DIMAPUR, January 25 (MExN): The mortal remains of Dr. Fr James Poonthuruthil SDB was laid to rest on January 23 at the Salesian Cemetery in the Salesian College campus, Dimapur.
The Requiem Mass was presided over by Bishop James Thoppil DD of Kohima Diocese in the Salesian College Chapel. He was assisted by Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil of Itanagar Diocese and Bishop Paul Mattekatt DD of Diphu Diocese.
Over 130 Priests concelebrated in the Requiem Mass including Fr. Nestor Guria SDB (Provincial of Dimapur Province), Fr. George Maliekal SDB (Provincial of Shillong Province), Fr. Thomas Vattathara SDB (Provincial of Guwahati Province), Fr. Naresh Kujur SDB (Vice Provincial of Delhi Province), Fr. Shiji MSFS, youngest brother of late Dr. Fr. James Poonthuruthil SDB.
A large congregation of Sisters, Brothers, Salesian Cooperators, Don Bosco Alumni, lay faithful, friends and well – wishers as well as three brothers (including Fr. Shiji MSFS), three sisters, one brother-in-law and his son participated in the tearful funeral ceremony.
Bishop James Thoppil concluded the last funeral rites in the Salesian Cemetery.
Fr. James was ordained priest on December 23, 1984. After completing Ph.D. in Moral Theology from Gregorian University, Rome, he was assigned to many important works. To mention a few, he was Rector of Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur from 1995 to 2001. From 2006 to 2012, he served as the Provincial Superior of Dimapur Province comprising the states Arunachal Pradesh, Upper Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. He was Principal (President) of Sacred Heart Theologial College, Shillong, from 2003 to 2006. He worked as Rector of Provincial House, Shillong, from 2014 to 2017. In May 2017 he was appointed as the Rector of Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong.
Fr. James met with a road accident on January 14 and was admitted to NEIGRHIMS, Shillong. He passed away on January 21 a week before his 64th birthday on January 27.
