Fr. Justin Panackal, the famous Carmelite priest and composer of the beloved devotional song Paithalam Yeshuve, passed away on Maundy Thursday at the age of 91.
A member of the Discalced Carmelites congregation, Fr. Panackal was one of the most important figures in Christian devotional music in Kerala. He composed 28 songs, many of which became popular through the voice of K. J. Yesudas.
Some of his best-known songs include Paithalam Yeshuve, Manju Pozhiyunna Maamaram, Navyamaya Oru Kalpana, and “En Jeevithamaam Ee Marakkombil.” These songs continue to be sung in churches and prayer gatherings across Kerala.
Fr. Panackal was born on August 10, 1935, in Kumbalangi near Kochi. After losing his father at a young age, he was raised in Alappuzha, where his talent in music was noticed early.
He joined the seminary in 1954 and was ordained a priest in 1962 at Mangalapuzha Seminary. Later, he studied in Rome and earned a doctorate in Carmelite spirituality.
For many years, he taught theology and music at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary in Aluva. He also wrote 17 books and more than 125 articles.
His death on Maundy Thursday was seen as especially meaningful because one of his well-known songs, Navyamaya Oru Kalpana, is traditionally sung in churches on that day.
