By George Kommattam
Thrissur, April 11, 2026: The Catholic Church in Kerala bid a heartfelt farewell to Fr. Dr. Francis Alapatt, widely known as the “Doctor Priest,” who died April 9 at age 72.
The former vicar general of the Archdiocese of Trichur was remembered as a priest, physician, writer and humanitarian who dedicated his life to serving people through both faith and healthcare.
His funeral rites on April 11 drew a large gathering of bishops, priests, healthcare workers and ordinary people whose lives he had touched.
As his final wish, Father Alapatt’s body was donated to Jubilee Mission Medical College Hospital, an institution he helped build and guide for many years. His eyes were also donated to the hospital’s eye bank, continuing his mission of service even after death.
Thousands paid their respects when his body was kept for public homage at the hospital chapel. The funeral began at his residence on Bennett Road before moving to Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, Thrissur, for the final rites.
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur presided over the requiem Mass, while Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of Ernakulam-Angamaly sent a condolence message praising Father Alapatt’s wide-ranging contributions to the church and society.
By donating his body for medical education, Father Alapatt offered one last lesson to future doctors and caregivers.
Born to Alappat Antony and Rosy in Thrissur, Father Alapatt completed his schooling at Sacred Heart School and Model Boys School before studying at St. Thomas College, Thrissur. He later earned his MBBS degree from Kozhikode Medical College.
After completing studies in philosophy and theology, he was ordained a priest in 1995. Combining medical knowledge with pastoral ministry, he became a rare example of a priest who served both at the altar and in the hospital.
Writer, filmmaker and advocate for social awareness
Alapatt played a key role in developing healthcare services in central Kerala. He served as founding director of the Jubilee Mission Paramedical Institute and the Institute of Mental Health Sciences, and later as president of Jubilee Mission Medical College.
He also served as director of Mary Immaculate Mission Hospital at Engandiyur and chaired the Indian Red Cross Society in Thrissur.
A strong promoter of public health, he founded the Kerala Blood Donors Forum and helped expand voluntary blood donation across the state. His campaigns encouraged thousands of young people to donate blood and support emergency medical care.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in his condolence message, described Father Alapatt as a pioneer of the blood donation movement and a committed humanitarian who worked for the welfare of all people beyond religious boundaries.
Father Alapatt contributed to public health policy as a member of advisory boards of Thrissur District Hospital, Government Medical College Thrissur and the Government Leprosy Institute at Koratty.
He was also a prolific writer in Malayalam and English. His books included spiritual reflections, social writings and biographies such as Vivaha Vediyilekku, Daivavachanam – Dhyanikkanum Jeevikkanum, Nombukaala Chinthakal, Blood is Thicker than Water, The Unfathomable and The Unreal Love.
Using media for social awareness, he directed the blood donation documentary Poovithal Pozhiyumbol (When the Flower Falls) and the short film Ormakalkkappuram (Beyond Memories).
Friends and colleagues remembered him as a priest who built bridges across communities and religions through compassion and service.