminary life and priestly life,” the former superior general said.
Bishop Kokkat founded the Little Sisters of St. Therese, a women’s congregation to strengthen local missionary and pastoral outreach among women and children.
He retired in 2006.
Bishop Kokkat was born on February 23, 1932, at Vaikom in Kerala, southern India. He joined the Little Flower Congregation in 1953. His major seminary formation and theological studies were at the Papal Seminary, Kandy (Sri Lanka), and in Pune. He was ordained a priest on October 4, 1960.
He was the associate deputy secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for four years from 1978.