- 02 April, 2026
Kochi, April 2, 2026: Fr. Justin Panackal (91), the renowned Carmelite priest and composer of the iconic devotional song “Paithalam Yeshuve,” passed away on Maundy Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to music, theology, and priesthood. A key figure in the popularisation of Christian devotional music in Kerala, he composed 28 songs—most of them immortalised in the voice of K.J. Yesudas.
A member of the Discalced Carmelite congregation (OCD), Fr. Panackal rose to prominence during the golden era of music cassettes in the 1980s. His compositions, known for their technical finesse, lyrical depth, and spiritual intensity, were recorded at Tharangini Studio in Thiruvananthapuram and gained wide acceptance across communities.
Among his most celebrated works are “Paithalam Yeshuve,” “En Jeevithamaam Ee Marakkombil…” (in Sindhu Bhairavi raga), “Manju Pozhiyunna Maamaram…,” and “Navyamaya Oru Kalpana…”, which continue to be sung in churches. Other notable compositions include “Karthavam Yeshuve Marthya Vimochaka…,” “Nayaka Jeevadayaka…,” “Yeshuvente Prananathan…,” and “Snehaswaroopa Thava Darshanam…”—songs that have left a lasting imprint on the devotional music landscape.
Born on August 10, 1935, in Kumbalangi, Kochi, to Job and Thankamma, Fr. Panackal overcame early hardships following his father’s untimely death. He was raised and educated in Alappuzha, where his musical talents were recognised early. Encouraged by mentors including Fr. Joseph Koyilparambil SJ and violinist Joe Isaacs, he developed a strong foundation in both liturgical and classical music.
He joined the Carmelite seminary in 1954 and was ordained a priest on March 17, 1962, at Mangalapuzha Seminary, Aluva. He later pursued higher studies in Rome, earning a doctorate focused on Carmelite spirituality.
From 1971, Fr. Panackal served as a professor at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva, teaching Systematic Theology, Mystical Theology, World Religions, and Music. He spent 28 years as a resident professor and continued for 22 years as Professor Emeritus.
He also played a significant role in nurturing new talent, encouraging seminarians to write lyrics for devotional songs. Many of the compositions released through Tharangini were written by theology students, whom he mentored and guided.
Apart from music, Fr. Panackal was an accomplished author, publishing 17 books—14 in English and three in Malayalam—and over 125 articles internationally. His contributions earned him the title “Asian Theologian,” a rare distinction within the OCD congregation in Southeast Asia.
He travelled extensively across countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States, delivering retreats and spiritual discourses, particularly for priests and religious.
One of his widely recognised compositions, “Navyamaya Oru Kalpana…”, is traditionally sung in Catholic churches across Kerala on Maundy Thursday. It was on the same day that Fr. Panackal passed away, symbolically marking the completion of his earthly mission.
From the tender strains of “Paithalam Yeshuve” to meditations on Calvary, Fr. Justin Panackal’s life remained a deeply spiritual musical journey that continues to inspire generations.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
