Fr. Jacob Theckanath who served as the third Director of NBCLC between 1991-2001, left for his heavenly abode on 28th November 2021. As a mark of respect the Director and staff of NBCLC hosted a Memorial Mass on 18th December 2021 which was the day when Fr. Jacob was ordained a priest in 1967.

The Director, Fr. John Baptist, welcomed the gathering and thereafter Fr. Arul Raj Sampath, the Asst. Director gave the eulogy which spoke about Fr. Jacob from his birth, studies, his priesthood, ordination, service to the Church until his death.

Archbishop Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore, was the main celebrant for this Memorial Mass and around 120 people from all walks of life participated during this solemn occasion. Archbishop from his own life experience expressed how to live life and this was very much in line with the way Fr. Jacob led his life. Though the Mass was in Latin Rite, it was accompanied by Bhajans and lighting of the lamp as Fr. Jacob cherished this very much.

Soon after Mass four speakers, both religious and lay, shared their tributes. Sr. Therese Purayidathil, Superior General, Daughters of the Church, spoke about the support that Fr. Jacob gave to their congregation and about father's involvement in her doctoral thesis. Mr. Jyoti Sahi, as Artist associated with the Centre for more than five decades, spoke about Indian spirituality and inculturation and about the mantle which Fr. Jacob carried it till the end, pioneered by late Fr. Amalor. Jyoti Sahi also expressed the ability of Fr. Jacob to elicit people's thoughts and how through this process he empowered them in decision making. Dr. A. Pushparajan, Doctor in Gandhian Studies from M.K. University and a faculty of NBCLC, spoke about Fr. Jacob's humane touch in living life where he was personally touched both with respect to his professional and personal career. Ms. Durga Devi who served with the Centre for four decades was very emotional and spoke about Fr. Jacob as a boss, guide, guru, a friend and beacon in her life. He was also a part of their family and “we miss him very much” she said. This moved the gathering.

After the tribute of pushpanjali was paid to Fr. Jacob's picture. Fr. John Baptist, Director, NBCLC, thanked the audience for their presence and thereafter invited them for lunch. Truly this event, though solemn, was a “FEEL AT HOME” experience. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath

Memorial Mass for Late Fr. Jacob Theckanath