Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-48
Rev Fr George Kandanthil S.J.
Father George Kandanthil S.J., who has made significant contributions to the Kerala Christian Church through his esteemed priesthood, religious life, and numerous services, was born on December 24, 1924, as the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Kandanthil in the Chempu parish of the Ernakulam Archdiocese.
He completed his primary education at Chempu St. Thomas School and his secondary education at Kaduthuruthy St. Michael’s School. He pursued his higher studies at Changanassery St. Berchmans College and Tiruchirappalli St. Joseph College, where he earned his degree.
From a young age, he harbored the desire to become a Jesuit priest. On November 13, 1941, he joined the Society of Jesus. He studied philosophy at the Shembaganur in Kodaikanal and theology at Dinobli College in Pune. He was ordained a priest on March 24, 1954, and took his perpetual vows on February 2, 1959. Father Kandanthil was appointed to assist priests of the Syro-Malankara Church with their theological studies, and he worked at the Metropolitan Church in Trivandrum.
Later, he was appointed as a spiritual advisor and assistant director for Jesuit novices at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Alappuzha. He subsequently took up the role at the Jesuit House in Dindigul.
In 1960, Father Kandanthil was assigned to the Malankara Diocese in Trivandrum. His appointment as the parish priest of Undannoor marked a significant turning point in his priestly ministry. For ten years, he provided stability, inspiration, and a model of faith and dedication to the Christian community in Undannoor through his life and work. From there, he traveled to California, USA, for further studies.
He earned an advanced degree (TM) in Transactional Analysis, a modern branch of psychology, in pastoral counseling. Upon his return to Kerala in 1973, he quickly established the Institute for Counseling and Transactional Analysis (ICTA) in Kalamassery and moved there. Today, Kalamassery’s Shanti Gram, known as ICTA’s training center, is recognized in India, the United States, and Europe. Through ICTA, Father Kandanthil is known as a prominent guru and counselor in the field of psychology.
At 85 years old, he continues to lead an active and vibrant life, embodying spiritual depth with youthful vitality. His straightforward, pure, and transparent approach to life remains influential. Father Kandanthil has taught and conducted research in Transactional Analysis for hundreds of young people in various fields and positions across Trivandrum, Cherthala, Thrissur, Coimbatore, Chennai, Dubai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Through his contributions, he remains a cherished figure in the hearts of many. His publication, “You and I,” through ICTA, continues to reach and impact many.
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