OBITUARY
Fr Augustine Paruthipallil SJ (KER)
(08 January 1943-24 March 2024)
Fr Augustine Paruthippallil has gone for his eternal reward on the eve of the Feast of the Annunciation, the 24 March, 2024. A short profile of Fr Augustine’s ministry in the Society of Jesus demonstrates how he led “life of faith that does justice” by pitching his tent among the poor, especially the vulnerable and excluded groups of people in Kerala.
Fr Augustine was born on 08 January 1943 in Thalavady, Alleppey district. He joined the Society on 06 July 1968, after his Graduation at Rural Institute-Gandhigram, Dindigul (1962-1966). In the Society of Jesus, his perception about the poor deepened and anchored in the justice that Jesus preached. After undergoing various stages of formation from 1968 to 1986, he made his Final Commitment on 22 April 1988. He was Ordained to Priesthood on 05 May 1979.
“Option for the poor” was not an optional subject for him. He had the dire needs of the fishing dependent people and the Dalits uppermost in his ministry. His active apostolic life among fishing communities is very networthy. His services started with assisting in Loyola Social Work Projects, Poovar (1979), Fides Centre, Poonthura (1980-1985). Took part in Fisheries struggle in Quilon (June 1984). He was the Director of Loyola Social Work Projects, Poovar (1987-1992), Asst. Director in SRC, Kozhikode (1992), Director, SRC and Beach Blossoms (1992-2000).
After seeing the reality of injustice and oppression in any social scenario, Fr Augustine could ask, “What can we do to change the situation?” “What next?” “We should do whatever we can”. He was able to inspire others to opt for the poor while leading an exemplary life as a social activist.
He also served for around 18 years in the Pastoral field in different Parishes belonging to Kannur, Kozhikode, Trivandrum and Punalur Dioceses.
Fr Augustine was a person who found happiness and satisfaction in his vowed life. Acknowledging his own shadows, he went on to lead a life of sadhana. The most significant act of Fr Augustine in this empowerment process is the compassionate way he dealt with others’ shadows and weaknesses.
Benny Chiramel SJ
What we do
- Fr Joseph Podimattam, S.J.
- Br Mathew Puthiedom, SJ
- FR Joseph Kallepallil, S.J.
- 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
- Br John Molekunnel, 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