Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-67 Fr. Luke O.F.M. Cap.

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-67
Fr. Luke O.F.M. Cap.
Fr. Luke O.F.M. Cap. can be described as a unique Indian priest with profound knowledge in over fifty languages. He was born on March 24, 1927, in Ampara, a place in the Idukki diocese, to Mathew and Annu at Plathottam. The name given to him during his baptism was Kuriyakose. From his high school days, Kuriyakose began to contemplate deeply about his future life. Recognizing his calling to the religious life, he joined the Capuchin Franciscan Order and received the habit at “Monté Marianno” Novitiate in Mangalore on June 12, 1946. He made his religious vows on June 13, 1947, adopting the name ‘Luke.’
He completed three years of philosophy studies at the Capuchin Ashram in Kottagiri and four years of theology studies at the Capuchin Friary. He was ordained a priest in 1953 and completed his religious priestly training in 1954. During his theological studies, he exhibited exceptional talent in biblical and language studies, prompting church authorities to encourage him to pursue postgraduate studies at the ‘Gregorian University’ in Rome. After successfully completing his studies there in 1956, he furthered his education in ‘Biblical Studies’ at the Biblicum, earning another degree by 1958 before returning to India.
Upon returning, he began teaching theology students at the Capuchin Friary in Kottagiri while also teaching at various other institutions. His deep intellect and ability to capture reality as if through a camera lens amazed his students and colleagues. Responding to their persistent recommendations, in 1965, the then Provincial, Fr. Berkmans, sent him to the University of Chicago for doctoral studies. During that time, it was not easy for an Indian Catholic priest to study in American universities, as there was a strong anti-Catholic sentiment and secularist stance. Consequently, the Roman Catholic Church imposed many restrictions on priests and believers studying there.
Despite these challenges, Fr. Luke demonstrated depth of knowledge and intellectual prowess in ‘Oriental Linguistics’ and successfully completed his doctoral studies in Chicago. This led to invitations from the university and several other institutions to join as a professor. However, valuing the bonds of love and the principles of religious life, Fr. Luke faced numerous hardships but could not forget his responsibilities to his Indian province. In 1971, he returned to India to serve his brothers. He worked as a professor at the Capuchin Theological Centre in Thrissur until 1989, during which time he taught theology at many major seminaries across India. Since 1989, he has been teaching theology at the Capuchin Theological College in Kottayam (Vidyabhavan, Thellakam).
Fr. Luke has an insatiable curiosity about philology, the study of language origins. Before the Second Vatican Council, when Catholic priests were not permitted to read non-Catholic books, he obtained special permission from the General to immerse himself in the deep study of languages and cultures, including Indo-European, Semitic, and Indic. Today, he is recognized as one of the few living experts in around fifty languages. He has authored seven books and approximately 200 articles since 1971. His published works include:
Non-Paradigmatic forms of weak verbs in Mazoretic Hebrew (Quilon, 1973)
Studies on the Book of Genesis (Aluva, 1975)
Israel before Yahweh: An exposition of selected Psalms (Aluva, 1978)
Genesis I-III: An exposition (Aluva, 1980)
TPI Companion to the Bible, Vol I: Old Testament (Bangalore, 1987)
TPI Companion to the Bible, Vol II: New Testament (Bangalore, 1988)
Taste and See (Delhi, 1996)
The Cultural Background of the Old Testament (Bangalore, 2002)
Fr. Luke is a brother who has tried to live religious life in its fullness. Those who have lived with him can easily attest to his being a perfect Capuchin friar. His only wealth, which he cherishes greatly, consists of a few valued books. Observing him meditate in the presence of God with the serene devotion of a yogi, one might find the biblical truth “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” to be literally true. His knowledge of God as the source of wisdom makes him remarkably peaceful and humble. He does not exhibit any arrogance or unholy boldness. In discussions, he tends to be reserved, speaking only when specifically asked for his opinion.
Fr. Luke deeply respects the old Capuchin traditions and used to fast daily during his youth. He still continues the practice of asking for the superior’s permission before doing any minor task. He has never shown interest in authority or status. When he was once elected as a representative to the Provincial Chapter, he graciously declined the position. His inner self reflects the essence of the saint from Assisi, who loved flowers, trees, birds, and animals.
Fr. Luke has not enjoyed full health for a long time.