Rev. Fr. Tobias Thekkekureekattukunnel OCD of St Raphael was born on 21st January, 1945 to late Mr. Mathai Joseph and Mrs. Mariamma Joseph as the third among the eight siblings at Kozhuvanal in the Diocese of Pala. Later the family migrated to Komabara a place in the District of Kozhikode in the Diocese of Thamarassery. From his early years, he was nurtured in an atmosphere of faith, prayer, and Christian values, which later blossomed into a vocation to the religious life.
After completing his primary education in his native place, he pursued his high school education at St. Augustine’s High School, Ernakulam. His secular name in the school records was Ouseph T.O. Responding generously to God’s call, he joined the Order of Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.) and began his formation for religious life.
Fr. Tobias entered the novitiate in 23rd April, 1967 at St Elias Monastery, Thuckalay and made his first Profession on 24th April 1968. He completed his philosophical studies in Carmel Hill Monastery, Trivandrum from 1968-1971 and theological studies at Carmelaram Theology College, Bangalore from 1973-1976. He made his Solemn Profession on 24th April 1973, consecrating himself permanently to God in the Discalced Carmelite Order of Malabar Province at Carmel Hill Monastery, Trivandrum. Fr Tobias was ordained a deacon on 24th October, 1975 at Carmelaram Theology College, Bangalore and was ordained a priest on 16th May 1976, by his Grace Archbishop Joseph Kelanthara, Prelate of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, at St Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam, beginning a priestly ministry that would span next five decades.
From the very beginning of his priestly life, Fr. Tobias distinguished himself as a zealous Carmelitethrough his simplicity, deep spirituality, pastoral and missionary zeal, and unwavering commitment to the Carmelite charism. He served in various monasteries and institutions of the Province, faithfully carrying out responsibilities entrusted to him.
From the year 1976-1978, he served as the Asst Parish Priest at St Antony’s Church, Kodathy, Banglore, and from 1978-1979 held the same office of Asst Parish priest at St. Antony’s Church, Manali, Thuckalay. A significant chapter of his life was dedicated to missionary ministry. He rendered valuable service in the missions of North India, especially in the states of Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. He ministered in various communities including Amritsar (1979-1981), Gumtala (1981-1982), Hoshiarpur, Khanaura, Dasuya & Garshankar (1983-1991), Nandachaur, (1991-1993, 1997-2005), Bhowali-Nainital (1995-97). He also served in Una, Yol Camp, Palampur, Baijnath in the state of Himachal Pradesh and several other mission centers during his missionary life in North India. In between his mission journey, Fr Tobias was also sent to our Stella Maris Monastery in Haifa, Isarel for one year (1993-1994) to participate in a ‘Renewal course on Mount Carmel’. Through his pastoral care, missionary outreach, and compassionate presence among the people, he became a source of encouragement and spiritual strength to countless faithful. He worked tirelessly for the growth of the Catholic Church, the promotion of vocations, the formation of young religious, and the expansion of missionary activities. The noteworthy aspects of his missionary work is the conversion of nearly the entire village of Nandachaur to Catholicism and the establishment of a Novena center in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. The ‘Individual Care Novena’, practiced by Fr Tobias, which includes hearing the grievances of the people and praying for the individuals approaching him was a solace for many. Many people still visit, pray, ask for graces, and receive healings via Mother Mary’s intercession. In his later years, Fr. Tobias continued to serve the Church and the Order with the same dedication that had characterized his earlier ministry. His presence in the communities where he lived was marked by wisdom, kindness, and a profound love for the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. By the year 2005, the Punjab Mission of Malabar Province was already erected as Commissariat of Delhi and Fr Tobias was asked to go to the Ranchi Delegation, another mission of Malabar Province. He spent more than twenty-five years of his missionary life in Punjab. For almost one year (2005-2006), Fr Tobias served in the Ranchi Delegation and in the year 2006, he came back to serve the Province of Malabar. He was a conventual of Carmelaram Theology College, Bangalore (2006-2008), Carmel Hill Monastery, Trivandrum (2008-2014), San Juan Monastery, Amayar (2014-2015), St Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam (2015-2023), Mount Carmel Ashram, Pala (2023-2024), Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumanoor (2024-2026). He was also the Delegate Provincial of OCDS from the year 2011-2014.
Due to persiistent health issues, in 2024 he was transferred to Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumanoor. In the month of May, 2026, he was diagnosed with last stage liver cancer. The doctors opined that neither operation nor radiation are possible in the case of Fr Tobias due to the advanced stage of illness and his old age. So only strong tablets were the option. So, he was put on the best possible medication. On the evening of 8th June, 2026, he was admitted in Caritas Hospital ICU. On the following day, 9th June, 2026, his health worsened and was given ventilator support. By 03:35 pm of the same day, at the age of 81, Fr Tobias breathed his last at Caritas Hospital, Thellakom. His body was moved to the mortuary, and on 11th June, 2026 his body was brought to Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumanoor for the public to pay him last homages. At 06:30 am Holy mass was celebrated in Cherupushpa Ashram and by 08:30 am, the mortal remains were taken to Lisieux Centre St. Therese Monastery, Muvattupuzha for the final rites.
Many of our fathers and brothers from different communities reached either Ettumannoor or Muvattupuzha to pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Tobias. The funeral mass was celebrated at 11:30 am, presided over by Rev. Fr. Pathrose Chakiath OCD, the Provincial of Malabar Province, concelebrated by Fr James Vellassery, Provincial of Delhi Province and the funeral homily was delivered by Rev Fr Justin Avanooparambil OCD, batchmate of Fr Tobias and the concluding part of the funeral rites were conducted by His Excellency Mar George Madathikandathil, Bishop of Kothamangalam. Rev. Fr. Tobias Thekkekureekattukunnel OCD was laid to rest on 11th June, 2026 at Lisieux Centre St Therese Monastery, Muvattupuzha.
The life of Rev. Fr. Tobias, who commonly identified himself as ‘Vallyachan’ stands as a testimony to faithful discipleship, generous missionary service, and steadfast commitment to the Carmelite vocation. His life was a pure testimony of ‘simple ordinary faith’, through which he gained souls for the kingdom of God. His long years of priestly and religious ministry have left an enduring legacy in the Province, the missions, and the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May the Lord whom he served with fidelity welcome him into the joy of His eternal Kingdom, and may he rest in the peace of Christ.
I wholeheartedly thank Rev Fr James Vellassery, Provincial of Delhi Province and all the friars of Delhi Province who joined the funeral services, showing their love and gratitude to their early missionary.
On behalf of the Province, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the community of Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumanoor for the great love and care they showed to Fr. Tobias. I also thank Rev. Fr. James Niravath and the community of Lisieux Centre St Therese Monastery, made all the arrangements for the funeral services. Appreciation and gratitude to the media team of the Province under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Thekkummattathil for the live coverage of the funeral services. Also in the name of the Province, I am grateful also to Fr. Sebastian Chennakkattukunnel, the Provincial Secretary, Fr Thomas Olickal and Fr Paul Thanippilly for the liturgical arrangements and other logistical support.
Let us keep our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Thekkekureekattukunnel OCD in our prayers.