Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-99
Bishop Dr. Peter Thurutthikonam
Known by the title “Father of the Poor,” Bishop Dr. Peter Thurutthikonam was born on August 1, 1929, in Thurutthikoonam, the second son of Joseph and Eliamma in the Diocese of Vijayapuram. His close relationship with the prominent priest Fr. John O.I.C. inspired him to enter the clergy. After completing his high school education, he joined the Minor Seminary at Mission Home in 1950 to study Latin, later continuing his studies at Mangalapuzha Seminary, where he completed his theological studies and received priestly ordination from Archbishop Dr. Joseph Attippetty on March 12, 1959. He offered his first Holy Mass in his own parish.
His first appointment was as the vicar of Thiruvanchur Church. He then served as vicar in Kanjirappally Church. In 1966, he became the Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. After Dr. Cornelius Elanjickal was appointed Bishop of Vijayapuram in 1971, he served as his assistant. He also held the positions of Pro-Vicar and Vicar General. When Cornelius was appointed as the Archbishop of Varappuzha in 1987, Dr. Peter served as the Administrator of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. Later, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Bishop of Vijayapuram.
The episcopal consecration took place on August 4, 1988, at the Vimalagiri Cathedral, attended by thousands of believers, church leaders, priests, and women. In his concluding speech during the ceremony, he stated, “My life is dedicated to the service of others, and I will continue to work with Christ as seen in the poor.”
Dr. Peter Thurutthikonam is the fourth bishop and the first from the diocese of Vijayapuram. The Diocese of Vijayapuram, which has a significant Dalit Christian population, is referred to as the “Father of the Poor” by society. For over ten years, he served as the chairman of the SC/ST Backward Commission of both the C.B.C.I. and K.C.B.C. He led the diocese for 18 years, focusing on the progress of both the diocese and its people.
Under his leadership, there was significant progress in education and healthcare in the Diocese of Vijayapuram. His vision was to provide a good hospital and a nursing college for the impoverished. He invested over a crore in establishing a nursing college at Mukkoottutharar, and new wards were built. His efforts provided much-needed relief to a large underprivileged population in education and living conditions.
During his tenure as chairman of the SC/ST Backward Commission, he unified all Christian denominations to actively engage in the Dalit Christian struggle. Events like the Dalit Christian Rights declaration march in Thiruvananthapuram and demonstrations in Kottayam are testimonies of his determination and organizational strength. He was even arrested by the Delhi police while leading a Dalit Christian protest in Delhi.
The Diocese of Vijayapuram, which spans across Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Pathanamthitta districts, has around 90,000 Catholics. After tirelessly working for 18 years for their comprehensive progress, he built a retirement home near Vimalagiri Cathedral and resigned two years ago. His resignation was accepted on May 8, 2006.
Dr. Peter Thurutthikonam’s 18-year tenure saw significant spiritual, social, and cultural advancements in the Diocese of Vijayapuram. At 77, he is now stepping down as the “Father of the Poor,” expressing joy in appointing his successor, Monsignor Sebastian Thekethalil.
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