(26-05-1926 to 04-12-2009)
Rev. Fr. Anselm Elamkuttuchira of St. Andrew Corsini expired on 4th December, 2009, at the age of 83.
E. C. Joseph (Ouseppachan) was born in an Aristocratic family at T.V. Puram, Vaikom on 26th May, 1926. His parents were Chacko Elamkuttuchira and Mariam Varappatty. His brothers were also priests – Rev. Frs. Jacob Elamkuttuchira and Joy Elamkuttuchira. He had two sisters – one of them married and Annakutty joined in CSN Congregation, taking the name Rev. Sr. Margaret CSN.
E.C. Joseph entered in our Apostolic School, St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam in 1947. After passing SSLC from St. Albert’s High School, Ernakulam, he was sent to our Novitiate, Thuckalay. His Novice Master was late Rev. Fr. Eliseus Malamakkal who was the first OCD Indian Provincial. He received the Holy Habit of Carmel on 18th March 1951 taking the name as Br. Anselm Elamkuttuchira of St. Andrew Corsini and began the Novitiate. He made his Simple Profession on 19th March, 1955. While doing his Philosophy course, he went to the Province of Flanders, Belgium with his companions in 1956. After the completion of his philosophical studies in Belgium, he returned to India.
Every religions has to undergo the Dark Night in order to purify himself so that he can be united with his spouse, Christ to be crucified. Br. Anselm too had his Dark Night. He had his studies interrupted while doing Theology course in St. Joseph’s Apostolic Seminary, Alwaye. Superiors advised Br. Anselm to go home but he replied, “I shall never leave the OCD Carmelite even if I have to remain for the whole of my life as a simple Brother”. He was very courageous to take up the Cross of Christ and follow Him on the way of the cross.
During those days, Br. Anselm served our Communities in Carmelaram, Bengaluru; Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram and finally St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam. His self-sacrificing services and total dedication to the duties assigned to him as to be written in golden letters in the Annals of the Province. At last his tearful prayers were heard and finally Br. Anselm got ordained on 30th April, 1975 at Vaikom, by Mar Sebastian Mankuzhikary, then Auxilary Bishop of Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. He was also a well-known Charismatic preacher. He served as the Superior of St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam; Ávila Dhyanashram, Sengulam and Manager of our buildings in Ernakulam.
While he was at Kalady, he requested his superior to take him to the nearby Little Flower Hospital as he was in disposed. While in the hospital, he seemed to improve although his heart was very weak. And on 3rd December 2009, at 7.30 p.m., he took hi final supper. His brother Rev. Fr. Joy sat near him. Even at 8.30 p.m. he rang up Fr. Joy and went to bed. The one who attended him also went to bed in the same room. When the attender woke up at 5.00 a.m. he found Fr. Anselm lying dead!! Really he slept in the Lord peacefully!!
His body was taken to Carmel Ashram, Kalady in the morning and was laid in state for people from all walks of life could see and pray for him.
On the following day, 5th December 2009, after a Solemn Con-celebrated Requiem Mass, his body was taken in procession in a van to Lisieux Centre, Muvattupuzha. Most Rev. Mar Julius, Malankara Bishop of Muvattupuzha, Mgr. Francis Kappat, the Chief Vicar General of the Diocese of Kothamangalam in the absence of the Bishop sang absolutions over him.
The funeral services began at 11.00 a.m. Very Rev. Fr. Sebastian Koodappattu OCD, our then Provincial presided over The Confusions in the Malabar Church,-celebrated Mass by more than fifty priests. Rev. Fr. Justin Avanooparambil OCD gave the funeral oration. After the Holy Mass, Mar Sebastian Adayantharath, Auxiliary Bishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly officiated the funeral services. His body was taken in procession to the cemetery and after the Anal prayers, he was buried in the crypt. Many priests and sisters belonging to various Congregations and a good number of laypersons came to take part in the funeral.
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!