(15-03-1903 to 07-04-1982)
Rev. Fr. Celestin Panackal OCD of St. Joseph, slept in the Lord on 3rd February, 1982, at the age of 79 in 52nd year of his Profession.
Rev. Fr. Celestin was born of noble parents Joseph Panackal and Rosa, on 15th March, 1903, at Moolampally, belongs to the Archdiocese of Verapoly. He was already a professed member of the Third Order Carmelite of Manjummel when he joined in our Order of the Discalced Carmelites at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram on 24th March, 1929 taking the new name as Br. Celestin Panackal OCD of St. Joseph. Having completed an year of Novitiate, he made his Solemn Profession at Carmel Hill on 25th March, 1930. Then he continued his Theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary at Puthenpally. In 1931, he was sent to Belgium (Ghent) where he completed his Theology and was ordained priest on 26th July, 1931, at Courtrai, Belgium.
Ever since his return to India in 1933, he served our communities at Thiruvananthapuram, Thuckalay, Verapuzha and Ernakulam.
1957 – 1960 Prior, St. Elias’ Monastery, Thuckalay
1960 – 1976 Served the Diocese of Thiruvananthapuram as a missionary for 16 years
1976 In charge of our Mission Station at Arkonam, Tamil Nadu. Also volunteered his service for 3 years to the newly formed Tamil Nadu General Delegation
In August 1981, Rev. Fr. Celestin got admitted in Lissie Hospital, Ernakulam and after a prolonged illness. After receiving the Holy Sacrament of the Church, Rev. Fr. Celestin Panackal OCD of St. Joseph slept in the Lord on 7th April, 1982 in the hospital itself. His body was buried in the cemetery at Varapuzha according to his wish.
Rev. Fr. Celestin Panackal OCD of St. Joseph loved a very simple way of life. He is remembered for his Apostolic zeal all throughout the fifty years of his priesthood.
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!