Thamarassery Diocese priest Fr. Mathew Pulolickal (78) passed away. He had been leading a retired life at the Vianney Home for Retired Priests, Erude. The funeral services were held at St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery, Erude, with Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil officiating the rites.

Born on January 12, 1947, in the St. Michael’s Parish of Palayam under the Pala Diocese, he was the fifth among seven children of the late Kuriakose and Eli Pulolickal. He completed his primary and secondary education at St. Antony’s Higher Secondary School, Kadaplamattom. He began his seminary formation at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Thalassery, and later pursued priestly training at St. Thomas Apostolic Major Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam.

He was ordained a priest on December 18, 1974, by Mar Sebastian Valloppilly, the first bishop of the Thalassery Diocese, at his home parish in Palayam. His pastoral ministry began as an assistant vicar at the Koorachund parish. He later served in the same capacity at Angadikadavu and Alakode.

Fr. Pulolickal went on to serve as vicar in numerous parishes, including Randamkadavu, Areekamala, Kakkadampoil, Chempukadavu, Poozhithode, Manjeri, Koomamkulam, Kuppayakkod, Chappanthottam, Vilangad, Chempanoda, Kallanode, Koorachund, Kallurutti, Kakkavayal, Vaniyambalam, Valiakolli, and Valillapuzha. In addition to his parish responsibilities, he held leadership roles in various diocesan organizations and movements.

He officially retired from active ministry in 2019 and had since been residing at the Vianney Priest Home in Erude.

His siblings include the late Anna Kutty Ellungal (Pulppally), the late Thresiamma Maliyil (Mananthavady), the late Kuriakose Pulolickal (Cherpunkal), the late Elikutty Puthiyaparambil (Pala), the late P.K. Joseph Pulolickal (Cherpunkal), and Mary Mathew Vayalunkal (Pangada).

Fr. Mathew Pulolickal was known for his deep spiritual conviction, expressed in his life motto: “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” During the early days of migration, he led parishes that faced extreme hardships with unwavering commitment and dedication, guiding the faithful with strong leadership and tireless effort.