The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church mourns the loss of Rev. Fr. Joshua Chuttippara, who was called to eternal rest on 14 January 2025. A venerable priest of the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta, Fr. Joshua leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faith, scholarship, and missionary zeal that spanned over six decades.
Final Farewell and Memorial Services
Fr. Joshua’s mortal remains are kept at the Pushpagiri Hospital Mortuary. The following services and ceremonies have been arranged to bid him a final farewell:
- 14 January 2025 (Tuesday):
- Evening Prayer and Second Service at 6:30 PM officiated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius, Bishop of Muvattupuzha.
- 15 January 2025 (Wednesday):
- 6:00 AM: Prayers led by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Eusebius, Bishop of Parassala.
- 8:00 AM: Memorial Service presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mor Irenios, Bishop of Pathanamthitta.
- 9:30 AM: Final service at the Cathedral, officiated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius.
- 16 January 2025 (Thursday):
- 12:00 AM – 2:30 PM: Additional services at St. Thomas Cathedral, led by senior clergy of the Church.
We invite the faithful to join in prayers for the repose of his soul and to celebrate the life of a devoted servant of the Lord.
Life Rooted in Faith
Born on 20 August 1934 in Thumpamon, Pathanamthitta, to Skaria and Kunjamma, Fr. Joshua grew up in a family deeply rooted in Christian faith. Baptised in the Jacobite tradition at Manjinikkara Church, his family later entered into communion with the Catholic Church through the re-union movement led by Venerable Mar Ivanios. Inspired by the life of his uncle, Fr. John Kuzhinappurath OIC, one of the pioneering members of the reunion movement, Fr. Joshua embraced the priesthood.
After completing his school education at Mar Gregorios High School, Thumpamon, and intermediate studies at Ajmer University, he joined the seminary in 1955 under the guidance of Benedict Mor Gregorios. Following his philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, Fr. Joshua, along with Fr. Thomas Ezhiyath, became the first Syro-Malankara Catholic seminarians to study theology in Europe. He completed his theological training at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, where he was ordained a priest on 8 September 1964 by Benedict Mor Gregorios.
A Scholar and Educator
Fr. Joshua’s dedication to academic excellence earned him accolades as a professor of French at Mar Ivanios College, where he served from 1968 to 1990. His passion for education extended to his studies in French literature at Sorbonne University, Paris, and Pondicherry University, where he obtained advanced degrees. As a revered faculty member, he inspired countless students and contributed significantly to the college’s intellectual growth.
A Devoted Missionary and Parish Priest
Fr. Joshua’s missionary spirit found expression in his pastoral ministry across several parishes, including Vandanoor, where he played a pivotal role in rejuvenating St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church and establishing the St. Mary’s CBSE School, now a beacon of education in the region. A man of vision and compassion, he also constructed homes for impoverished families and supported the education of underprivileged children.
Service in Retirement
In 2010, Fr. Joshua retired to the Clergy Home in Kumbazha but remained active in spiritual guidance. As an Assistant Spiritual Father at the Gurukulam Minor Seminary, Bathery, he continued to inspire young seminarians.
Faith and Charity
Fr. Joshua’s profound love for the Blessed Virgin Mary was evident in the grotto he built at Thumpamon in 2009, marking his 45th anniversary of priesthood. In 2014, his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood was celebrated at Thumpamon Parish, where he established the JC Peace Foundation, a charitable trust dedicated to community welfare.
Remembering a Shepherd of Souls
Fr. Joshua Chuttippara was a man of deep faith, intellectual brilliance, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Church. His inspiring words and actions reflected Christ’s love and compassion, making him a cherished shepherd to many.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable priest, let us continue to keep his memory alive through our prayers and by emulating his faith-driven service. May his soul find eternal rest in the loving embrace of the Lord.
Let us pray: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
