Daijiworld Media Network – Kerala
Kerala, Jul 21: Fr Thomas Pathikkal, the Syro-Malabar Catholic priest who witnessed the Eucharistic miracle at Vilakkannur in Kerala that was later recognised by the Vatican, has passed away at the age of 73.
Fr Pathikkal was celebrating holy mass on November 13, 2013, at Christ the King Church in Vilakkannur when he noticed a small spot appearing on the consecrated host. As the liturgy continued, the mark gradually developed into what appeared to be the image of Jesus Christ.
News of the extraordinary event quickly spread, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the parish to venerate the sacred host before church authorities placed it in secure custody for scientific and theological examination.
The Syro-Malabar church's doctrinal commission conducted an extensive investigation before the host was sent to the Vatican in 2018 for further evaluation.
After years of study, the Holy See officially recognised the Eucharistic sign in 2025. The Vatican's decree confirming the recognition was formally proclaimed at the Vilakkannur church by the then-apostolic nuncio, archbishop Leopold Girelli, making it the first Vatican-recognised Eucharistic miracle in India.
Fr Pathikkal remained closely associated with the historic event throughout his life, becoming a key witness to one of the most significant moments in the history of the Catholic church in India. His death marks the passing of the priest whose faithful ministry became inseparably linked with a Eucharistic miracle that continues to inspire devotion among Catholics in India and beyond.
The funeral will be held at Vilakkannur Church on Friday, July 24 at 10 am.