Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –20
Adv. James Mackeel
Adv. James Mackeel, a prominent lawyer, was born on May 14, 1920, to Thomas and Mariamma Mackeel in the ancient and renowned Mackeel family of Kottayam. His family is known for its significant historical, traditional, and cultural contributions to the Knanaya community. His father was one of the founding fathers and the first Vice President of the Knanaya Catholic Congress, an organization dedicated to the overall advancement and renown of the Knanaya community, and played a crucial role in fostering community awareness and self-respect among its members. The Mackeel family is renowned for its contributions of eminent clergy, nuns, and other notable figures to the Church, including Mar Mathai Mackeel Metropolitan.
After his education at M.D. Seminary School and C.M.S. College in Kottayam, James pursued his undergraduate studies at Maharaja College in Ernakulam and his law degree at Law College in Thiruvananthapuram. He then enrolled as a lawyer. In 1959, he joined the Association of Planters of Kerala (A.P.K) and continues to work as its advisor. He has particularly focused on industrial law and authored a book titled “Mackeel’s Guide to Industrial Law,” which has seen five editions. This book gained considerable attention among legal professionals across India, though subsequent editions could not be published due to health reasons.
Adv. James Mackeel was also a Bible scholar and published portions of the Bible in small books for daily reading. These small books were highly appealing to the general public.
He actively participated in the activities of the Knanaya Catholic Congress, the official organization of the Knanaya Catholic community. He served as President of the Knanaya Catholic Congress twice and worked to rejuvenate the organization and strengthen its supporting bodies. During Pope John Paul II’s visit to India, Adv. James Mackeel was the President of the Knanaya Catholic Congress. He also contributed to the AKC Election Board and the Election Tribunal.
As an official spokesperson for the Knanaya community, he authored small books on various topics. One of his notable works is a book on the history and legal aspects of his father’s diocese. The full title of this book is: “A Decade Book Containing Laws and Regulations Related to the Administration of the Church in Changanassery, the Parish, the Clergy, the Faithful, Ceremonies, Temples, and Various Other Aspects Including Income from Festivals and Churches.”
Adv. James Mackeel was the first to conduct a historical and legal study of Mar Matthew Mackeel’s diocese, giving the book significant importance. Later, Fr. Matthew Moolakkattu (now Archbishop) conducted a more extensive study of it.
Currently, James is suffering from cancer. Due to his illness, he wrote a book titled “The Story of a Cancer Patient,” which provides solace to many readers.
In recognition of Adv. James Mackeel’s services, Pope John Paul II honored him in 1988 with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award.
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