Seminary Mentor and Theologian Fr. Thomas Kochuthara Dies at 81

Shillong, July 9, 2026: Fr. Thomas Kochuthara, a theologian, seminary professor and mentor to generations of priests, died on July 7 at the age of 81, bringing to a close more than five decades of priestly ministry, theological scholarship and priestly formation.

Born on March 3, 1945, in Padaharam, Champakulam, Kerala, Fr. Kochuthara grew up in a family rooted in the Christian faith. His vocation was nurtured at the historic St. Mary's Basilica, Champakulam, and the Petit Séminaire at Parel Church. He was ordained a priest on December 23, 1972, by Mar Antony Padiyara.

Following his ordination, he served as assistant parish priest in Thathampally, Aryad, Thrickodithanam and Mannila before pursuing higher studies at the Catholic University of Leuven, where he obtained licentiate and doctoral degrees in theology.

Fr. Kochuthara devoted much of his priesthood to theological education and seminary formation. He taught Liberation and Systematic Theology at Oriens Theological College, Shillong, from 1989 to 2003 and later at St. Ephrem's Synodal Seminary, Satna, from 2004 to 2016. He also served as a visiting professor at Vidyajyoti College of Theology, New Delhi, and Jnana Deepa Pontifical Institute, Pune.

His ministry extended beyond the classroom. He served as rector of a major seminary, Director of Sandesanilayam, the catechetical centre of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry, Secretary of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC), and Director of CANA and the Pontifical John Paul II Institute. He also exercised pastoral ministry in the parishes of Mudiyoorkara, Kondackal, Pacha Chekkidikadu and Mammood.

Fr. Kochuthara authored several books that reflected his engagement with theology, society and culture. His major works include Theology of Liberation and Ideology Critique, Dialogue and Liberation, and Christianity and the Tribal Societies of North East India. His research focused on the relationship between Christian faith, social justice and the cultural traditions of tribal communities in Northeast India.

Former students and colleagues remember him as a teacher who combined academic scholarship with pastoral insight and whose guidance influenced generations of seminarians and priests across India.

The funeral rites will begin on July 12 with the mortal remains being brought to St. Thomas Hospital, Chettipuzha, Lourdes Matha Church, Mammood, and his family residence at Padaharam. The funeral Mass and burial will take place on July 13 at St. Joseph's Church, Padaharam.

Fr. Kochuthara's death marks the passing of a priest whose contribution to theological education, seminary formation and pastoral ministry left a lasting imprint on the Church in India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter