Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church – 15
Rev. Dr. Lucas Vithuvattikal C.M.I.
Described as mature in age, unparalleled in personality, serene in nature, loving in disposition, modern in vision, highly modern in knowledge, and complete in Christian spirituality, Rev. Dr. Lucas Vithuvattikal was born on September 9, 1918.
Having completed his high school education in 1936, Lucas joined the religious order in Mannanam on September 18, 1936. His first profession took place at Ambazhakkad on November 24, 1938, and his solemn profession was held at Mangalapuram on November 24, 1941. He pursued his studies in philosophy at Mangalapuram. Subsequently, he joined Dinobili College in Pune in 1943 for theology studies. After completing his theology studies, he was ordained a priest on February 18, 1946. That same year, he obtained a license in philosophical theology from Canada. He was then appointed as a professor at Chathippuzha in the subject of philosophical theology. In 1949, he joined the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome for advanced studies. In 1953, he earned his doctoral degree in systematic theology and liturgy. Upon returning from Rome, Lucas was appointed as a professor of philosophical theology at Chathippuzha Seminary again. In 1955, he served as Master of Juniors at Chathippuzha.
In 1957, he became a professor at Dharmaram College in Bangalore, where he continued until 1972. His subjects were philosophical theology and liturgy. He also served as Dean of the Theology Department and Prefect of Studies.
He worked as the postulator for the canonization processes of Servants of God Thomas Kurialacherry, Evuprasya C.M.S., and Matthew Kalikkat. In 1967, he was appointed as the President of the Tribunal for the canonization of Servant of God Chavara. The diocesan-level processes of this cause were completed in 1970. Lucas traveled to Rome in 1972 to prepare the Positio on Chavara’s life and virtues, which he submitted in 1978. He also submitted the Positio concerning miracles in 1981.
In 1978, Father Lucas was elected Provincial of the C.M.I. Congregation’s St. Joseph Province. When the Thiruvananthapuram Province was formed in 1979, he became its Provincial. He was later appointed as Procurator General in Rome, serving there until 1987. Lucas Vithuvattikal was again elected Provincial of the Thiruvananthapuram Province. After three years, from 1991 to 1993, he served as a parish priest at Tioli Vallimpreda St. Michael’s Church. In 1993, he was once more appointed Procurator General in Rome, where he served until returning to Dharmaram College as a professor after six years.
In 1983, he was appointed as the postulator for the canonization process of Servant of God Thomas Kurialacherry. The diocesan process began in 1986 and was completed in 1991, with the three-volume Positio submitted to Rome in 1996.
In 1987, he was appointed postulator for the canonization process of Servant of God Evuprasya C.M.S. The tribunal was completed in 1991, and the two-volume Positio was submitted in 1994. The Positio regarding miracles was submitted in 2001.
He was also appointed as the postulator for the canonization process of Servant of God Matthew Kadalakkat in 1967. The tribunal was completed in 1991, and the Positio was submitted in 1994.
Father Lucas Vithuvattikal was an exceptionally dedicated teacher at Dharmaram College during its early years in the 1960s. He was always eager to be a mentor to his students. Known for his gentle speech, he showed exceptional compassion and consideration to students who struggled academically. However, he maintained strict adherence to discipline, efficiency, and obedience. His leadership was most apparent in situations that required group outings, and he meticulously planned every detail.
He had a disarming presence, blending affectionately with students. He took special care of children who came to the seminary for the first time, often sacrificing his own meals and sleep to tend to their needs. This dedication to their well-being endeared him to the C.M.I. community.
The biblical phrase “By their fruits you shall know them” was his motto, and he strived to instill this awareness in his students. He believed that if individuals had high ideals and excellent awareness, society would be saved.
Father Lucas considered the C.M.I. Congregation his first mother and Dharmaram his second mother. He felt a deep sense of belonging to them and saw the members of Dharmaram as his brothers in Jesus. He promoted the idea of “we are one family” through both teaching and example.
Father Vithuvattikal was a person who highly valued sanctity of life. It was not uncommon for him to play a decisive role in the canonization processes of four Servants of God.
He had an extraordinary ability to identify his students’ special interests and talents and to place them in useful areas of church service. He took great interest in remembering details about his students and attending to even minor needs. The gifts he gave were cherished not for their value but for the thoughtfulness they represented. He would take students on enjoyable trips to nearby places like Mysore, Vyandavan, and Jalahalli. Overall, life at Dharmaram was a cherished memory for C.M.I. members, marked by his love and consideration.
In summary, Father Lucas Vithuvattikal is described as a person mature in age, unparalleled in personality, serene in nature, loving in disposition, modern in outlook, highly modern in knowledge, and complete in Christian spirituality.
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