(04-02-1912 to 26-05-1984)
Rev. Fr. Archangel Aleekapallil OCD of the Queen of Carmel died on 26th May, 1985, at the age of 73 in 51st year of his Profession.
Mathew Aleekaparambil, was born on 4th February, 1912 at Koodalloor, in the Diocese of Changanacherry, now belonging to the Palai Diocese.
After his schooling, Mathew joined our Order of the Discalced Carmelites in 1931 at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram. He had his Novitiate and Philosophy at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram and had his Theology at St. Elias’ Monastery, Thuckalay. He made his Simple Profession on 23rd January, 1934 and his Solemn Profession on 23rd January,1937. He was ordained priest on 21st September 1940 at Thucklay by Msgr. Agniswamy SJ, Bishop of Kottar.
Rev. Fr. Archangel of the Queen of Carmel served our communities and the Province as:
1942-1943 Professor, St. Elias’ Monastery, Thuckalay
1944 Professor, Carmel Hill Monastery
Thiruvananthapuram
When the European Fathers handed over the Malabar Province to Indian Carmelites in 1947, Rev. Fr. Archangel Aleekapallil OCD of the Queen of Carmel was appointed as the First Indigenous Prior of Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram. To the same office he was elected in the Provincial Chapter of 1948.
1969-1975 Superior, Carmel Ashram, Thanjavur
1978-1981 Prior & Parish Priest at Thuckalay
Rev. Fr. Archangel Aleekapallil OCD of the Queen of Carmel served the Diocese of Vijayapuram in its Missions at Kuttikanam, Vandiperiyar and Peerumedu from 1959 to 1969. He was always a zealous missionary.
When Tamil Nadu Delegation of our Order was formed in 1981, Fr. Archangel volunteered to serve the new limit for a period. First he was in charge of a Mission Parish at Valangaman, and since September 1985 he was Prior and Parish Priest at Thuckalay.
Rev. Fr. Archangel was a talented retreat preacher and spiritual animator. He wrote few books and he contributed articles to the Catholic periodicals. He built the Benziger Memorial Retreat House at Carmel Hill, Thiruvananthapuram in memory of the late Archbishop Benziger OCD while he was the Prior, Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram.
Rev. Fr. Archangel OCD was a admitted to the Holy Cross Hospital, Nagarcoil, on17th May, 1985 due to chest pain. As his condition became worse, he was taken to the Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam on 22nd May. After receiving the Holy Sacrament of the Church, Rev. Fr. Archangel Aleekapallil OCD of the Queen of Carmel gave his soul to his High Priest peacefully on the Pentecost Sunday, 26th May, 1985 at 5.10 a.m. Doctor’s diagnosis showed that Fr. Archangel was suffering from Diabetes Melitus, K.W. Syndrome, Uraemia and Septicaemia.
The mortal body of Rev. Fr. Archangel Aleekapallil OCD of the Queen of Carmel was first taken to St. Elias’ Monastery, Thuckalay, where he was the Prior and Parish Priest and after the liturgical services at 4.30 p.m. the body was brought to Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram. On the following day – 27th May – at 10.00 a.m. the funeral service began with concelebrated Mass. Msgr. Jacob Acharuparambil OFM Cap. officiated the last rites. A large number of people from all-walks-of-life along with the priests, sisters and relatives of Fr. Archangel attended the funeral service. At 11.15 a.m. his body was interred in the Monastery crypt.
Rev. Fr. Archangel was a man of courage and determination. No opposition from any one whatsoever, could withstand him realizing his plans. He was a zealous pastor and also a man of prayer while spending his time and energy for others. He had no pre-occupation about his own health and comforts. His simple life would be an inspiration for many.
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!