Father Philip Theempalangattu

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Father Philip Theempalangattu who departed this world on December 28, 2024, at the age of 72. Father Philip, a beloved priest of the Catholic Diocese of Kanjirapally in Kerala, India, dedicated his life to serving the Lord and ministering to the spiritual needs of his people in India and in the United States with unwavering faith, compassion, and humility.

He was a guiding light to countless individuals, inspiring them with his deep devotion to God, his commitment to the Church, and his unwavering support for the community. His legacy of kindness, service, and love will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Fr. Philip was born on February 11, 1952. After completing his School and seminary education, he was ordained as a priest on April 10, 1980. He served in several Catholic churches in Kerala, lead the Social Service Agency of the Diocese of Kanjirapally, before he was assigned to serve as a full-time chaplain at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana on February 25, 2002. After 22 years of incredible service, he returned to his home diocese in Kerala due to some serious medical reasons.

His smiling presence and calm demeanor were always appreciated by the patients, families, and employees at St. Francis Medical Center. He loved everyone and he was well loved by all. The patients, families and staff of St. Francis Hospital and others will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his siblings Thankamma, James, and Minimol. He was preceded by his loving parents, Chacko Theempalangattu & Annamma Chacko, and his brothers Babychan and Jose.

The funeral service was held on December 30, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at St. Michel’s Church, located in his home Parish in Kerala where he was Baptized and received all other sacraments including Priesthood. 

A Memorial Mass to honor Fr. Philip will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Francis Chapel in Monroe, Louisiana, where Fr. Philip’s coworkers and leadership will join to honor his life, his work, and his extraordinary dedication to the faith. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul, and that the Lord may grant comfort and strength to his family, friends, the Churches, and institutions he so faithfully served.

Anyone who would like to memorialize Fr. Philip’s legacy may make your donations to his favorite charity Logos International Inc. www.logosinternationalusa.org for the progressing project House of Hope, a Rural Health Center in a remote village in Kerala, India, his home town.

May Father Philip Theempalangattu Rest in Peace, and may his soul be embraced by the eternal love and mercy of our Heavenly Father.