Fr. Adrian Kumpalath was born on May 4, 1947 at Ramapuram, Kerala as the eldest son of late Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Alykutty. He has four sisters and a brother. After graduating from St. Augustine’s School, Ramapuram, Kerala, he joined the TOR Franciscans at Bhagalpur in 1966. Having completed his minor seminary at St. John’s minor Seminary, Bhagalpur, he went to Sacred Heart Novitiate, Babumahal and made his first profession on May 31, 1970. He had his studies at St. Xaviers College Ranchi, philosophy and theology in St. Alberts College Ranchi.
He was ordained a priest by late Most Rev. Urban McGary TOR on April 18, 1979 at Holy Cross Church, Harimohra, Bhagalpur. His first appointment as assistant pastor was at Tilkimaran under the tutelage of late Fr. Stannislaus Murmu TOR. Thereupon he was moved to Gokhla Mission and Leela Mission. He worked as Headmaster of St. Mary’s School Satali and Adhikari, in West Bengal, Vice Principal and Treasurer of St. Francis School Harmu, Ranchi, St. Francis School Shamli (UP), Local Minister of Shamli and Noida fraternity & Treasurer of St. Anthony’s School Khora and Pastor of St. Anthony’s Church, Khora (Noida).
Since January 2022 he was appointed to Mount Assisi Mission Home, Kuravilangad, Kerala for better medical treatment and rest. He was suffering from high blood sugar and other health issues due to hyperglycemia. He was on and off to several hospitals. As his condition got worse, he was referred to St. Vincent Hospital Kuravilangad for treatment and rest.
After battling with his illness for few months he succumbed to his illness and went to the Lord, after receiving the sacrament of the sick on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 7:30 AM.
After a requiem mass and prayers at Mount Assisi Mission Home Kuravilangad in the presence of his siblings, friars, friends and relatives his mortal remains were carried to the community cemetery at Assisi Bhavan Meenangady, Kerala, a distance of 295 kms.
The Holy mass of Christian burial was presided over by Most Rev. Bishop Alex Tharamangalam (Auxiliary Bishop, Mananthavady) at St. Francis Church, Meenangady. Several Friars, Priests, Religious and Relatives were present to bid adieu to Fr. Adrian and pray for the repose of his soul.
Fr. Adrian was more than just a priest, silent yet full of compassion and wisdom. As a friend he was always there with a listening ear, offering guidance, support and love. As a priest he brought solace, hope and love to the needy. By his life he taught us not only about faith but also empathy and kindness, compassion and generosity.
As we mourn the loss of our dear friar and friend Adrian, let us also celebrate the rich tapestry of his life, very often in silent presence – the lessons he imparted, the love he shared, the values he cherished and the impact he had on each one of us remain embedded in our ethos. Fr. Adrian’s spirit lives on the memories we hold dear and the lives he touched.
May his soul rest in eternal peace and may we strive to carry the legacy, compassion, love and wisdom he crafted soundly during his 77 years on earth.
We commend him into the safe hands of Jesus, Mary and Saints.