I was deeply shocked and so heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of the Former Bishop of Mannar, the Right Reverend Rayappu Joseph.
The North is losing a good spiritual leader today. This loss has moved the people of the North into grief. We offer our deepest condolences and may the soul of the Right Reverend Rayappu Joseph rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
He was born in Delft, Jaffna district. He began his holy service as a priest in 1967 and received his doctorate in Canon Law in 1984 from the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Then, in the month of September 1992, he was ordained as the Bishop of the Mannar District. His service rendered to all people is immeasurable.
The Right Reverend Rayappu Joseph resigned from his Bishop post in mid-2015 due to illness. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the Right Reverend Joseph who passed away on earth during Holy Week commemorated the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
Governor,
Northern Province.
