Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-89 Mon. Joseph Kakkassery

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-89
Mon. Joseph Kakkassery
A distinguished parish vicar, administrative expert, social worker, organizer, and beloved Vicar General, Mon. Joseph Kakkassery made a significant mark as a senior priest in the Archdiocese of Thrissur. Born on November 22, 1928, to Thomas Kunju and his wife in the Kakkassery family in Alloor, he received his education at St. Joseph LP School, St. Francis Upper Primary School, and St. Aloysius High School in Elthuruth. He then joined St. Thomas College in Thrissur, where he passed the Intermediate examination and began his priestly studies at the Thrissur Minor Seminary. He later joined the Mangappuzha Seminary and was sent to Rome’s Propaganda College for further studies. On December 21, 1955, he was ordained a priest by Cardinal Micara in Rome.
After becoming a priest, he continued his studies in Rome for about six months. On his return journey, he visited major countries in Europe and sacred sites in Palestine. While in Rome as a theological student, he had the opportunity to meet the Holy Father multiple times and participated in the canonization ceremonies for St. Joseph, the Worker, and several others by Pope Pius XII.
In 1956, he began his priestly life as the assistant to Mons. Paul Kakkassery, the rector of Thrissur Minor Seminary. He was able to impart the knowledge he acquired in Rome to the seminary students. During this period, he also worked as the assistant director for organizations like Vedic Preaching, Sodality, Faith Promotion, and Holy Childhood. Subsequently, he served as the vicar of Avittathur parish (1962), director of the Mariapuram Malabar Missionary Brothers (1964), and vicar of Perinchery (1965). He continued to serve as the vicar of Palakkad parish, director of Avanishssery Balasadan, diocesan assistant procurator, secretary, and vice-chancellor.
In 1970, while he was the vicar of Palakkad parish, he was responsible for the construction of several office buildings at the bishop’s residence. In 1971, he took on the role of social service director and assistant procurator at the bishop’s house, during which he established the organization known as the Social Welfare Center (Kuri). In 1972, he was appointed manager of St. Thomas High School and in 1973, he became the secretary of the Thrissur diocese.
On September 17, 1974, at the age of 45, Father Joseph Kakkassery was appointed as the vicar of the Lourdes Basilica. Professor N.D. George, then chairman of Thrissur Municipal Council, commented on this appointment: “This appointment was a recognition of his exemplary capability and charming demeanor. The love and respect earned by Father Kakkassery over the last six years, as evidenced by the parishioners who came together to celebrate his priestly silver jubilee, reflect his dedication to their welfare and spiritual upliftment.”
After serving at Lourdes, he moved to Ollur parish. From 1956 to 1985, he traveled on a foreign motorcycle to carry out his work. During 1982-88, he successfully elevated Thaikattussery parish to an independent parish and secured land for a new church in Chiyyar. From 1988 to 1998, he served as the director of Jubilee Mission Hospital and St. Mary’s Orphanage Complex. The tremendous growth of Jubilee Mission Hospital began during his tenure. After serving as rector of Pavaratti pilgrimage center from 1988 to 1999, he was appointed as Vicar General of the Thrissur Archdiocese.
This period witnessed many significant events in the archdiocese, including the conclusion of the Great Jubilee celebrations, the archdiocesan assembly, and the establishment of Jubilee Medical College, Jyothi Engineering College, and Mahajubilee Training College. In connection with Mon. Joseph Kakkassery’s Golden Jubilee, here’s an excerpt from an article written by Mr. Baby Mookan in the Kerala Vani magazine: “For any activity of the archdiocese, he provided strong leadership with utmost dedication. As Vicar General and manager of St. Thomas College, his restoration efforts will certainly be remembered by future generations. He worked diligently to maintain the first Catholic college in Kerala, founded over 80 years ago, in both heritage and prestige. Despite various disagreements, once completed, everyone accepted his vision. When Mar Joseph Kundukulam became bishop, Father Kakkassery was one of the founders of the social welfare center initiated in the diocese, serving for many years in roles including secretary, president, and governing body member.”
Mon. Kakkassery is the prominent priest who took the initiative to establish Alagappa Polytechnic in Amballoor. While many criticized it sharply at the time, it has now grown into a major institution of the archdiocese. The skill with which he faced the teacher-student protests and other legal issues during the initial phase is something that can only be appreciated in wonder.
In 2003, Pope John Paul II honored Father Kakkassery with the title of Monsignor. After retiring from the position of Vicar General in 2003, he took on the role of director at M.I. Hospital in Engandiyur. It was during his active involvement in the hospital’s pastoral activities that he celebrated his priestly golden jubilee.
“Father Joseph Kakkassery is a person who embodies calmness and dignity; I have only seen words wrapped in his smile come forth from his lips. He seems to have a meticulous interest in every matter,” remarked Mr. George Nellayi, and this statement is absolutely true.
The Kakkassery family has made significant contributions to the Kerala Catholic Church, producing several distinguished priests and nuns. Mon. Paul Kakkassery, who was once a prominent figure in the Kerala Church, is the elder brother of Mon. Joseph Kakkassery.