On 4th August, 2017, Kerala witnessed one among the teariest funeral that left thousands of people mourn for Fr. Martin Xavier, priest who was found dead on a beach near Edinburg University, Scotland on 23rd June, 2017. On 3rd August, the relatives of Fr. Martin Xavier received his immortal remains and on 4th August, 2017, the state bid a heartfelt farewell to the beloved priest.
On 4th August, the immortal remains of Fr. Martin Xavier were brought to the Sacred Heart .Monastery church at Chethipuzha and the funeral services commenced at 8:30 am after paying the public homage. Fr. Sebastian Chamathara, provincial head of the congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, St. Joseph Province, led the funeral services, after which the condolence message given by His Lordship Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar Church, was read out in his absence. The services during the funeral were carried out by Mar Thomas Tharayil, auxiliary Bishop of Changanassery, His Excellency Archbishop Mar Joseph Perumthottam, of Changanassery. Honorable Minister P.Thilothaman, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, former ministers P.J.Joseph, Anoop Jacob, MLA Monce Joseph, P.C.Thomas, and Francis George were present at the funeral service. At 2:00 p.m, the body of Fr. Martin Xavier was interred in the cemetery of Sacred Heart Church, Chethippuzha.
Thousands of people came across to see their dearest priest for the last time. The reason behind the mysterious death of the priest is still unknown.
