Bishop Emeritus Dominic Kokkat of Gorakhpur, the first bishop from the Little Flower Congregation (CST), passed away on January 25 at the age of 93. He breathed his last at 10:58 am at Fatima Hospital, Gorakhpur, a healthcare institution he himself established in 1995. The bishop had been admitted to the hospital on December 14, 2025, with fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Doctors later confirmed that he was suffering from severe pneumonia, with fluid accumulation around the lungs and complications affecting the heart and kidneys. His condition gradually worsened, and he remained under intensive care for over a month. He received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on December 21, 2025.
Remembering him, leaders of the Little Flower Congregation described Bishop Kokkat as a pastor deeply inspired by St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus. His life reflected simplicity, humility, and love expressed through daily acts of service. His episcopal ministry was marked by patient listening, gentle guidance, and total trust in God.
Bishop Kokkat was installed as the first bishop of Gorakhpur on October 4, 1984. His leadership strengthened missionary outreach in a challenging region through parishes, schools, clinics, and social service centres, bringing hope and dignity to the poor and marginalized. He also founded the Little Sisters of St. Thérèse to support missionary and pastoral work, especially among women and children. Bishop Kokkat retired in 2006. Born on February 23, 1932, in Vaikom, Kerala, in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, he joined the Little Flower Congregation in 1953 and was ordained a priest on October 4, 1960.
