The Reverend Joseph “Thonakkaraparel†Parel, 75, of Northford, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013, while on his way to India. He was born on December 16, 1937, in Kozhuvanal, India. He was ordained a priest on March 11, 1967, in Saint Mary’s Church in Lalam Palai, India, by the Right Reverend Sebastian Vayalil, Bishop of the Diocese of Palai, Kerala, India. Father Parel came to the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1980. Father Parel served as an Assistant Pastor of Saint Bridget Church in Cheshire, Assumption Church in Manchester, and Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville. He then served as Temporary Administrator of Saint Bartholomew Church in Manchester, Saint James Church in Rocky Hill, and Saint Monica Church in Northford. On April 28, 1995, Father Parel was named Pastor of Saint Monica Church in Northford and continued to serve there until his death.
A Mass of Christian Burial and the burial took place in India on Saturday, August 10, 2013, according to Father Parel’s wishes. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, Archbishop of Hartford, on Tuesday, August 13, 2013, in Saint Monica Church, 1331 Middletown Avenue, Northford, at 11 a.m.
My very deep sympathy to the family of Father Parel. I will miss seeing him and will always remember his friendly smile.
Our deepest sympathies to the family—fond memories from Plainville
I knew Fr. Joseph Parel since 1968 from my seminary days. He used to come and play volleyball with us. After several years of gap I had the chance of meeting him in the US. He was really generous and hospitable. I really enjoyed his hospitality several times during my visit to Connecticut. I was shocked to hear the news of his demise. May the Good Lord grant him heavenly bliss in the company of all saints.
Our sympathy to the family of Father Parel. We will miss him as the pastor of our church. He was a kind and compassionate priest.