A catholic priest was found hanging inside the parish hall of St Paul's Church, Kalath in Alappuzha Tuesday evening.

Fr Sunny Arackal (65) was found dead by the parishioners by 4.30 pm when they arrived for a meeting at the venue.

He was a native of Chethi near Mararikulam in the district. He had been serving at the parish for the past five years, it is understood.

He was expected to leave the parish and join another in Cherthala on June 5.

"With profound sorrow, imploring and trusting in God’s unfathomed love and mercy, let me communicate you the sad news of the death of Rev Fr Sunny Arackal," said the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alleppey in a Facebook post.

(Suicide is not the solution to any problem. Seek the assistance of a mental health specialist, if needed. Try to overcome the problem. Helpline numbers - 1056, 0471- 2552056)