Ludhiana, March 16 -- The Diocese of Jalandhar mourns the peaceful demise of Rev Fr Hormise Nirmal Raj, a dedicated missionary and visionary priest, who returned to his heavenly abode on February 22, 2026 after decades of selfless service to the society and church. Nirmal Raj from Kerala, began his missionary journey in Punjab in 1969 and was ordained a priest on October 5, 1974. His first assignment took him to Baramulla in Kashmir, after which he rendered exemplary service across Punjab, including at the Cathedral Church in Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Batala, and Khanna. He was instrumental in strengthening several mission stations and educational institutions, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas of the civil district of Ludhiana. Under his dynamic leadership, Sacred Heart Convent School, Sector 39, Urban Estate, Ludhiana; Sacred Heart Convent School, Majara Road, Sahnewal; Sacred Heart Convent School, Khanna; and Christ The King School, Kapurthala were established and nurtured. He served as the director of Sacred Heart Ludhiana from 1991 to 2008. During his long tenure, he worked tirelessly for the upliftment and holistic development of the institution, laying a strong foundation rooted in academic excellence, discipline, and moral values. His visionary leadership transformed the school into a centre of quality education and character formation. His administrative wisdom, foresightedness and unwavering dedication brought steady progress and recognition to the institution. An eminent scholar, Rev Fr Hormise Nirmal Raj earned his doctorate in Missiology from the Lateran University, Rome, and served as a professor at Trinity Regional Major Seminary, Jalandhar, besides being a visiting professor at various seminaries. He also authored several books and contributed to educational initiatives, including the publication of english textbooks for kindergarten students. His life remains an inspiration to clergy, religious, and laity alike. The funeral rites were held at the Cathedral Church, Jalandhar, on Wednesday, February 25, where a large number of clergy, religious, and faithful gathered to pay their final respects. The local management, director Rev Fr Sebastian, principal Sr Crispin Maria and staff, paid their last homage to the founder-director....