It is with profound sorrow that the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of Northeast India, announces the passing of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kallarackal, C.S.C., First Assistant and Vicar General of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Fr. Emmanuel passed away in Ireland on August 29, 2026, following a heart attack.
A senior member of the North East India Province, Fr. Emmanuel devoted several decades to the service of the Congregation and the Church through education, formation, vocation ministry, pastoral service and leadership.
Fr. Emmanuel made a lasting contribution to Holy Cross education in Tripura. He served as Vice Principal of Holy Cross School, Agartala (1984–1987) and later as Principal (1997–2003). In 2009, he became the founding Principal of Holy Cross College, Agartala, serving until 2019 and guiding the institution through its formative years and the development of its permanent campus.
He also served as Vocation Facilitator and Director of Formation in Aymanam, Kerala, and later as Provincial of the North East India Province.
At the 2022 General Chapter, Fr. Emmanuel was elected First Assistant to the Superior General and, by virtue of this office, served as Vicar General and a member of the General Council at the Holy Cross Generalate in Rome. In this capacity, he contributed to the Congregation's mission and ministries across the world, including its commitment to justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
Before his international leadership ministry, Fr. Emmanuel also served in the United States, including as School Chaplain at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis and in pastoral ministry at St. Joan of Arc Parish.
A dedicated scholar and educator, he held degrees in Philosophy and Theology, a Master's in English Literature from Madras University, and a Doctorate in Religious Education from Fordham University, New York. In 2015, he received the Best Principals of India Award from the All India Association of Christian Higher Education.
From schools and colleges to formation houses, parishes, missionary communities and the international leadership of Holy Cross, Fr. Emmanuel gave himself generously to the service of God and the Congregation.
His passing is deeply mourned by the Holy Cross family in India and throughout the world, especially the confreres, institutions and communities of the Province of Northeast India. We give thanks to God for the gift of his life and ministry and commend his soul to God's loving mercy.
His mortal remains are expected to be brought to Agartala for the funeral. Details of the funeral and final rites will be communicated as soon as they are confirmed.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Congregation of Holy Cross
Province of Northeast India
Agartala