Commemorative events marking the 4th death anniversary of the late Bishop of Mannar, Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph, were held at various locations across the Mannar Diocese.
On April 1st, a special Holy Mass and memorial service took place in Josephvaz Nagar, organized by Rev. Fr. Marisal Jayabalan, with tributes offered at the bishop’s memorial site. Further commemorations were held on April 5th at St. Sebastian’s Cathedral in Mannar, where a solemn Holy Mass was presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Antonypillai Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Mannar.
The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Emmanuel Fernando, several priests, and attended by religious sisters and a large gathering of the faithful. Floral tributes were laid at Bishop Rayappu Joseph’s tomb, located within the cathedral. A prayer service was also held at his statue in Mannar town, where candles were lit in remembrance of his enduring legacy and service to the Church and Tamil community.
