The news of his death was announced by Fr Joseph Pampackal, Superior of the Salesian St Francis de Sales Province Dimapur, India (IND). “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the sad passing of Fr Job Kallarackal, who died at 2.50 am on 11 April 2026,” wrote the Provincial in an official statement. His words were followed by expressions of condolence from the entire provincial community, who wished to recall how Fr Kallarackal lived a life marked by courage, pastoral dedication and a vision of education that transformed tribal communities throughout the border state.
Fr Kallarackal will be remembered as one of the first missionaries to have paved the way for the Catholic Church in Arunachal Pradesh, at a time when Christianity was subject to restrictions in that region.
He worked tirelessly to establish schools, hostels and chapels in the villages, ensuring that tribal children had access to education and opportunities for growth. His mission was not only about evangelisation, but also about the empowerment of communities through literacy, healthcare and the improvement of social conditions.
Bishop George Pallipparambil, SDB, of Miao, recalling his fellow missionary, said: “Father Job Kallarackal was a true pioneer. He arrived in Arunachal when the Church was still trying to gain a foothold. His courage and simplicity won the trust of the people, and his vision for education laid the foundations for the dynamic Catholic presence we see today.”
In addition to his pioneering mission, Fr Kallarackal was also a much sought-after retreat preacher. His homilies and spiritual talks were noted for their depth, simplicity and ability to link Scripture to daily life. Indeed, he led retreats for priests, religious and lay faithful throughout North-East India and abroad, leaving a lasting spiritual mark on the many participants, who found in him both a guide and a companion on their journey of faith.
Fr C.C. Jose Champarathy, of Itanagar, another Salesian who shared the missionary journey with him, recalled how Fr Kallarackal was more than just a missionary. “He was a father figure to countless young people,” he emphasised. “He believed in fostering local vocations, and many priests and sisters today trace their vocation back to his encouragement and example.”
Today, Fr Kallarackal’s legacy will continue to live on in the institutions he helped build, in the retreats he led and in the communities he served.
His pioneering spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire the Salesians and laypeople who carry on the mission in Arunachal Pradesh.
Catholicism entered this Indian state through young people who embraced the faith whilst studying at Salesian schools in Assam and other north-eastern states.
At that time, Christianity and missionary activity were prohibited in Arunachal Pradesh, but despite this, the first Catholics and catechists resisted the restrictions and persecution, keeping their faith firm and proclaiming it in the villages.
The seed of faith took root under the guidance of missionaries such as Fr Kallarackal, whose spirit led him beyond the borders and into the villages of western Arunachal Pradesh.
Towards the end of the 20th century, Christianity grew rapidly in the state, rising from less than 1% of the population in 1971 to over 30% in the 2011 census. Current estimates put the figure at over 40%.
Christians have spread mainly among the indigenous tribes through missionary work, education and social change.
The Roman Catholic Church is therefore the largest denomination, with around 180,000 members, followed by significant Baptist communities.
