Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church- 120
P.G. Jacob Paredath
P.G. Jacob Paredath, who has rendered valuable services in social work and trade union activities, was born on September 13, 1930, in the Paredath family at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fort Kochi, as the son of George and Rose. He received his education at Fort Kochi’s Santa Cruz High School and St. Albert’s College in Ernakulam. He obtained a B.A. degree in 1952. Jacob was exceptionally skilled in his studies and earned the General Proficiency Certificate. During his college years, he was actively involved in the arts and showcased his acting talents.
Jacob began his professional life at the foreign bank, Grinlays Bank. After 33 years of service, he retired as a Special Assistant. Throughout his career, he actively participated in trade union activities. Having served as the Union President, Secretary, and in other roles, he later worked as the National Vice President of the All India Grinlays Bank Employees Federation.
Social work was a passion for Jacob from a young age, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society served as a platform for him. He served as the President of the Kochi Diocesan Council of this organization for eight years. In 1988, he was elected National President of the Vincent de Paul Society, a position he held for five years. During this time, he also served as a member of the C.B.C.I. Lay Commission. He had the opportunity to participate in several international conferences of the organization.
In 1954, Jacob founded an organization for the unemployed educated youth in Fort Kochi and served as its Secretary. Through this organization, many individuals were able to find employment. When a communal conflict erupted in Fort Kochi and surrounding areas, Jacob formed the Christian Volunteers group, which helped bring peace to the region. This organization later became a platform for Christian brothers and sisters to unite. Jacob served as the President of this organization.
In October 1997, Jacob helped establish the Christian Service Society in the Kochi diocese. This organization later expanded to several other dioceses. It was formed to advocate for the rights of the Latin Catholic minority community, which was often neglected by the government in the socio-political sphere. Jacob served as the President of the local committee for five years.
In recognition of his distinguished services, Pope John Paul II awarded Jacob the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” medal. Due to his age and ill health, he has retired from active service. His wife is Winnie.
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