Justin Panakkal, an Indian Catholic priest and composer, died on April 2, 2026, at the age of 90.
Known as Fr. Justin, he was a priest of the Discalced Carmelite congregation and also worked as a music composer, writer and theologian.
Born in Kumbalangi, Kerala, on August 10, 1935, he was active from 1952. He composed devotional songs including “Paithalam Yesuve,” “Puthiyoru Pulari,” “Nayaka Jeevadayaka,” “Yeshuvente Prananathan” and “Snehaswaroopa Thava Darshanam.” He also wrote 17 books on theology, along with more than 125 articles, and received the title of Asian Theologian from the OCD congregation.
Justin Panakkal, 90, Indian Catholic priest and composer.