Hundreds of people attended the funeral of an “exorcist priest,” whose controversial treatments for mental illness combined religion and psychology.

Father Geo Kappalumakal, who directed the Georgian Counseling Centre in Palai, Kerala, died on Oct. 22 at the age of 78 after a prolonged illness. Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt of Palai conducted his funeral on Oct. 24.

Father Paul Thelakat, editor of Church weekly “Satyadeepam” (light of truth), told UCA News the deceased priest had helped thousands said to be tormented by the devil.

“He has freed many persons … but strangely, he was an exorcist who never believed in the existence of Satan, but only in God and his Son Jesus Christ,” said the priest.

Father Thelakat said the late priest had told him that some people imagined they were being possessed by the devil when fears and other diseases afflict them.

“He said it was useless to tell them they were not possessed so he treated them to give them courage to face their fears,” Thelakat said.

Jose Thekkerikunnel, who has worked with Father Kappalumakal for 24 years, said the Church at first misunderstood the priest’s work. Palai diocese had investigated his work and had asked him to stop. He then took leave of absence to set up the counseling center in 1982.

Many psychiatrists and neurologists have challenged the priests’ methods. However, Thekkerikunnel said: “I’ve seen him cure thousands of people. Later the Church recognized his work.”

According to the layman, Father Kappalumakal said he practiced psycho-religious therapy which diffuses tension. He used hypnotism to understand the root cause of mental disorders, Thekkerikunnel said, adding that the late priest prescribed only herbs and minerals as medicines.

Carmelite Father Mathew Mariyankel, who has assisted the priest for the past nine months, said he believed Father Kappalumakal had a “divine power to perform things ordinary priests could not.”

He noted that some people traveled miles to attend the funeral.

In February, Father Kappalumakal handed over his center to Father Mariyankel’s Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, a Kerala-based religious congregation for men.

Source:  UCAN

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