Father Joseph Thayil: Spiritual guide par excellence

Kozhikode: Father Joseph Thayil (1930-2020) is no more. The Kerala Jesuit priest died September 30 at the age of 90 at Christ Hall Kozhikode, the third largest town in Kerala, southern India.

But he leaves behind fond memories in a large number of people who had associated with him.

Father Jose Thayil, as he was affectionately called, was indeed a ‘guru’ known for his skill in counseling and guidance. He was trained in spirituality and counseling from the Gregorian University, Rome and Sadhana Institute, Lonavla, western India.

Hence, he spent most of his life in the twin fields of religious formation and psycho-spiritual counseling. For nearly 20 years, he was engaged in the training of young Jesuits – as novice master, spiritual director and as tertian instructor. As a Jesuit, he also took up responsibility as superior of different Jesuit houses and socius (secretary) to the Jesuit provincial whenever required.

I had the privilege of working with Father Thayil for over eleven years. As Programme Director of SRC (Socio Religious Centre) in Kozhikode, he was my next-door neighbor. Anyone was always welcome to his room. I have seen even senior Jesuits coming and meeting him regularly seeking his guidance.

Many younger Jesuits would swear that Father Thayil was their most trusted guide all through their life. They would get refreshed and energized after spending some time with him. Women religious of many congregations give testimony to his guidance sessions and personal growth workshops, and they would keep visiting him even when he became less mobile.

As he advanced in age, he began to complain about his failing memory, but he continued to function as counselor and therapist until recently. In 2018, when he reached 88, he withdrew from active ministry and moved to Sangmam, the house for senior Jesuits. When I met him in Sangamam recently, I was pleasantly surprised to feel his presence that communicated joy and contentment.

Father Joe was soft-spoken with smiling eyes and a caring face, and always gentle in his ways. He was a real guru but with no external trappings of greatness. That is why people felt attracted towards him. But he was no weakling either. He could express his disapproval when the need arose.

I remember an occasion when I had to take a decision which he didn’t agree with. But all that he did was to tell me in one sentence that he was unhappy with my decision. Never again did he make a mention of it although the problem persisted. He was such a marvel to deal with, and more, to live with.

And the wonder is that he maintained a hidden youthfulness until he reached 90. That gave him energy to perform a dance item at age 87 in an assembly of Jesuits. Thank you, Joe, for leaving many good memories behind for our nourishment.