(23-10-1949 to 29-07-2008)
Rev. Fr. Simon Kakkattil OCD expired on 29th July, 2008, at the age of 59.
Rev. Fr. Simon OCD, son of Mathai Kakkattil and Rosamma was born on 23rd October, 1949 at Kanakkary, belonging to the Parish of Kottakkapuram in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. After passing SSLC exam, he joined the Aspirants House at St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam. He made his novitiate at St. Elias’ Monastery, Thuckalay and made his Simple Profession on 24th April, 1968. After his Solemn Profession on 24th October, 1974, he had his three years Philosophy studies at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram and he took his BA Degree from the University of Kerala. He had his theological studies in Carmelaram Theology College, Bengaluru. He was ordained priest on 28th April, 1976, at St. Matthew’s Church, Kottakkapuram. He was sent to St. Joseph’s Apostolic Seminary, Alwaye for his licentiate, which, he took with distinction.
Fr. Simon was the Procurator in Carmelaram Theology College, Bengaluru for some time until he was elected Provincial Councilor. He was the Professor for the Postulants, at Cherupushpam Ashram, Ettumanoor. He was a victim of high Diabetes. In 2002, he got transferred to Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram. While he was there, Diabetes became uncontrollable so that his right leg was amputated. Since then, he was laid up, but the community and the Province very well looked him after. In January, 2008, his condition became worse. He was then admitted in Jubilee Memorial Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, where after being fortified by Viaticum and anointing of the sick he commended his soul to the Heavenly Father on 29th June 2008 at 10.45 p.m. His body was brought to Carmel Hill at 11.30 p.m. Our fathers and brothers kept vigil praying for Fr. Simon. On 30th morning, his body was taken to the church and was lad in state for the people of God to pay him homage. At 6.15 a.m., Very Rev. Fr. Rockose Kolenchery, Prior of Carmel Hill Monastery, presided over the solemn con-celebrated Holy Mass in the church and sang the absolution over him. Rev. Fr. Zacharias Varikkamackal OCD gave the funeral oration extolling his heroic and patient suffering for the last four years of his life.
At 10.30 p.m., after saying a response over his body, he was taken to Cherupushpa Ashram, Ettumanoor, where he spent a major part of his life. On 1st July, his body was taken to Lisieux Centre, Muvattupuzha for the funeral. The funeral service began at 10.00 a.m. Rev. Fr. John Kunnathumadappally, cousin brother of Fr. Simon was the chief concelebrant. The fathers from our Communities concelebrated the Holy Mass. Rev. Fr. Justin Avanooparambil of Mary Immaculate OCD, classmate and colleague of Fr. Simon and hailing from the same parish, gave the funeral oration. Rt. Rev. Mar George Punnakottil officiated at the funeral and his mortal remains were interred in the crypt by 12.30 p.m., where he lies awaiting the Resurrection of the Dead. A good number of priests and religious men and women, his relatives and lay faithful attended the funeral.
Rev. Fr. Simon could rightly be called the Passion Flower of Malabar Province.
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!