Fr. George Nedungatt passed away on 26th October 2022 at Christ Hall, Kozhikode. Born in Peringuzha near Muvattupuzha, Fr Nedungatt began exhibiting his talents already in his school-days by organising the Marian Sodality in his home parish (Kalloorkad) which he furnished with a library, with books collected mostly from houses.
After his 14 years of formation in the Society he was sent to Rome where he did his licentiate and doctorate in canon law in the Pontifical Oriental Institute. After making his final profession before Fr Pedro Arrupe in 1968, he taught canon law at the Oriental Institute for about 35 years, and was the dean of its Faculty of Canon Law (1981-1987).
Fr. Nedungatt’s name appeared in the Annuario Pontificio for several years as consultor of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts. He was the president of the Apostolic Tribunal in the cause of St Alphonsa, and as the postulator in the cause of St Mariam Thresia, Servant of God Joseph Vithayathil, St Devasahayam Pillai and St Euphrasia. He was a consultor of the commission for the revision of the Eastern code of canon law and of various Vatican dicasteries.
Retiring, he joined Sameeksha, Kalady, continuing his research and publication. A scholar of international fame, Fr Nedungatt wrote several well-known books and articles. He was humane, clear-headed, and a polyglot. His writings and lectures reveal an interdisciplinary approach.
The Rector of the Oriental Institute wrote in his condolence message: “With the death of Fr Nedungatt, we miss an eminent canonist and a father of the present eastern code of canon law…”
Sunny Kokkaravalayil, SJ
