Fr. Skaria Kochumuruppel, a beloved priest of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church from the Pathanamthitta Diocese, passed away on August 17, 2024, at the age of 56. Known for his humility, devotion, and steadfast commitment to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the Church, his passing is deeply mourned by the Church and faithful alike.
Fr. Skaria was born as Biji Daniel on October 21, 1968, in Puthenpeedika, Pathanamthitta, as the youngest of four children of Geeverghese Daniel and P.C. Annamma. His siblings, Jose Daniel, Shantha Daniel, and Sr. C. Shalini S.I.C. of the Bethany Congregation, were part of a close-knit family that nurtured his early desire to become a priest. He was baptised on November 13, 1968, and given the name Skaria. After completing his school education at MSC LPS Puthenpeedika and Catholicate High School Pathanamthitta, his passion for the priesthood led him to join the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1984.
Fr. Skaria completed his philosophy studies at St. Mary’s Malankara Seminary and theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Mangalore. He was ordained as a priest on March 24, 1995, by the late Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Mar Ephrem. His thirst for knowledge and service led him to earn a post-graduate degree in philosophy from Annamalai University, followed by a licentiate and doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He also received a diploma in Psychology of Consultation from Rome.
A Life of Dedication and Service
Fr. Skaria’s service spanned numerous parishes both in India and abroad. From 1995 to 2002, he served in various parishes including Mariagiri (Marthandam), Valakom, Nadakkavu, Palavila, Mangad, and Koyikkathoppu. From 2002 onwards, his ministry extended to Rome, the USA, Germany, and Switzerland. His scholarly and pastoral work made a lasting impact on the lives of those he served, and his gentle spirit, combined with his devotion to prayer, touched countless hearts.
In 2020, while serving in the Chur Diocese in Switzerland, Fr. Skaria was diagnosed with blood cancer. Despite his illness, he faced his suffering with unwavering faith and hope, continuing his spiritual mission and providing inspiration to those around him. He returned to India for further treatment at Vellore, and even during his battle with cancer, Fr. Skaria remained a beacon of hope, his face reflecting the peace and hope that only a deep connection with God can bring.
Fr. Skaria was known for his simple lifestyle, his rejection of worldly power and wealth, and his focus on prayer and pastoral care. Those who served alongside him testify to his dedication, his attention to the sick and the education of children, and his ability to make everyone feel valued. His initiatives, such as the ‘Transit’ camp for children from various parishes in the Pathanamthitta Diocese, helped promote both spiritual and intellectual growth.
Final Journey
Fr. Skaria’s funeral service will be held on August 20, 2024, at St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church in Puthenpeedika, where he received his baptism and offered his first Divine Liturgy. The service will be led by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, with the participation of bishops and clergy.
Fr. Skaria’s life, marked by faith, compassion, and wisdom, will remain an enduring example for the Church and all those who knew him.
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