Fr. George Kolath

Kolath Fr. George Kolath, 59, Associate Pastor at St. Timothy's Church in Blaine and a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, died of complications from liver cancer on July 24th, 2003 in Kerala, India. His funeral will be held on Sunday, July 26 at the Cathedral in Changanassery, India. Fr. George Kolath was born May 28th, 1944 to Sebastian and Achamma Kolath. he was ordained a Catholic priest on January 8, 1972 and worked in several parishes in the Diocese of Kanjirapally and the Archdiocese of Changanessary, Kerala, India. He was the director of youth organizations for the Archdiocese. For his exemplary work with the youth of India in organizing them against alcohol and drugs he was awarded the State Blue Cross in 1987. He got his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from LeSalle University, Manilla, Philippines in 1989. In 1992 his love for the addicted brought him to Hazelden, here in Minnesota. After graduating from the training program there he took his new knowledge back to India and established TRADA (Total Response to Alcohol and Drug Addiction) in five centers around the country. He is also the founder of the Pranic Healing Foundation in India. In 1996 he decided to return to the United States as a missionary priest and worked as the Associate Pastor of St. Peter's Church in North St. Paul (1996-2000) and then moved to Blaine to serve the people of St. Timothy's until his medical leave in June, 2003. He became a U.S. citizen on April 16, 2003. Fr. Kolath was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, K.S. Joseph. He is survived by his brothers, K.S. Thomas, James K. Sebastian, Cyriac Sebastian, Luis Sebastian, and sisters Ancy Cyrica, Sr. Sancta Kolath, Mercy Michael and Marina Jose. He is so dearly loved and missed by his family, friends, and the people of the parishes he served so well. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 30 at 7 pm, with visitation from 5-7pm at St. Timothy's Church, 707 89th Ave NE, Blaine (763-784-1329). Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to Father Kolath's Mission. Miller Funeral Home Fridley Chapel 763-571-1300

Published on July 27, 2003