Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –37
S. Kurian Vembeney
“An eminent educator and humanitarian who has illuminated the path of thousands of students with the light of knowledge and persistently guided them onto the path of action. A master orator blessed with an exceptionally rare and delightful style of expressing ideas, who has infused various fields of literature with the vitality of creativity through a unique blend of simplicity and musicality in language. Known for his heartfelt readiness to offer comfort and support to others through his thoughts, words, and deeds. A humble worker devoted to his humanitarian duties without seeking titles or accolades, S. Kurian Vembeney’s unique personal qualities are outlined in this incomplete sketch. Born on July 6, 1923, in the ancient agrarian Vembeney family near Ettumanoor, Kurian was the son of Sebastian and his wife Eliyamma from the Pandarakulam family. After high school, he pursued a degree in civil law and continued his academic journey at various educational institutions. Kurian began his professional career at the Cambridge School in Poonjar and later served at St. Mary’s High School, Mutholy St. Thomas’s Training School in Pala, and the State Education Institute, where he dedicated a long tenure as a model teacher. At Pala St. Thomas’s Training College, he served as a Professor of Catechetical Methodology until 1991. This exemplary teacher also served as a resource person in in-service courses for educators and his model classes were broadcasted multiple times by All India Radio.
As a writer, Kurian Vembeney published prose poetry and articles in newspapers and magazines even during his student years. He is the author of over twenty-five distinguished books, including Ormmakalude Vazhi Tharangal, Thirakal Teerangal, Kalammukulam, and Chidariyapedathaputhirikal. He played an invaluable role in editing over a hundred publications released by the State Education Institute.
S. Kurian Vembeney also contributed to religious education and media. He was the founder and editor of the Thalant magazine, editor of Dukranam, and general editor of Kudumbajyothis. His teachings in Kathiroli magazine, published by the Changanacherry Archdiocese, are considered a valuable guide for religious educators in Kerala. His significant contributions to religious education are widely recognized.
In transforming the religious education landscape in Kerala, S. Kurian Vembeney has received lasting gratitude from the Catholic Church and the Christian community. His work in moving away from unscientific question-and-answer methods towards a psychologically grounded and engaging new teaching style has had a profound impact.
He introduced modern teaching methods to religious education, using artistic mediums such as dance, drama, and music to present divine teachings in classrooms. By integrating literature into religious teaching, he made the instruction more engaging, effective, and relevant to contemporary times.
Kurian Vembeney also revolutionized the ‘Veda Upadesha’ tradition, which was previously handled with a degree of informality, giving it a sense of seriousness, importance, and practicality. He emphasized that religious studies are not only for preparing for the afterlife but also for creating a joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life on earth, thereby enriching the faith-based training process.
He was a key author and chief editor of religious study texts published by the Kottayam Campus Ministry and has written over twenty-five diverse books. With Dr. Jacob Velliyan, he co-authored five books, including Thanima’s Madhugeethi, which has been recognized as a textbook in MA Malayalam at the Kalladi Sanskrit University. He has also served as a teacher of Catechetical Methodology at the Kottayam Eastern Seminary and given classes on Christian monasticism and teaching methods in various seminars and theological centers.
His dedication and teaching expertise have earned him several awards. In 1990, he received the KCBC’s award for lyric writing. In 1994, he was honored with the Hados Award by the All India Christian Arts Centre for his contributions to the form and style of biblical proclamation through media and literary religious texts. In 1997, he received the Catholic Congress Award for outstanding community work, and in 2000, the Athirampuzha Forona Mahajubilee Award.
Currently, Kurian Vembeney is involved in the editing of the World Knowledge Dictionary based on Christian liturgical practices.
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