Dimapur, Jan. 25 (EMN): The mortal remains of Dr. Fr. James Poonthuruthil SDB were laid to rest on January 23 at the Salesian Cemetery in the Salesian College campus, Dimapur. The requiem mass was presided over by Bishop James Thoppil DD of Kohima Diocese in the Salesian College Chapel. He was assisted by Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil of Itanagar Diocese and Bishop Paul Mattekatt DD of Diphu Diocese.
Over 130 priests concelebrated in the requiem mass Fr. Shiji MSFS, youngest brother of Dr. Fr. James Poonthuruthil SDB. A large congregation of sisters, brothers, Salesian cooperators, Don Bosco alumni, lay faithful, friends and well wishers as well as three brothers (including Fr. Shiji MSFS), three sisters, one brother-in-law and his son were present at funeral ceremony.
Fr. James was ordained priest on December 23, 1984. After completing Ph.D. in moral theology from Gregorian University, Rome, he was assigned to many important works. To mention a few: he was Rector of Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur, from 1995 to 2001. From 2006 to 2012, he served as the provincial superior of Dimapur Province comprising the states Arunachal Pradesh, Upper Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. He was principal (president) of Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong, from 2003 to 2006. He worked as Rector of Provincial House, Shillong, from 2014 to 2017. In May 2017, he was appointed as the Rector of Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong.
Dr. Fr. James Poonthuruthil met with a road accident on January 14 and was admitted to NEIGRHIMS, Shillong. He passed away on January 21 a week prior to his 64th birthday on January 27.
