The priest who loved the poor and the marginalized has gone to eternal rest.

By Robancy A. Helen, Tiruchirappalli

Fr. Albert Felix, a priest of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry–Cuddalore, passed on August 13, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer. His funeral will be held on August 16, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Born in 1967 in Kakkanur village of Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, Fr. Felix was ordained a priest in 1994. For 31 years, he faithfully served the archdiocese with unparalleled commitment, simplicity, and love for the poor and marginalized.

A Life of Service

Fr. Felix began his ministry as Assistant Parish Priest in Karaikkal (1994–1996), later serving as Parish Priest of Alagappasamudram (1996–2004) and Pastor of Anilady (2004–2007). In 2007, he was appointed Director of South Arcot Multipurpose Social Service Society, where he worked tirelessly until 2014, before moving to St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Villupuram, serving there for eight years. He was most recently the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Shrine, Melnariappanur, where he was diagnosed with cancer.

Throughout his ministry, he was deeply loved for his authenticity, humility, and pastoral zeal. He embodied compassion, generosity, and faith, empowering youth through education and uplifting the downtrodden. He fed the poor

Be remembered with love and gratitude.

“Fr. Albert was a man of remarkable virtues who lived with authenticity, generosity, and outstanding faith. His biblical preaching, clarity of thought, and simplicity of life inspired many,” recalls Fr. Devasagayaraj M. Zackarias, Episcopal Vicar for Priests. “He dedicated himself to the needy, the neglected, and the marginalized, always serving with joy and conviction.”

Fr. Dominic Savio of Kumbakonam Diocese, a long-time friend from the Good Shepherd Seminary, remembers him as “a simple priest loved by all, who stood for justice and truth. He helped many pursue education and cared for the poor with affection.” He recalls how, after the 2004 tsunami, a boy left orphaned was raised by Fr. Felix, who supported him until he became a graduate with a stable career.

Fr. Nithya Sagayam, Executive Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council Commission for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, praised him as “a compassionate father, gentle mother, affectionate friend, and extraordinary man of charity.” He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fr. Felix provided free meals daily to over 100 people. Inspired by his example, Fr. Nithya began the Super Kitchen Ministry of the Capuchins to reach out to the forgotten and the tribal poor.

A Legacy of Love

Fr. Albert’s life was marked by tireless service—supporting education, employment, marriage settlements, medical needs, and family unity. His quiet generosity touched countless lives, many of which he may never have kept count of.

The archdiocese, his family, and all who knew him deeply mourn his loss. Yet, his legacy of faith, compassion, and charity will still motivate generations, especially the youth, to live a life of service in Christ.

In every Black Day observance and in every struggle for the rights of the oppressed, Father Felix was always the first to be present. From 2010 to 2014, while I was serving in Arcot, he was engaged in his mission at SAMSSS, recalls Father Y. Paul Raj with deep sorrow.

“Whenever I travelled from Arcot to Kamalapuram to visit my ailing mother, who was battling cancer, I would make it a point to meet him first. Although he was thirteen years older than me, I always called him ‘brother’ instead of ‘father’—a bond that came naturally to us.”