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Rev. Fr. John Nirappel VC Laid to Rest

The Vincentian Congregation bid a prayerful farewell to Rev. Fr. John Nirappel VC on June 10, 2026, at the Parithrana Retreat Centre, Adichira. Fr. John was called to eternal rest on June 9, 2026, at 6:46 a.m., at the age of 76, after a period of illness borne with remarkable faith, patience, and serenity.

The mortal remains of Fr. John arrived at the Parithrana Retreat Centre at 9:30 a.m., where they were received by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thundathikunnel VC, Provincial Superior, members of the Provincial Council, Vincentian confreres, religious, family members, and numerous faithful.

The Solemn Requiem Mass began at 2:00 p.m. and was concelebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Paul Puthuva, Very Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thundathikunnel VC, Rev. Fr. Sony Edasseril, Rev. Fr. Roy Pulakudichirakandathil, and Rev. Fr. Francis Pullattu. During the liturgy, Rev. Fr. Francis Pullattu reverently carried the Book of the Gospels to the mortal remains of Fr. John, symbolizing the priest's lifelong commitment to proclaiming and living the Word of God.

The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jomon Kaippadakunnel VC, who reflected on Fr. John's life of humble discipleship, simplicity, and faithful priestly service. Following the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. George Poonattu offered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who had accompanied Fr. John throughout his life and ministry and to those who participated in the funeral ceremonies.

The final funeral rites were led by His Excellency Mar George Madathikandathil, Bishop of Kothamangalam, who also placed a floral crown upon the head of the departed priest as a mark of honour and respect. The concluding prayers were held at the cemetery, and Fr. John was laid to rest amidst prayers and hymns of hope in the resurrection.

Born on April 4, 1950, at Parapuzha in the Diocese of Kothamangalam to the late Aype Ouseph and Thresia, Fr. John entered the Vincentian Congregation at a young age. He made his First Profession on May 2, 1971, at Balesugiri and his Final Profession on May 2, 1976, at Alwaye. He was ordained a priest on March 12, 1978, by Bishop Mar Sebastian Mankuzhikary.

Fr. John was a dedicated priest who combined sound academic formation with deep spirituality. He held degrees in History and Education and pursued advanced studies in Spirituality and Theology in Linz, Austria. He further specialized in counselling and renewal ministry through diploma courses in Mumbai and Bangalore.

During his forty-eight years of priestly ministry, he served in seminaries, schools, parishes, and vocation ministry. A significant part of his apostolate was spent in Austria and Germany, where he ministered faithfully to migrant communities and local faithful. His pastoral service in the Archdiocese of Vienna, the Diocese of Linz, and later in the Diocese of Regensburg earned him the affection and respect of many people whose lives he touched through his compassionate and dedicated ministry.

After returning to India in 2021, Fr. John continued to serve as Confessor at the Vincentian Novitiate House, Padamugham, and later as a member of the Vincentian Community at Adichira. Even while struggling with Parkinson's disease and other health complications, he remained prayerful, cheerful, and spiritually attentive to those around him.

Fr. John will be remembered especially for his extraordinary simplicity. He sought neither comforts nor recognition and lived with remarkable contentment. Detached from material possessions and trusting completely in Divine Providence, he embraced a life of humility and selflessness. Whatever remained beyond his personal needs was generously entrusted to the Congregation and its mission. His life stands as a powerful witness to evangelical poverty, priestly fidelity, and wholehearted dedication to Christ and His Church.

As the Vincentian Congregation mourns his passing, it also gives thanks to God for the gift of his life, priesthood, and unwavering service. May the Lord whom he served so faithfully grant him eternal rest and the reward promised to His good and faithful servant.