Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Nediyadath, son of Mr. Devasia and Mariam was born on September 15, 1931 at Vaikam, Kerala and was baptized as Joseph. After completion of his studies at St. Michael’s School, Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam, Kerala, he was recruited by late Bishop Urban McGarry, TOR, the then Superior of the TORs in India and later the first Bishop of Bhagalpur Diocese, Bihar. He arrived in Gokhla on 30th June, 1953 to pursue his formation in the Order. After his novitiate at Gokhla he pronounced his vows on June 4, 1956. Thereafter, he joined St. Albert’s College, Ranchi to pursue his studies in Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained a priest by Most Rev. Pius Kerketta, SJ, Archbishop of Ranchi at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Ranchi on September 7, 1962.
He began his priestly ministry as Director of candidates and Econome at Franciscan Monastery, Ranchi from 1963 to 1965. From then on, he continued his ministry in spiritual formation; directing and teaching candidates at St. John’s Seminary, Bhagalpur; Sacred Heart Novitiate, Babumahal; Franciscan Ashram, Harmu; Franciscan Ashram, Madhurwada and Vinay Sadan, Fatehpur. As his forte was formation he was appointed as Novice Master to the formees of Sri Lanka from 1983 to 1985.
He immersed himself into the pastoral arena and proved to be an exemplary and dedicated priest who was available to the needs of the parishioners, going by cycle kilometers to tend his folks. The parishes he pastored are: Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Bhagalpur; Holy Cross Church, Harimohra; St. Joseph’s Church, Jhajha; St. Mary’s Church, Leela; St. Francis Church, Poreyahat; St. Rita’s Church, Dakaita; St. Francis Church, Deoghar and Sacred Heart Church, Babumahal.
He left his indelible mark as chaplain and spiritual assistant to Franciscan Brothers (CMSF) at Borivili, Mumbai for twelve years. On January 30, 2022 he was assigned to Mount Assisi Mission Home, Kuravilangad, Kerala for rest and convalescence. He was very relaxed and happy till diagnosed with cancer of esophagus a months ago. He was under treatment at Mar Sleeva Hospital, Palai and Caritas Hospital, Kottayam, Kerala. On February 15, he was admitted to St. Vincent Hospital, Kuravilangad due to fatigue and breathlessness. On February 20, early morning after receiving the sacrament of the sick from the hands of Fr. Ebby, TOR, Superior of Mount Assisi Mission Home, Fr. Ferdinand left for his eternal reward at 05.45 a.m.
After conducting the Office for the Dead at Mount Assisi Mission Home, Kuravilanad, on 21 February at about 7.00 p.m., his mortal remains were taken to Assisi Bhavan, Meenangady, Waynad covering a distance of 290 kms. The following day, February 22, in the morning, the ceremonial prayers for the deceased were conducted at Assisi Bhavan, by Rev. Fr. Thomas Chittookalam, the Provincial and the other friars gathered there.
At 10.30 a.m. the Holy Mass of Christian burial was offered, which was presided over by Most Rev. Alex Tharamangalam, Auxiliary Bishop of Mananthavady, and concelebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Chittookalam, Provincial of St Thomas Province, Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Palakudiyil, Provincial of St Louis Province, Rev. Fr. John Kochuchira, and Rev. Fr. Ebby Paraparampil.
Several priests, friars, religious and relatives of Fr. Ferdi participated in the Mass. The homily was preached by Rev. Fr. Shibin Kurien, TOR, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Rev. Fr. Thomas Chittookalam TOR, who gratefully acknowledged the services rendered by one and all; especially Fr. Thomas Madamana and members of the local TOR Community, Fr. Jobin Thoomkuzhy, M.C. of the Ceremony, Fr. Ebby and the associates of Mission Home at Kuravilangad and the Sisters at St Vincent Hospital, Kuravilangad.
The words of gratitude were extended to Fr. Ferdinand’s home people, and to our friars who had come from far and near to participate in the funeral ceremony.
After the traditional ceremony of bidding farewell to the Church and the Altar, the mortal remains were taken in procession to the community cemetery for the final ritual of Christian burial.
In the sad demise of Rev. Fr. Ferdinand we have lost a senior brother, one of the last links with the American pioneers, a carrier of the spirit of the missionary adventure, a man for the people and a seraphic beacon. All those who were trained under his tutelage will vouch for his integrity, adherence to principles, promptness, dedication and above all love of God and encountering Him in prayer. He believed in the principle “brevity is the soul of wit” and so all his homilies and talks were focused, short and to the point. His legacy of uncompromising adherence to rules and constitution of the Order will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew him. May this be the tribute we offer to his memory in the pursuit of excellence and holiness we are called to live for Christ.
May the loving and merciful God grant him eternal rest.