Rev. Fr. George Palamattam, TOR, the senior-most friar of St. Francis Province, Ranchi, returned to his heavenly reward on June 20, 2026, after a period of illness. He was 83 years of age, having spent 62 years in Religious Life and more than 50 years as a Religious Priest. Fr. George had been suffering from breathing difficulties and had been under medical treatment for the last couple of months at Constant Lievens Hospital and Research Centre, Mandar.
Fr. George Palamattam hailed from a traditional Syrian Catholic family in Chennad, in the Diocese of Pala, Kerala. He was the youngest child of Mr. Joseph Palamattam and Mrs. Mariam Joseph Palamattam. Born on March 15, 1943, he was the lone survivor among four siblings—three brothers and one sister. He completed his primary education at St. Maria Goretti Middle School, Chennad, followed by his high school education at S.M.V. High School, Poonjar. He joined the Order in 1961 and made his First Profession on May 31, 1964, in the hands of Very Rev. Fr. Boniface M. Bonk, TOR, the then Minister Provincial. Following his first commitment, Fr. George pursued Intermediate studies at St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. He completed his philosophical studies at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, from 1968 to 1970. Later, he completed his regency at Chakai, Poreyahat, and Babumahal. Fr. George made his Solemn Commitment on May 31, 1967, in the hands of Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ramanattu, TOR. Fr. George completed his theological studies at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Urban McGarry, TOR, at St. Elizabeth Church, Kathiberi, on April 27, 1976.
His first appointment was as the Headmaster of St. Stanislaus Middle School, Gokhla, where he served until 1977. Thereafter, he served at Basmatha Parish as Assistant Parish Priest and later at Agaimore Parish in the same capacity. From 1980 to 1985, he served as the Parish Priest of Kommayad and Kolavayal Parishes in the Diocese of Mananthavady, Kerala. He was the Headmaster of St. Francis School, Hasimara, from 1985 to 1986. From 1986 to 1990, he served as Parish Priest at Shamli in the Diocese of Meerut, U.P. Fr. George then served as the Assistant Parish Priest of Satali in the Diocese of Jalpaiguri from 1990 to 1995, and at Bhukhumunda from 1996 to 1998.
Fr. George served as the Assistant Parish Priest of Karani Parish in the Diocese of Mananthavady from 1998 to 2000. Subsequently, he served as the Headmaster of St. Francis Middle School, Adhikari, in 2001. From 2002 to 2017, Fr. George served as Assistant Parish Priest at Murumkela, Getalsud, Hasimara, and Deorapara Parishes. In January 2018, he was appointed Parish Priest of Getalsud; however, in July 2018, he was assigned to Franciscan Ashram, Harmu, due to declining health.
Fr. George served the Order as a pastor for the greater part of his ministry, which spanned more than four decades. He was known for being down-to-earth, simple, unassuming, and joyful. On several occasions, he expressed a deep desire to serve the poorest of the poor at a Missionaries of Charity centre. He brightened the community table with his wit and wisdom, engaging in easy conversation and approaching both life and ministry with cheerfulness. A point of historical interest: the name assigned to him at the time of his First Profession was Leonard Palamattathil. While it remains unclear how he eventually came to be known as Fr. George Palamattam, his legacy of service remains clear.