The body of Father Vadacherry who died in the early hours of 19 May was brought to his own community of Don Bosco Cultural Centre, Vennala, at 5.30 pm. The Holy Eucharist at 6.30 pm was presided over by Father Joyce Francis Thonikuzhiyil, Salesian Provincial of the Province of Bangalore. The members of the community and associates kept the vigil. Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, Auxiliary Bishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, presided over the Eucharist at 6 am on 20 May. After celebrating the first part of the funeral rite according to the Syro-Malabar rite, the body was accompanied to Don Bosco Bhavan, Mannuthy. The second part of the funeral rites at 10 am was presided by Father Thomas Koonan SDB, Vice-Provincial. The funeral Mass and other rites were presided over by Fr. Provincial. Nearly 50 priests concelebrated the Eucharist attended by relatives of the departed as well as associates of Don Bosco, Vennala. Father Santhosh Manikombal SDB presented the curriculum vitae of the departed, Father Raju Chakkanattu SDB gave the homily and Father Varghese Thannippara helped out as the Master of Ceremonies. During the final part of the funeral rites, priest confreres carried the body to the altar and the doors of chapel as a symbolic expression of final veneration and farewell. In the cemetery Father Joyson Mulavarickal (Acting Rector of Don Bosco, Vennala), Mr. Joshy (a relative), Fr. Provincial and Father Mathew Kapplikunnel (Rector, Don Bosco Bhavan, Mannuthy) spoke as representatives to thank Father Vadacherry and bid him farewell. The final prayers were recited after the coffin was placed in the tomb. Father Mathew Vadcherry will be remembered for his commitment and dedication as a Salesian who was in constant union with God, close to his family members as a reliable source of prayer, his ability to take a stand after due assessment of the situation and to adhere to it, and his willingness to carry out whatever task which was entrusted to him.