Notable Figures from the Kerala Church -4
Fr. John Antenad
Fr. John Antenad is a married priest. His priestly Golden Jubilee in 2000 was celebrated extensively. Fr. John, who celebrated his rare priestly Golden Jubilee, was born on January 16, 1909, as the eldest son of Mathew and Annamma Antenad in the Kudakkachira parish of Pala diocese. His education took place at Kurichithanam Primary School and Uzhavoor O.L.L. School. He spent his childhood in the ancestral home of Marangattumalil, with his father’s brother, Fr. Johnachan. Both Johnachans had aspired to become priests since childhood. However, John Antenad’s parents decided to marry him off when he was still young. At the age of 14, John married Annamma, the eldest daughter of Joseph and Annamma from Valavoor Kuzhikulla, and the sister of the renowned preacher and founder of the M.S.S.M.I congregation, C.J. Varkeyachan, on February 28, 1923. Annamma was only 12 years old at the time of marriage. It is a fact that Annamma did not wish to marry. After the marriage, John continued his studies for another three years. After passing the Third Form, John became involved in agriculture with his parents. A small biography published in connection with Fr. John’s priestly Golden Jubilee states: “Johnachan, who had cherished the desire to become a priest from a very young age, and Annamma, who was devoted to St. Little Thresa, lived a pure life of love by promising to follow the married life of St. Joseph and St. Therese of Lisieux. During their twelve years of family life, Annamma spent one month suffering from a serious illness in the hospital. During this time, Johnachan himself took care of Annamma. At the age of 24, Annamma passed away in Johnachan’s arms, and their family life came to an end.”
Annamma expressed her wish to undertake the final journey only after knowing that John would become a priest. Her wish was later fulfilled. The example of Annamma’s virtuous life is said to have inspired her brother, C.J. Varkeyachan, and her sister, Salamma, to join religious congregations.
In 1937, at the age of 28, John joined the Rosarian Congregation in Jaffna for religious training. However, due to the illness of Mother Valsala, John was called back from Jaffna to provide care. Returning to his hometown, John completed his high school education at Kidungoor and Mannanam High Schools. Subsequently, with a desire to become a priest, he approached several priests. None were supportive. With whom he had a very close personal relationship, Alexander Choolapparambil, approached Fr. Thomas Kurialassery, who recommended him to Metropolitan Kurialassery. He was sent to the minor seminary of Mar Ivanios in Trivandrum. After expressing his desire to become a missionary and with the recommendation of the authorities, he joined the Sacred Heart Seminary in Poonamallee, under the archdiocese of Madras, then headed by Matthias.
As a result of the continuous prayers of Annamma in heaven and Johnachan on earth, Johnachan was called to the priesthood. On April 22, 1951, John received the priestly ordination from Dr. Matthias. Regarding his subsequent priestly life, Mr. V.V. Paul Valloopadath wrote in the Deepanall: “He gave great importance to the education of the Dalits, social upliftment, and the rehabilitation of leprosy patients. He adopted the work style of St. Damiaan, Mother Teresa, and others who were worthy of remembrance. His priestly life began in the Vellore diocese. After the division of the Vellore diocese, he served in Nellore and Kadappa. In all the parishes where he served, he continuously worked for the education and social progress of the Dalits. He paid special attention to the treatment and rehabilitation of leprosy patients in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and established rehabilitation centers. He also established many schools in his areas of work. Many of those who studied there reached high positions.”
In the heart of Chittoor town, in the Kadappa diocese, the construction of a beautiful church, English medium high schools under the guidance of the Sisters, and centers for the rehabilitation of leprosy patients, including hospitals, are noteworthy. All of these were the result of Johnachan’s efforts.
He retired from parish administration in 1988. Later, he established an English medium high school in Bangarappalayam, Andhra Pradesh. Today, it is in good condition and is run by the M.S.S.M.I. Sisters of Kullathuvayal. In Chittoor and Bangarappalayam, the local people led the celebrations of his priestly Golden Jubilee. The respect for Johnachan at that time can be understood from this.
Having lived through 14 years of childhood, 12 years of family life, and 55 years of priestly life, Johnachan is now leading a retired life.
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