(06-02-1968 to 26-12-2003)
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kallanthara OCD of St. Teresa, expired on Friday, 26th December 2003 in the 13th year of his Religious Profession and 7th year of his Priesthood, at St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam at the very prime age of 35 years.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kallanthara OCD of St. Teresa hailing from the Kallanthara Family belonging to the Blessed Sacrament Church, Karimpany, Diocese of Palai. He was born on 6th February, 1968. His parents were Ouseph John and Mariakutty. They had five children, of which Fr. Joseph was the fourth one. After his schooling, he joined the Order of the Discalced Carmelites of Malabar Province. He made his Simple Profession on 8th September, 1987 and Solemn Profession on 6th June, 1993. After completing his philosophical and theological studies, he was ordained priest on 22nd May, 1996 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Karimpany by Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Pallickaparambil, Bishop of Palai.
The joy that Christmas brought to us had the most unexpected shocking news of the sad and sudden demise of Rev. Fr. Joseph Kallanthara OCD of St. Teresa. The death of our dearest and very young friar, could not be accepted for many months after that. After being ordained priest in 1996, he had to embark on a life of hectic action and prayerful ministry. He was the youngest priest in our Province to be entrusted with the construction of such a big and beautiful San Joe Ashram at Pottah.
Neither was there any younger Provincial Procurator in one Province. It is very surprising to see how much he did for the Province when he was in Thiruvananthapuram as our Provincial Procurator. He was the Manager, St. Joseph’s Press; Manager, Book Stall; and Parish Priest, Good Shepherd Church, Thrikkannapuram – all in Thiruvananthapuram. Along with these works, he personally oversaw the works of RAS house construction; different building construction of our Province, the purchase and re-furnishing of Belthangady property and its building. Even when signs and symptoms of unhealthy attitudes in our Province arose, he served as a powerful bridge-builder of love and unity. Never had he attended to his personal comfort or interest. Even when he involved in imperinal offices, he was creatively oriented and involved in faithful-oriented ministry. That is why he was readily accepted to be a parish priest when he was Provincial Procurator; Chaplain, Medical Trust Hospital, Ernakulam and Manager of our Buildings in Ernakulam.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kallanthara OCD of St. Teresa – a priest with unique character, fearing and favoring none, he ws impeccably incorrupt in exercising all his responsible offices. He was bequeathed to us a life style of personal simplicity, unflagging determination and tireless work for the Province and the Church.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kallanthara OCD of St. Teresa – he was accomplished within this short span of 7 years in priesthood, whatever anyone might do in scores of years in priesthood.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kallanthara OCD of St. Teresa had gone by now ….on the same day when our dear Fr. Pius, who would welcome as with the warmest smile at the portals of Carmelaram, reached Heaven….to welcome each other at the Garden of Carmel!! He will remember you in both words and silence!!
Dead or Alive, they bring us great blessing!
While living with us they walked with us giving us life and light!
After leaving us all, they intercede for us in Heaven!!
May our dearest friar intercede for us!!!
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!