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RIP: Fr. Thomas Tekkekara 

 

The Archdiocese recived word that Father Thomas Thekkekara died on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the age of 90 years at home in Kaloor, Kerala, India.

Father Thomas was ordained on March 10, 1963 in his home diocese of Kothamangalam, Kerala and joined the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth in 1987. He served at several parishes for 21 years as a Pastor and Chaplain of the hospitals, and retired from active pastoral ministry in 2008. He returned to India in October 2025.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on March 26, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Church, Kaloor, Thodupuzha, India followed by burial in the church cemetery.

May eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

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Chancery Contact

Maryn Anderson
Vice Chancellor
(902) 429-9800 ext. 307
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Christine Salterio
Executive Secretary to the Archbishop
O: (902) 429-9800 ext. 324
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Maria O'Brien
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Archdiocesan Funeral Guidelines

Archbishop Mancini in collaboration with the clergy, religious and lay faithful of our Church of IMG 2500 webHalifax-Yarmouth prepared the document on Catholic funerals in the Archdiocese of Halifax Yarmouth. The document is titled "Catholic Funerals: Theological and Pastoral Considerations".

The document touches on the frequent experience in our faith communities that funerals draw people with diverse connections to the Catholic faith or faith in general. Liturgical options, specifically the separation of the Funeral Rite (Order of Christian Funerals) and the celebration of the Eucharist, can facilitate a fuller involvement of mourners at Catholic funerals. As well new opportunities are presented to evangelize and catechized a Christian understanding of life, death and resurrection. For the faithful the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist at a memorial Mass within a short time of the funeral liturgy can be much more meaningful experience of communion.

This guidelines addresses issues like eulogies, use of Christian symbols at funerals, cremation, and the celebration of the funeral rite at funeral parlors as well as other points to assist parish personnel in the ministry to those who are grieving.

download:             English (pdf)                          French (pdf)