Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-52 P.C. Abraham Pallattukunnel

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-52
P.C. Abraham Pallattukunnel

The small, vibrant Mission League established in Bharananganam by the blessed Alphonsa Amma holds significant importance in the history of the Indian Church. The Mission League has played a crucial role in increasing divine vocations and nurturing missionary zeal among children and youth.

P.C. Abraham Pallattukunnel, the founding leader of the Mission League, is a pivotal figure in the history of missionary work in Kerala. He performed selfless services in the field of missionary work in India, enduring financial losses and continuous neglect with unwavering dedication. Born on March 19, 1925, in Pallattukunnel family in Amparan, Bharananganam, to father Itty Avira Chandy and mother Tharappel Eapen’s daughter, Mary, P.C. Abraham is remembered for his significant contributions.

His education was completed at St. Mary’s High School, Bharananganam, and St. Joseph’s High School, Pavaratty. In 1954, he moved to a property inherited from his father at Chemalamattam. Known for his dedicated missionary work across the region, P.C. Abraham’s involvement in political activities is less known. During the freedom struggle and later in the independence movement, he actively participated and was elected unopposed from the first ward of the Thidanad Panchayat, serving for nine years.

From 1938 onwards, P.C. Abraham had the fortune to closely interact with the revered Alphonsa Amma. His sister, C. Reetha Alphonsa Amma, who resided at the Bharananganam Monastery, was a companion and often shared in novitiate prayers. Alphonsa Amma’s virtues of love, sacrifice, and patience inspired P.C. Abraham to live as a missionary. After Alphonsa Amma’s death in 1945, P.C. Abraham’s efforts culminated in the formation of the Small Flower Mission League in October 1947. The inauguration of the Mission League was held during the Golden Jubilee of V. Kochuthresia at the Bharananganam Church Maidan, with the league’s motto embracing Alphonsa Amma’s values.

Rev. Dr. Kurian Mathooth writes about P.C. Abraham’s impact as follows: “When P.C. Abraham emerged as a missionary among school and college students, many were astonished. Sometimes, he was even mistaken for being a mere eccentric. His ability to approach everyone with a smile was unique. Despite discussing missionary work and the writings of the Popes extensively, he never faltered. His speeches were marked by a flow of sincere and heartfelt words. He even had to sleep in rough conditions such as mud and dust at times. He had numerous experiences of being chased away from places where he spoke.”

P.C. Abraham aspired to become a Capuchin priest during his student days. He once stayed at the Capuchin Ashram in Kollam without informing his family but was advised to leave due to health issues that made him unsuitable for the monastic life.

In 1946, he married. Reflecting on his life, he states: “Looking back, I have no doubt that married life was my divine call. By joining the monastic order and becoming a priest, I could have accomplished much less compared to what I have achieved with the freedom of a missionary. My seven children include three who are nuns actively involved in missionary work. Visiting the monastery as a young man and meeting Alphonsa Amma gave me the sense that God had entrusted me with the responsibility of missionary work. This understanding guides me.”

Pope Pius XII once stated that even the impossible could be achieved by missionaries through divine providence. P.C. Abraham’s efforts in the missionary field exemplify this belief. Since 1947, he has visited almost every diocese in Kerala and beyond, including many missions. His travels have not been without challenges and opposition, yet he remained steadfast. His life was dedicated entirely to Christ without seeking any worldly gain or official position in the organization. He once noted that he was sometimes misunderstood as a mere fool in certain circles.

Today, the Mission League operates in over thirty dioceses across various states in India and in countries such as the USA, Fiji, Ireland, Kuwait, and Africa. The League has received blessings from all Popes, including the Venerable Pius XII, and has been endorsed by organizations like K.C.B.C. and C.B.C.I. Since 1977, the League has grown to include tens of thousands of members. The League supports orphanages, hospitals, and educational initiatives for the underprivileged, with over 30,000 workers serving as priests, nuns, and brothers. Additionally, 261 people serve as bishops in various dioceses.

P.C. Abraham played a crucial role in the growth of the Mission League. He conducted numerous seminars, classes, and lectures in schools, and inspired many through his publications. He established the “Missionary Monthly” and later “Kunjumissionary,” now managed by the Mission League. He wrote over two thousand letters annually to encourage young people in their divine callings. The letters he received are meticulously preserved by him.

P.C. Abraham took the pen name Kunjettan for ease in writing letters to missionaries. Rev. Dr. Kurian Mathooth wrote about the Kerala Vocation Service Center and the Mission League Vocation Bureau, highlighting that the Mission League initially set up the bureau under Kunjettan’s leadership. The Kerala Vocation Service Center was inaugurated on October 4, 1970, by Cardinal Joseph Parecattil in Bharananganam.

In an interview with Satyadeepam on April 17, 1991, Kunjettan expressed his sense of responsibility in missionary work and his commitment to God’s call. Despite facing many challenges and being misunderstood as a mere fool by some, he remained devoted to his mission. His life has been dedicated to the service of the Church and mission work.

In August 2001, Fr. Jose Akkarakaran, founder of the Better Life Center, honored Kunjettan with the Kerala Church’s highest award, the Kerala Church Star Award, established to recognize those who contribute significantly to the Church and community. Despite initial doubts about whether Kunjettan would accept the award, he eventually did, reflecting his modest approach to recognition. The award was widely covered by the media, and Kunjettan received numerous accolades.

Kunjettan’s approach to awards and recognition was marked by humility. He was known for his extensive collection of letters, stamps, and other memorabilia, which he meticulously organized and preserved. His life’s work and dedication to the Mission League stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment and service.