(13-03-1922 to 21-05-1997)
Rev. Br. Placid Vallipalam OCD of Child Jesus expired on 21st May, 1997, at Carmel Hill Monastery, at the age of 75 in 53rd year of his Religious Profession.
V. J. Varkey, son of Job Vallipalam and Rose Kanyalapuzha was born on 13st March, 1922 at Monippally (Kuriande Parish) in the Diocese of Palai and was baptized on 19th March.
On 1st June, 1942 at the age of 20, V. J. Varkey joined our Order of Discalced Carmelites as an Aspirant, at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram. After the Canonical Postulancy, he received the habit of the Order taking the name Br. Placid Vallipalam OCD of Child Jesus and began his Novitiate on 20th July, 1942 at Carmel Monastery and made his Simple Profession on 22nd February, 1946. Br. Placid made his Solemn Profession on 11th April, 1948, at Carmel Hill Monastery.
Br. Placid was conventual in our Monasteries at Carmel Hill, Thiruvananthapuram; St. Elias’ Monastery, Thuckalay; St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam and Carmelaram, Bangalore. He served our communities in various responsibilities assigned to him. He was in charge of Sacristy, Garden, and Cultivation in many of our Communities.
Since 1961, he was the Superior of our St. Joseph’s Press and San Joe Process. The yeomen service, he had done to our Press and Process for its growth and development, will be written in Golden letters, in the history of the Press. Br. Placid was very diligent in the discharge of duties assigned to him and was always serviceable to the Community and people outside. His unassuming way of life, simplicity, availability to the Community and his commitment to the duties, must be a source of inspiration to all of us. He was a model religious to our young ones. In February, 1995, Br. Placid celebrated his Golden Jubilee of his Religious Profession.
In June 1996, due to his ill-health, he retired from all responsibilities and was taking rest at Carmel Hill Monastery. Since few years, he was suffering from Parkinson Disease and many a times he was admitted in the hospital.
As his health was degrading day by day, on 12th May, 1997, he received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in the presence of the Community by Very Rev. Fr. Provincial OCD. On 21st May, 1997 at 10.00 a.m. Br. Placid breathed his last at the age of 75. His funeral took place at 2.30 p.m. on 22nd May 1997. Very Rev. Fr. Martin Pananthanam OCD, our Provincial, was the main Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and Rev. Fr. Bernardine Vallathara OCD gave the funeral oration. His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Soosa Pakiam, Bishop of Thiruvananthapuram was the main Celebrant of the last rites. Relatives, representatives from our houses and religious institutions, staff and workers of our Press and Process and laity were present at the funeral service. The mortal remains laid to rest at 5.00 p.m. in the Monastery Crypt, of Carmel Hill Monastery.
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Brother!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!