- 22 July, 2026
Kannur, Kerala, July 21, 2026: Fr Thomas Pathikkal, the Syro-Malabar Catholic priest who witnessed the Eucharistic phenomenon at Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur, later recognised by the Vatican as India’s first Eucharistic miracle, died on July 21 at the age of 73.
His death marks the end of a priestly journey that became closely associated with one of the most significant Eucharistic events in the recent history of the Catholic Church in India.
On November 13, 2013, while celebrating Holy Mass at Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur, Fr Pathikkal noticed a small mark appearing on the consecrated Host. As the celebration continued, the mark gradually developed into what appeared to be the face of Jesus Christ.
Recognising the extraordinary nature of the event, the priest ensured that the Sacred Host was carefully preserved and informed Church authorities. The news soon spread, drawing thousands of faithful to Vilakkannur to pray before the Host.
The Church, however, proceeded with caution, initiating a lengthy process of investigation and discernment. The Host was placed under secure custody and subjected to theological and scientific examination.
The Doctrinal Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church conducted an extensive inquiry before the Host was sent to the Vatican in 2018 for further evaluation. Experts examined whether the image could have resulted from natural causes, human intervention or the presence of an external substance.
Following years of investigation, the Holy See declared in March 2025 that there was nothing preventing the recognition of the event as extraordinary. The Vatican's decree was formally proclaimed on May 31, 2025, during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli.
The recognition was hailed as a historic milestone for the Catholic Church in India, with the Vilakkannur event becoming the country's first Eucharistic miracle officially recognised by the Vatican.
Throughout the years of investigation and following the Vatican's recognition, Fr Pathikkal remained associated with the event while consistently directing attention away from himself and towards the Eucharist.
For the faithful, his witness became part of the story of a phenomenon that renewed Eucharistic devotion and drew pilgrims from across India and beyond to Vilakkannur. The event also served as an occasion for Catholics to reflect more deeply on the Church's faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
Yet Fr Pathikkal's priestly ministry extended far beyond his association with the Eucharistic event. Those who knew him remember him as a humble and dedicated priest who served the Syro-Malabar Church through pastoral ministry, celebrating the sacraments, guiding parish communities and accompanying families in their journey of faith.
Despite becoming associated with one of the most significant Catholic events in modern Indian Church history, he remained a priest who avoided publicity and continued to place his vocation and Eucharistic faith at the centre of his life.
The funeral of Fr Thomas Pathikkal will be held at Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur, on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m.
As the Church mourns his death, Fr Pathikkal will be remembered not only as the priest who witnessed the extraordinary event at Vilakkannur, but also as a servant of the Church whose life was marked by humility, faith and devotion to the Eucharist.
His name will remain closely linked with Vilakkannur, where the event he witnessed in 2013 continues to inspire prayer and Eucharistic devotion among the faithful.
Courtesy : Daijiworld
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