By Riju Kanjookaren

Kochi, March 13, 2024: The cultural and literary society in Kochi, Kerala, came together on March 13 to bid farewell to Father Paul Thelakat who stepped down as the longest serving editor of the leading Catholic weekly in the southern Indian state.

Father Thelakat “has achieved immortality through words, writing and philosophical thinking. He is an honest writer who contemplates life’s reality,” said M K Sanoo, a literary figure in Kerala who has maintained long years of association with the priest, while inaugurated the meeting.

The 97-year-old writer, popularly known as Sanumaster, described Father Thelakat as a humble priest who always felt disturbed while contemplating the events in society and the Church.

He also said Father Thelakat has contributed immensely to the culture and literature of Kerala, besides theology during his 37 years of service as the editor of “Sathyadeepam” (light of truth) weekly published by the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese.

Sebastian Paul, a former Member of Parliament and a veteran journalist who chaired the meeting, said Father Thelakat’s absence will be felt keenly in the cultural evenings of Kochi.

An autobiography of Father Thelakat titled “Kathavasesham” (The Story After) was released on the occasion. Noted poetess Vijayalakshmi released the book presenting a copy to Johny Lukose, a veteran journalist.

The poet spoke with great emotion about the enlightenment she received through Father Thelakat, her spiritual guide.

Lukose, who wrote the preface of the book, noted that Father Thelakat’s philosophical life created in minds the urge to seek truth and justice in a revolutionary way.

Father Thelakat was born on March 10, 1949, as one of the four sons of Varkey and Annamma, members of St. Francis Xavier Church in Cheranalloor East, Ernakulam district. One of his brothers Xavier is also a priest.

After studying philosophy at Carmelgiri and Theology at Mangalapuzha seminaries in Aluva, he was ordained a priest on December 18, 1974, for the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.

He has a doctorate from Catholic University, Leuven Belgium, and his thesis was on “God Suffers Evil: Study on A.N. Whitehead and Thomas Aquinas.”