Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-116
Fr. Thomas Thoppil O.F.M. Cap.
Fr. Thomas, who took up family renewal activities as a special missionary task, began remarkable work in various parishes. Born on August 1, 1930, in the Thoppil family of the Malloore parish to Joseph and Elizabeth, he passed his Malayalam Higher Secondary Examination before joining the Capuchin Order. After this, he moved to Goa, joining an English high school. Completing his high school education, he joined the minor seminary in Goa. After a year in Mangalore as a novice, he took his first vows, followed by three years of philosophy studies in Kollam-Tillery. He made his perpetual vows there. He spent four years in Kotagiri for theological studies, where he was ordained as a priest in March 1960. Due to his father’s family moving to Malabar, he celebrated his first Mass at Kanjirappuzha, Malabar.
That same year, in April, Fr. Thomas arrived at Kiliyandara, a resettlement area in Malabar, for a retreat. He visited every house in the parish, most of which were financially struggling families living in small huts. The lack of harmony among family members was a significant issue, and family stability was deteriorating. His visit helped him fully understand the problems families faced, and it was here that he realized the need to work in the field of family ministry. He often says that his inspiration to work in this area came from his time in Kiliyandara.
After special training in theology for a year in Kotagiri, Fr. Thomas spent another year in Thrissur Kalvari Ashram. During this period, he went on alms rounds, as there were no funds for the seminary expenses. His first alms round was in the Puthukkad parish, and he had many challenging encounters. Some families treated him rudely, but he endured it patiently. Eventually, one family head, after initially mistreating him, apologized and offered financial assistance. People often gave him rice, coconut, and other goods, which he carried back to the ashram.
Fr. Thomas was later assigned to Aluva Ashram, where he led efforts in building several spiritual centers, including Friendship Hall in Aluva. He also collaborated with Fr. Ignatius Pettayakadu and Fr. George Varghese Kannathana to conduct seminars for couples. He raised funds from generous donors to provide food and other essentials for these activities.
In 1965, Fr. Thomas went to serve among the Malayali Catholic community in Bombay at the special request of Cardinal Gracious. He visited every household of the Malayali Catholics, conducting Masses every Sunday in Malayalam.
From 1968 onwards, for seven years, he was responsible for Assisi Massika’s administration. During this period, he wrote many articles, some under his own name and some under a pen name, focusing mainly on family ministry. He organized seminars for married men and women under 45 years old, receiving positive responses. Many priests sought his assistance in organizing seminars in various parishes. Even non-Christians participated in some of these seminars.
Fr. Thomas went to study journalism in Bombay and later became the superior of the Changanassery Gadsmenihouse. With the help of Fr. Francis Neelankavil, he organized family welfare seminars in many parishes. His work in Changanassery was appreciated by Bishop Mar Joseph Pothiyil, who invited him to Kanjirappally diocese to conduct seminars.
Fr. Thomas later traveled to Canada to study family-related issues and spent a week in Washington, USA, discussing family matters. He also visited Ireland. In Spain, he collaborated with the Marriage Encounter movement. The movement, which initially started in Spain, expanded globally, with the involvement of one priest and two couples. In India, Fr. Thomas served as the director of Marriage Encounter for five years, visiting several countries during this time.
Upon returning from Canada, he was appointed Secretary of the KCBC Laity Commission, a position that he held for 17 years. During this time, he led teams to conduct family welfare seminars across Kerala, advocating for mandatory seminars for couples preparing for marriage. This suggestion was eventually accepted, and Fr. Thomas’ contribution to the family ministry field became highly valued.
Fr. Thomas has authored several books, with his book Viva Havediyilekku (Towards Marriage) selling over two lakh copies, making it the most sold book in Malayalam on family life. His book Kudumbavedi (Family Life) holds special importance.
Fr. Thomas has also worked extensively in the field of social work. He promoted the idea of starting investment schemes among workers, and for more than 25 years, he has been an active presence in the family ministry. Currently, he resides at Perumbavoor Ashram.
Fr. Thomas’ contribution to the family ministry was recognized during the 118th anniversary celebrations of the Changanassery Archdiocese. Archbishop Mar Joseph Pothiyil, in his speech, lauded Fr. Thomas for his dedicated work in the renewal of family life, stating:
“Recognizing the breakdown of family life as the most significant issue of the modern age, Fr. Thomas Thoppil took up family renewal as a missionary task, involving parishes in family renewal efforts and establishing family ministries across dioceses, for which the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) Family Ministry Commission appointed him Secretary and received his invaluable service.”
Fr. Thomas was actively involved in various family ministry activities across Kerala, including conducting marriage preparation seminars and training family ministers. His work, both in India and abroad, has left an indelible mark on the family renewal movement.
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