Rev. Fr. Thomas Punchekunnel sdb.
With Deep sorrow the Provincial Superior and the Salesians of Don Bosco, Eastern Africa, regret to announce the death of Rev. Fr. Thomas Punchekunnel sdb. He was born in Kerala, India, on 2nd November 1947.
He made his first religious profession on 8th May 1967. He was ordained as a priest on 22nd December 1975 and worked in Kolkotta, India till his coming to Africa as a Missionary. In 1980 he was part of the first group of Salesian Missionaries of Don Bosco who came to Eastern Africa. In Kenya he worked in Don Bosco Upper Hill in the early days of the Salesian Mission here, Don Bosco Mission Korr, Marsabit; Don Bosco Boys’ Town, Nairobi and Catholic Church, Nzaikoni, Machakos, (he was the pioneer of Nzaikoni parish). In Tanzania he worked in Don Bosco Youth Training Centre, Iringa. He was the financial administrator of the province for six years. Finally he was re-appointed as the assistant Parish Priest of Nzaikoni parish from where he went to his heavenly Father on 4th January 2017.
The funeral and burial arrangements: 11th January 2017 Wednesday at 03.00 pm, Requiem Mass and Vigil at Catholic Church, Nzaikoni 12th Thursday 09.00am, viewing of the body at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians — Upper Hill 12th Thursday 10.00 am, Funeral Mass at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Upper Hill followed by burial at the Salesian Cemetery at Don Bosco Utume, Karen.
May he enjoy eternal rest.
It’s a big loss to have lost you for you have touched and moulded many lives. You have left behind a legacy that will remain forever especially to those who knew you. R.I.P we loved you.
You brought our parish from grass roots(nzaikoni)may you rest in peace
Fr. Thomas was a great man, a servant of God and a shepherd of His flock. I am a living testimony of how he touched, mentored and transformed many lives. Fr. Thomas was well known to me and a close friend. When he started the parish in 1991, I was just 11 years and a dedicated altar boy. He made sure i joined the minor seminary and saw me through high school. I attribute all my achievements to him. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.
Fr Thomas was more than a priest.I was impressed by his humility and dedication to serve the good people of God.Rest in eternal peace till we meet again
Write Tribute…farewell father we love you.