Syro Malankara bishop known for development work dies at 81 

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Retired Syro Malankara Bishop Abraham Youlios Kackanatt of Muvattupuzha, who heralded the growth of the eparchy, advocated for minority institutions, and spearheaded regional development projects, died Sept. 19 at age 81. 

The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) paid tribute to the leader, noting he “departed for his eternal reward after rendering invaluable services to the Church in Kerala across various capacities”. 

Born May 25, 1945, in Kallooppara, in the Pathanamthitta district of the southern Indian state of Kerala, Bishop Kackanatt entered Infant Mary Minor Seminary in 1961. He was ordained a priest in 1970 and later earned a PhD in biblical theology from Rome’s Pontifical Urbaniana University alongside a master’s degree in psychology. 

A legacy of development and service 

Bishop Kackanatt served as rector of St. Mary’s Seminary and as executive director of Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital in Thiruvalla from 2001 to 2008, leading its expansion into a medical college. He advocated for minority institutions and spearheaded regional development projects until retiring on June 11, 2019. 

“Consecrated as the first bishop of the Syro Malankara Eparchy of Muvattupuzha in February 2008, he heralded the comprehensive growth and development of the eparchy,” the  KCBC said. 

Pope John Paul II established the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha on Jan. 15, 2003, by bifurcating the Eparchy of Tiruvalla. Archbishop Thomas Koorilos Chakkalapadickal, then auxiliary bishop of Tiruvalla, was named to lead the new diocese, serving four years before returning to Tiruvalla as archbishop and being succeeded by newly consecrated Bishop Kackanatt.  

‘Heartfelt prayers and condolences’

Bishop Kackanatt made “unique contributions to the Church in Kerala while serving as Chairman of the KCBC Theological Commission from 2010 to 2013 and as Chairman of the KCBC Bible Commission from 2017 onwards”.  

KCBC president Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal of Calicut remembered him as “an eloquent speaker, thinker, and orator” who “continued to guide the Church in Kerala through his advice and counsel even after entering retirement”.  

The KCBC stated it “joins in the grief of the Archdiocese of Thiruvalla, the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha, and the entire faithful community, offering its heartfelt prayers and condolences”.  

Full statement available: original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.