Fr. Benny Cheruvathoor of Irinjalakuda Diocese Passes Away at 57

Chalakudy, Kerala, Sept. 22, 2025 - Rev. Fr. Benny Cheruvathoor, a priest of the Diocese of Irinjalakuda, passed away this morning at St. James Hospital, Chalakudy, the diocese announced in a statement today. He was 57 years old.

Born on December 25, 1968, in Chalakudy to Eenasu and Mary Cheruvathoor, Fr. Benny was the brother of Sunny, Fr. Paul, Johnson, and Beena. He pursued his priestly formation at St. Paul’s Minor Seminary, Irinjalakuda; Mangalapuzha Seminary, Aluva; and Vadavathoor Seminary, Kottayam. He was ordained a priest on December 28, 1994, by the late Bishop Mar James Pazhayattil.

During his 31 years of priestly ministry, Fr. Benny served the Irinjalakuda Diocese in parish and diocesan roles. He began his service as Assistant Parish Priest at Irinjalakuda Cathedral and later served in this same position at the parishes of Thekken Thanissery, Aloor, and Parappur Forane.

Fr. Benny also served as Vicar in several parishes, including Parakkatukara, Madathumpady Chentrapinni East, Ampanoly, Vellikulangara, and Poovathingal. In addition, he worked as Director of the Diocesan Sacristan Fellowship, Irinjalakuda; Assistant Director of Navachaithanya, Aloor; and chaplain to various convents.

The statement released by the Diocese of Irinjalakuda said that the arrangements for the funeral of Fr. Benny have been scheduled over two days as per the following schedule:

On Monday, September 22, public viewing of Fr. Benny’s body will be held at St. Joseph’s Clergy Home, Chalakudy, commencing at 3:00 p.m. This public viewing will continue at Poovathingal Church starting at 4:00 p.m., followed by Holy Mass at 5:00 p.m. Fr. Benny’s body will then be brought to his ancestral home in North Chalakudy at 7:00 p.m. 

On Tuesday, September 23, the first part of the funeral rites will be held at his ancestral home at 12:00 noon, after which the body will be taken to North Chalakudy Parish Church for members of the public to pay their last respects. The solemn funeral Mass will be offered at 2:30 p.m., followed by burial at the parish cemetery.

Bishop Mar Pauly Kannookadan of Irinjalakuda Diocese has requested the faithful to pray for the repose of Fr. Benny’s soul.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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