Nairobi — The Salesians of Don Bosco in Eastern Africa are mourning their confrere, Fr. Jacob Puthenveveettil, who died here Friday.

Fr. Jacob, 76, was hospitalized on April 12 at Nairobi's Mater Hospital for kidney and other complications. He was discharged on April 25 but continued to go to the hospital for dialysis twice a week.

Fr. Joseph Pulikkal, the Salesians Provincial superior in Nairobi, said Fr Jacob died after he suffered a stroke while undergoing treatment.

A requiem mass has been arranged for Thursday at 6 pm followed by a vigil service at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Upper Hill, Nairobi. The funeral ceremonies will be on Friday, starting 9 am.

Fr. Jacob was born in the State of Kerala in India on April 26, 1932, and became a Salesian on May 24, 1954. He was ordained a priest on May 1, 1963.

He worked as a missionary in the State of Gujarath and came to Kenya as a missionary in 1985. He worked in the communities of Don Bosco Upper Hill and Don Bosco Boys' Town, Nairobi.

For the last 20 years Fr. Jacob was based at Don Bosco Upper Hill. He was raised funds for the formation of Salesian seminarians.