Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-85
Fr. Kamil C.M.I.
In Kerala, the devotion to Mary is deeply cherished. Among those dedicated to Marian devotion in this land is Fr. Kamil, a priest living fully immersed in promoting this devotion.
Born on August 7, 1928, into the Neeliar family, a branch of the founders of the Pala Valiyapally, he was the son of Joseph and Thresiamma. He received the sacrament of baptism on August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His name was originally Mammodisa. He completed his primary education at the Parappally Government Primary School near Pala. His middle school education was undertaken at Chengala, as he had to cross a river to attend school due to the absence of a bridge at Meenachil. Later, he joined St. Thomas High School and completed his high school education after studying Malayalam and then English.
For a year, he worked as a teacher at Ilamdesham Primary School, having accepted the position at the request of a local resident, Cheriyan Neeliar. In 1949, he left teaching to work at the Pala Central Bank, where he stayed for just four years. After resigning from the bank in 1953, he joined the C.M.I. congregation. He took his first vows in 1955 and adopted the name Kamil. On May 17, 1962, he was ordained a priest.
Fr. Kamil focused on meditation and preaching and served as the Provincial Procurator of the St. Joseph Province. From 1966 to 1969, he was the superior of the Poonjar Ashram. From 1969 onwards, he served as a master and spiritual guide for various stages of formation, including aspirancy, postulancy, novitiate, and juniorate in the Pala diocese.
From 1974 to 1979, he worked as the editor of the “Karmalakusumam” magazine, promoting it through various speaking engagements across Kerala. He authored 53 books, covering topics such as theology, philosophy, Marxism, liberation theology, spiritual theology, Christology, Mariology, biblical psychology, religious life, and family life.
Numerous articles were published in various periodicals including “Deepika,” “Satyadeepam,” “Deepanalam,” “Karmalakusumam,” “Katiroli,” and “Samarppita.” He was a member of the Pala Diocese Clergy Center, the Pastoral Council, and the Liturgical Committee. For 15 years, he served as the director of the Legion of Mary in Poonjar.
From July to October 1991, Fr. Kamil traveled abroad, making pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to places like Lourdes and Fatima. During this journey, he also visited America and Germany. He was the associate editor of the modern Bible published by Mannanath, renewing devotion to the Mother and St. Joseph.
Fully immersed in promoting Marian devotion, Fr. Kamil continues to conduct Marian talks, retreats, and parish meditations.
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