Dimapur 29 May 2023: On the solemn occasion of the month’s mind of Fr. NJ Joseph SDB, a cherished and revered priest, a poignant Holy Mass was conducted under the gracious presence of Fr. Jose Kuruvachira SDB, the provincial of Dimapur Province on 29 May 2023. The hallowed atmosphere was filled with a sense of deep reverence and heartfelt remembrance as the faithful gathered to honour the memory of a beloved spiritual guide, confessor, parish priest and teacher. Fr. NJ Joseph, known for his unwavering commitment to his vocation and his profound love for the Christian community wherever he worked, had left an indelible impact on the lives of those he touched. The Holy Mass, presided over by Fr. Jose Kuruvachira, was a solemn tribute, marked by prayers, hymns, and scriptures, offering solace to the grieving hearts and reaffirming the eternal bond between the faithful and their departed shepherd. The gathering embraced the opportunity to reflect upon Fr. NJ Joseph’s profound presence in communities and emulate his unwavering faith, cherishing his legacy as a beacon of light within the communit
Mao: 07 October 2020 – It was sad day for the Mao Salesian Cooperators’ Unit on 7 Oct 2020. Mrs. Christian Onia belonging to the cooperators unit of Mao passed away today (07 October 2020) at her village in Mao. Fr. C D Mathai, the parish priest of Mary Help of Christians parish presided over the last rite.
She was born on 07 July 1950. She did her BA and B ED and served as Government assistant graduated teacher. She also got state teacher award. She retired from her teaching profession in year 2009. It was on 12 April 1992 that she took the promise as a Salesian Cooperator. The community of Salesian cooperators of local unit and at Provincial level deeply express our sentiments of sorrow and condolences to the bereaved family and assure our prayers for the departed soul.
Dimapur 27 August 2020: The Month’s mind of Late Fr. Jose Chacko sdb will be held at Salesian College cemetery. The Holy Eucharist will be presided over by Fr. Nazarius Lakra SDB, vice provincial of Salesian Province of Dimapur. The entire event will be live telecast from the cemetery.
Dimapur 10 August 2020: Mr. Thomas Thundaipou the coordinator of the Salesian Co-operators of Tamenglong unit passed away on 10 August 2020 due to heart related problems. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and promise our prayerful support at this moment of grief.
We have lost a very committed and dedicated member in the person of late Mr. Thomas. Though he was suffering for some years of heart problems, he was very faithful in carrying forward the task assigned to him as the Coordinator of his unit. For his committed and exemplary life as a co-operator, he has inspired the lives of many members of the unit. The delegate for Salesian Family in Dimapur Province, Fr. C. D. Mathai SDB expressed his shock and condolences at the passing away of such a dedicated Co-ordinator as Mr. Thomas. Definitely the Tamenglong unit has lost a “valiant son of Don Bosco” he said in his condolence message to the members of Salesian Co-operators at Tamenglong.
Dimapur: It is with a heavy heart that I communicate to you the passing away of Fr. KAIPPALLIMYALIL Joseph SDB (Jose Chacko), 56, at 9.30 am at Sanjivani Hospital, Dibrugarh due to a massive heart attack. He was at Injan hospital (Diocesan Hospital) in Arunachal Pradesh. Since his condition aggravated, we transferred him to Dibrugarh for better medical care. Kindly remember the departed soul in your prayers. Funeral details will be communicated a little later.
“How sweet it is to die of one has lived on the Cross!” “As death approaches, man reaps what he has sown.” These are the thoughts that shrouded the thoughts of many as the mortal remains of Lt. Rev. Fr. Ponnattil Mathew SDB, loving and commonly known as Fr. P.K was laid to rest at the Salesian cemetery in Salesian College, Dimapur on 1 February 2020.
On 30th January 2020 at 8:30 morning Fr. P.K left for his heavenly abode after prolonged days of sickness and pain. It was in the V.G hospital, Dibrugarh where Fr. P.K breathed his last.
A moving service, the funeral Mass, was celebrated at the chapel of Salesian College Dimapur on 1st February 2020 at 2:30 PM. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Bishop James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and concelebrated by Fr. Provincial, Fr. Vice-Provincial and around 90 Priests.
Many, especially the people for whom he worked for, came to bid adieu to Fr. P.K. Mathew. The service was well attended. The congregation which gathered for the service was moved to tears. Nonetheless, the faith and hope that Fr. P.K was in heaven filled all with mixed emotions.
In his homily, Fr. Jose Kuruvachira, the Provincial, spoke at length about the tremendous service done by Father for the Church. Apart from that, eulogies for Fr. P.K were given by Bishop James, representatives from the Angami and Lotha Communities, family members, Marengo Hostel Dibrugarh, Don Bosco community Dibrugarh and Fr. Thomas Vattoth, representing the confreres of the province. All spoke very highly of father and yet they also admitted that their words were never sufficient to express the wonderful services rendered by Fr. P.K. Vote of thanks was then proposed by Fr. Nazarius Lakra, the Vice-Provincial.
After the service the coffin was taken in procession to cemetery and was then finally laid to rest. Yes, Fr. P.K never trusted the clouds but the sunshine; not the shadow but the sun. He trusted in his dream and hope and never his hurt. He always had faith in his faith and doubted his doubts. “Well done good and faithful servant, enter to the place where you belonged,” must be the words lovingly spoken to Fr. P.K Mathew by our Lord Jesus as he reached paradise.
As the day came to a close, the sorrow of having lost a great soul was a memory of the past. It was never a loss as we thought, but it was a gain. A new member was added in heaven.
Dimapur: The Salesian Province of Dimapur is saddened to inform you all that Fr. PK Mathew SDB passed away at 8.30 am on 30 January 2020. In the words of Fr. TC Joseph: “We have lost a wonderful Salesian Missionary in the very endearing person of Rev. Fr. PK Mathew…He was always very humane, kind and merciful. He was endowed with the gifts of cheerfulness and optimism. May God reward you for all your works and goodness, dear Fr. P. K….”
Fr. Bosco, the former Vice Provincial expressed his sadness in these words, “May the good Lord grant eternal rest to the valiant missionary who was always caring and loving. May his soul rest in peace.”
Fr. PA John immediately recalled the past, “Another of my 56 game partner has gone … loving CRI president (retired Dimapur Unit) and a saintly Salesian.. intercede for us dear fr. PK”
RIP Fr. Francesco Maraccani (1936-2020) a great Salesian, passed away today to the Salesian garden with serenity. We pray for his eternal rest. After a 83 years of hardworking life, 66 years as professed Salesian and 53 years as Salesian priest. He was an IT expert, principal of DB Technical institute in Brescia (1967-1979), as former provincial of Verona (Italy), Secretary General (1984-2002) and finally as Procurator General (2002-2015), serving for long years in the General House until few months ago (final illness – UPS infirmary). Always joyful, man of prayer and service, suffering all possible operations, with a strong and ecclesial Salesian heart, was member of 8 General Chapters since 1970. We give thanks to God for his life long shining witness of Salesian life! Rest in peace!
Salesian Province of Dimapur (IND) 