Bangalore Archdiocese

By Fr Franklin Dsouza

Shivamogga, October 19, 2024: The funeral ceremony of Evangelist Bro. T. K. George was respectfully organized at Mary Immaculate Church, Newtown, Bhadravati, Diocese of Shimoga.

Bro. T. K. George was admitted to St. John's Medical College Hospital on July 30th, 2024. He was placed on a ventilator, and later underwent a tracheostomy procedure. Despite his critical condition, he remained conscious and there was hope for his recovery. However, his heart, kidney, and lungs were severely affected. The medical team made every effort to save his life, but unfortunately, he passed away on October 14th at 7:30 pm. 77days his battle for life came to an end.

The mortal remains of the deceased were respectfully brought to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga at 7:30 am from St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore. On behalf of the Diocese of Shimoga, Msgr Very Rev. Fr Stany D'Souza, the esteemed Vicar General of the Diocese of Shimoga and Rector of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, along with Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, the esteemed Spiritual Director of Yesusparsha Retreat Team, Rev. Fr Paul Anand Prasad SJ, the esteemed Assistant Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, and Re. Fr Shajish Mathew, the esteemed Parish Priest of Infant Jesus Church, Moolakatte, Bhadravati, conducted a solemn blessing of the body. Subsequently, the body was respectfully placed in the Meggan Hospital Mortuary, Shivamogga.

On the evening of the 16th, his mortal remains were kept in his home for his family to pay their final respects. Reverend Father Shajish Matthew, Reverend Father Franklin D'Souza, and Reverend Father Lancy Barthalomeo D'Souza, the Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Church in Newtown, Bhadravati, visited his house and led the prayers. His family priests, including his uncle Reverend Father Stephen Kotakal from the Diocese of Manantawadi and his nephew Reverend Father Dyson Davis from New Zealand, as well as many religious sisters and relatives, were present at the home to lead the prayers. Early in the morning, faithful from Mariammanahalli in the Diocese of Bellary arrived at his house and paid homage through Bhajans. At 8:30 am, Most Reverend Dr. Joseph Arumachadath, Bishop of the Diocese of Bhadravati, led prayers in the house. Subsequently, at 9:30 am, the body was respectfully transferred to Mary Immaculate Church in New Town, Bhadravati, for public homage.

At 9:45 a.m., Reverend Father Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Director, and Reverend Father Lancy Barthalomeo D'Souza, Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Church, along with other priests, religious individuals, and a substantial number of devoted believers, respectfully received the body and led the prayer.

Mr. Sangameshwar, the honorable MLA of Bhadravati constituency, paid a respectful visit and offered his homage. Prayer warriors from the Archdiocese of Bangalore, Diocese of Mangalore, Diocese of Shimoga, Diocese of Mysore, Diocese of Bellary, Diocese of Chikmagalur, Diocese of Bhadravati, Diocese of Karwar, and Diocese of Udupi were present to offer their prayers. Bro. Prakash D'Souza from Mumbai also paid his respects. Mr. Pushparaj and Sumati from Sri Lanka were also present.

The Holy Eucharist commenced at 3 pm. Bishop Duming Dias of the Diocese of Karwar concelebrated the Holy Eucharist with Bishop Robert Miranda of the Diocese of Gulbarga, Bishop K. A. William from St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Monsignor Stany D'Souza, Vicar General of the Diocese of Shimoga, Reverend Father Stephen Maxi Albuquerque, Chancellor of the Diocese of Shimoga, and priests from Bangalore, Mysore, Chikkamagaluru, Bhadravati, Bellary, Mangalore, Kawar, and Shimoga.

Rev. Fr Roman Pinto, gave the introduction, Bishop Duming Dias, preached a heart touching sermon. He based his homily on ; John 6: He connected it to the life of Bro. T. K. George and spoke of the hope that we have in the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev. Fr Steven D'Sa, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Velanganni Church, Old Town, Bhadravati compered for the ceremony. Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza gave the Eulogy. Msgr Very Rev. Fr Stany D'Souza, read the condolence message of the Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Diocese of Shimoga. Bishop Duming Dias shared the condolence message of Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Archdiocese of Bangalore as well as President of KRCBC. On behalf of the family Mr. T. V. Davis thanked everyone who supported during the hard hours of Bro. T. K. George. Specially he thanked St. John's Medical team, St. John's Director Rev. Fr Jesudass and his companion priests, Bishops; Most Rev. William, Most Rev. Peter Machado, Most Rev. Robert Miranda, Most Rev. Francis Serrao SJ and Most Rev. Duming Dias. From Yesusparsha Team; Prolife Manjula Joy, Fr Franklin D'Souza, New Town parishioners and volunteers from all around Karnataka.

The final prayers for the departed soul of Bro. T. K. George were solemnly conducted by Bishop Robert Miranda. Subsequently, Fr. Stephen Kotakal and Fr. Dyson led the prayers in accordance with the Syro Malabar Rite.

His funeral rites were performed in the church cemetery as per the Syro Malabar Rite by Fr. Stephen Kotakal and Fr. Dyson. A substantial gathering of priests, religious individuals, and devoted believers witnessed the burial ceremony.

To know about Bro. T. K. George, visit link: https://www.frfranklin.org/about-us/about-tk-george

Funeral ceremony of Bro. T. K. George : https://www.youtube.com/live/hzWTZntMrZA?si=8Ff-8odJvOIqpnfb

Eulogy by Fr Franklin D'Souza : https://youtu.be/qqD0IL5p9rg?si=8N1NyFRo2eXxvyS3i