Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-61 Mon. Alexander Payyampalli

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-61
Mon. Alexander Payyampalli
Mon. Alexander played a crucial role in the growth of the Malankara Church’s Thiruvalla Diocese. He was born on June 28, 1926, in Payyampalli, to Kuruvilla and Annamma, who were both teachers. After completing high school, he joined the minor seminary of the Thiruvalla Diocese. Two years later, he entered the Pontifical Seminary in Mangalappuzha and completed his priestly studies, being ordained on December 26, 1952. During his studies, he excelled in preaching, storytelling, acting, and cultural programs. As the secretary of the Literary Association at the Mangalappuzha Seminary, he served as a priest in various capacities for six years after ordination.
In 1959, the Thiruvalla Diocese started the operations of Pushpagiri Hospital. The hospital received the services of several sisters from the organization “International Lay Auxiliaries” from countries such as Italy, Germany, and Canada. Father Alexander was appointed to work with them and to lead the hospital successfully. In addition to his hospital duties, he also took on roles as director of catechism, devotional organizations, student summer camps, and social work.
He authored five texts to aid in the management of scripture studies and trained in photography to support audio-visual activities. In 1964, he was appointed to oversee parish administration and the responsibilities of devotional organizations. By 1971, he was appointed as the full-time administrator of Pushpagiri Hospital, a position he held for 25 years, marking a significant period of growth for the hospital. It expanded to accommodate over 600 patients with general wards and several specialties, employing nearly a hundred doctors. The hospital acquired expensive medical equipment, including CT scanners, and launched a nursing school, multi-purpose health worker school, C.M.A.I. laboratory training school, defame school, and DIPNB courses for postgraduate doctors, establishing Pushpagiri as the largest hospital in central Travancore.
An application was submitted to the government to elevate the hospital to a medical college. However, the government maintained a firm stance against granting a medical college to private management, making it impossible to upgrade despite meeting all qualifications.
Father Alexander was elected as one of the ten governing board members of the All India Catholic Hospital Association. Observing his contributions, the general body elected him for a second term on the governing board. He actively participated in meetings across various parts of the country and in annual general assemblies. After the unexpected resignation of the association’s chief executive director, an emergency board meeting appointed Monsignor as the executive director, a role he fulfilled excellently while residing in the office in New Delhi. He also served on the governing board of the Kerala Volunteer Health Association, an organization formed by all hospitals under private management in Kerala.
During his tenure as the administrator of Pushpagiri Hospital, he provided active leadership in all public works in Thiruvalla. Monsignor Alexander was a member of the public stadium construction committee and generously donated two acres of land for the stadium from property purchased for the hospital’s development. The Rotary Club of Thiruvalla accepted him as an honorary member for six years, where he actively participated in all club activities.
His dedication to the treatment of the poor garnered admiration from everyone. He was honored by the cultural organizations and the Merchant Association in Thiruvalla with accolades and awards. With special permission from the government, a zoo was established in connection with Pushpagiri Hospital, housing over 300 animals of various species, providing joy to visitors and local residents.
He prioritized social work in the places where he served as a priest, implementing various projects under the Food for Work scheme aimed at empowering women through tailoring, papad-making, and other initiatives.
Monsignor Alexander Payyampalli is also known for his love of trees. Many species that were once common in the region have since become rare. He took great care in nurturing not only trees but also various plants and climbing vines that were in danger of extinction. The poultry farming scheme he initiated while being the parish priest proved to be very beneficial, providing a livelihood for many families.
In recognition of his significant services to the church and the community, Pope John Paul II conferred the title of “Prelate of Honor” (Monsignor) in 1997. This title is used to address individuals with this distinction. In 1997, he was appointed to oversee the governance of the northern districts of the diocese, including Thrissur and Kunnumkulam, receiving the title of “Episcopal Vicar.”
In 1998, he was appointed as the Vicar General of the Thiruvalla Diocese, serving in this capacity for four years. Throughout his tenure, he traveled both domestically and internationally, visiting countries such as Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, England, the United States, Canada, the Holy Land, Singapore, and Malaysia.