By Thomas Scaria
Bengaluru, Feb 21, 2022: The pioneer of Claretian missions in India died February 21 in Kuravilangad, Kerala. He was 86.
Father Joseph Madhavathu was ailing for some time.
Father Madhavath’s funeral will be held at 2:30 pm on Feb 22 at Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad.
Father Madhavath was born on April 21, 1936, and was in the first batch of candidates sent to Germany from Palai to become Claretians.
He made his first profession in 1963 and final in 1968.
He was ordained a priest in July 25, 1968, by Bishop Sebastian Vayalil of Palai in Germany.
Bishop Vayalil invited the Claretians and Father Madhavathu built Claret Bhavan, the first Claretian minor seminary, in Kuravilangad in 1970 with the help of the German Father Francis Dinberger.
He served as the congregation’s first Indian superior during 1970-1981. He started the Claretian missions in Andhra Pradesh with the first batch of priests he trained in Claret Bhavan.
In 1984, he met with an accident and was resting in Claret Bhavan, Kuravilangad. He had lost his memories, but continued as an inspiration for Claretians. He was engaged in the formation of the minor seminarians until recently.
“He was our father figure and an inspiration for every mission we undertook,” said Father George Kannanthanam who was trained by Father Madhavath.
Father Kannanthanam told Matters India that all Indian Claretians cherished “a personal relationship with him and this security of being under the loving care of our Indian founder kept the congregation grow up fast with five provinces in India.”
Claretians now have more than 500 members in 50 years in India.
The Claretian Missionaries or the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Cordis Mariae Filii) was founded by Saint Antony Mary Claret on July 16, 1849, at Vic in Spain. The congregation now has 3,150 members working in 64 countries.
The congregation aims to glorify God and sanctify the members by evangelizing the world, especially through the ministry of the Word.
The congregation’s ministry takes into account whatever is urgent, opportune and effective. Hence its field of activity is not restricted to one area but embraces the priorities of places and times such as mission among non-Christians, popular missions in parishes, mass media and retreats. It also works for the marginalized, youth and family apostolate.