Diocese of Regensburg mourns the pastor Michael Kareekunnel - a farewell

Diocese of Regensburg mourns the pastor Michael Kareekunnel - a farewell

The diocese of Regensburg is in mourning for his pastor P. Michael Karekunnel VC, who died in India on June 11, 2025. Already almost three weeks ago he celebrated his 77th birthday, born on October 20, 1947. P. Michael was consecrated on April 6, 1981 and was deployed in the Regensburg region from 1987 to 2002. Its places of action included Elsendorf, Mockersdorf and Pfreimd. The burial and requiem will take place in his home country in India. All believers are invited to pray for the deceased, like Dom Dean Msgr. Dr. Roland Batz emphasized in a call.

In the period of his work, P. Michael left lasting memories in the communities. His great dedication and tireless efforts for pastoral care were valued in the region. But what happens after death? In the Catholic tradition in particular, death is seen as a transition to eternal life. This also becomes clear in Catholic burial liturgy, which frames the hopeful aspect of death.

Catholic funeral: Stations of mourning

The Catholic burial comprises several steps, which are often divided into three stations: at the beginning, the mourning community gathers in the death or in the cemetery hall. Then it goes to the church in a procession, where the requiem is celebrated, and finally over to the grave, where the funeral takes place. The highlight is the dead trade fair in which the community is connected to all deceased.

• opening with a psalm and prayer
• procession to the grave with vocals The antiphon "in paradisum"
• blessing of the grave site with holy water
• The coffin is lowered with the words "We hand over the body of the earth ..." into the grave

When burial, the burial manager speaks encouraging words about the hope of the resurrection. These ritual acts, such as the blessing with frankincense and the final prayers, offer the mourners the opportunity to find comfort in their pain and to reaffirm their hope of eternal life.

call to the community in prayer

at a time when the community is affected by the loss of an estimated priest, the call for prayer is of great importance. Praying together for the soul of P. Michael Karekunnel not only strengthens the individual, but also combines the faithful. In a phase of grief, it is important to stand together and to live the hope that faith gives us. The mourning community is also asked to come to the grave, to say goodbye and to stay in prayer for a moment.