(03.10.1935-13.01.2020)
Br John Molekunnel went for his heavenly abode on 13th January 2020 in Nirmala Hospital, Kozhikode. He was keeping indifferent health for a few months and was a real inspiration to all those who visited him. He was a true and great Jesuit who had fully encapsulated to himself the Jesuit vision and mission and lived to the fullest extend the Jesuit spirit of magis. Leading a simple life with minimal needs, working silently without any publicity and fanfare, he was an ideal Jesuit formed in the pre-Vatican mould. His Lord and Master enabled him to see one thousand full moons-he died at the ripe age of 84 – much beyond the biblical age of 70.
He was born on 3rd October 1935 at Arakuzha in Ernakulam Dist. Later, his parents shifted their residence to Kannoth near Kodanchery for better prospects. He joined the Novitiate in Christ Hall, Kozhikode on 18th February 1961 and pronounced his first vows on 19th March, 1963. After his last vows in 1975, he entered into his ministry as farm manager in Vimala Estate, Vellarikundu. Then he was transferred to S.M. Farm, Pariyaram. A few years later, we find him at the Jesuit House, Kanjirapally. There he showed his expertise as a planter. He developed the rubber estate at A.K.J.M. School. Later we find him at St Xavier’s College, Thumba as the manager of the farm and in-charge of the constructions there. He had a few years’ stint at Loyola Trivandrum as the Minister of the house. There his hands were full with the additional responsibility of managing the school buses and the farm.
During his various ministries in the Society, he showed himself as a fully committed person strengthened by personal prayer. He had a special devotion to Our Lady. He had very strong and definitive views and opinions about his work and service; yet he was always open to the suggestions of others. Br John made use of all the talents God had bestowed on him for the benefit of others and for the growth of Kerala Province and for the greater glory of God.
No doubt, with St Paul he can boldly say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Tim 4:7), and in turn the Lord is sure to answer him, “Well done, good and faithful servant! …. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Mt 25:21).
Thank you Br John for the inspiration you have been to all of us.
Fr Varghese Anikuzhy, SJ
What we do
- Fr Joseph Podimattam, S.J.
- Br Mathew Puthiedom, SJ
- FR Joseph Kallepallil, S.J.
- Fr Augustine Paruthipallil, SJ
- Fr Mathew Kannadan, SJ
- Fr Joseph Chittooparambil, SJ
- Fr Abraham Adappur, SJ
- Fr George Nedungatt, SJ
- Fr Ephrem Thomas Manikompel, SJ
- Fr Philip Thayil, SJ
- Fr Mathew Pullattu, SJ
- Fr Thomas Vattakunnel, SJ
- Fr Cyriac Kulirany, SJ
- Fr Sebastian Thengumpallil, SJ
- FR GEORGE R KANDATHIL, SJ
- FR KURIEN KUNNUMPURAM, SJ
- FR SAMUEL RAYAN, SJ
- FR AUGUSTINE KALLUNKAL, SJ
- Fr Mathew Napiaparambil, SJ
- Fr Thomas Anthraper, SJ
- Br Sebastian Valiamattam, SJ
- Fr James Thottakath, SJ
- Fr Joseph Thayil, SJ
- Fr Paul Vadakel, SJ
- Fr Mathew Olnidian, SJ
- Fr John Vattanky, SJ