After fasting and prayers for the departed by the family, after 39 days, we went to the Church on 12 April morning at 7 to observe the 40 th day of demise. After holy Eucharist, at the cemetery spl prayers were offered by nearly 500 family members and priests.
Later at the residence again spl prayers were offered.
There was a memorial reminiscence meeting which was addressed by local leaders and educational experts and social activists as well as family representatives. It was a big change from the the normal pattern of eating the feast of the 40th day of the demise and leaving th e scene.
Speakers one after the other,vividly recalled the leadership qualities of the late Yohannan to be emulated as a successful business man, a progressive farmer, a social leader on businesses and even a role model for the local Church. He was on the governing body of the Orthodox Medical College here in Kolenchery. Rich tributes were paid by some 1200 guests to the deaprted.
Many speakers did recall the diseased as a fearless spokesperson who stood for values and integrity in the society.The speakers included:
The former MLAs Mr AT Pathrose, Mr MJ Jacob and even leading business leaders like Mr Peter of international Hotel Cochin, Mr Roy Varghese of Life India,Mr MM George who was his teacher in the St Peters High,,Kolenchery.
The role of the St Thomas Catholic Church of Pulluvazhy was commendable as its veteran parish priest Rev Fr George Thottumkara was very eloquent in the memorial address.
Others who spoke included our own family priest Rev Fr Alias Karavattamnagalam, who is popularly known as the silver tongued speaker!!
Several priests from Orthodox Church,Jacobite Church and even Catholic Church came and shared their kind memories of the late Yohannan.
We have received fond memory messages from USA, Europe,Australia and Middle East from clergy and laity alike conveying their prayers for the eternal salvation for my late brother.
We thank one and all, who came to the church and home for this wonderful day to make us feel special and comfortable.
A big thank you all.
Dr KM George