REV. FR. PHILIP THODUKAYIL

Director of Knanaya Syro-Malabar Mission, Chicago

Philip was born at Palathuruth, Kaipuzha in Thodukayil family in March 1943. After his education at St. Theresa's L.P. School Palathuruth, St. George's High School Kaipuzha, and C.M.S. College Kottayam, he joined St. Stanislaus' Minor Seminary. His Philosophy and Theology Course was at Pontifical Seminary. Alwaye.

After his priestly formation, Fr. Philip Thodukayil was ordained by the laying of hands by His Excellency Mar Thomas Tharayil, then bishop of Kottayam at St. Theresa's Church Palathuruth on December 18, 1969.

Fr. Thodukayil was a successful pastor in many parishes and won the love and support of the people. His first assignment as as vicar at Holy Family Church, Velloor  from April 5, 1970 to April 6, 1974. Then he became vicar at St. Thomas Church Perikkalloor from April 7, 1974 to April 27, 1979. During this period, he took initiative to start a new parish at Kappiset. He constructed the church and blessed it on August 15, 1976. He has to walk miles to serve the parish from his residence at Perikkalloor. He also supervised the construction of convent in Perikkalloor.

Fr. Thodukayil's next assignment was as vicar at St. Mary's Church Varappetty and St. Sebastian's Church Parambancherry from April 29, 1979 to April 28, 1985. Both are nearby parishes. He supervised the construction of the convent, Nursery School and Lower Primary School at Parambancherry.

Bishop then transferred Fr. Thodukayil as vicar at St. Anthony's Church Marika and St. Joseph's Church Vadakkummury. He served the nearby parishes from May 4, 1985 to April 29, 1987.

Fr. Thodukayil's next assignment was as vicar at Lourde's Forane Church Madampam and St. Joseph's Church Kottoorvayal. He took leadership for the construction of Kottoorvayal Church. His service there was from April 30, 1987 to July 8, 1990.

Fr. Philip was then vicar at St. Stephen's Church Peroor and joint director of Caritas Hospital from July 14, 1990 to May 18, 1991. He became director of Caritas Hospital, Nursing School, Pharmacy College, BTM Home for the Aged, and Vianny Home on May 18, 1991 and continued there until June 28, 1997. While he was the director of Caritas Hospital, he gave leadership in making the treatment facilities hi-tech. He took initiative in establishing mortuary in the hospital. Bishop Tharayil block was constructed during his period of service. Then bishop transferred him to St. Stephen's Church Uzhavoor as vicar. He served there from June 19, 1997 until June 28, 1999.

Fr. Philip Thodukayil came to Chicago to serve as the director of Knanaya Mission in Chicago and started his service on August 1, 1999.

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Last modified: 04/25/12