Slept In The Lord
Fr. Joseph Thookuzhy, CST (1959–1986)
| Diocese | Idukki |
| Parish | Kattappana |
| Date of Birth | 26 June 1959 |
| Religious Profession | 17 May 1977 |
| Priestly Ordination | 15 May 1986 |
| Date of Death | 17 July 1986 |
| Place of Burial | St. Joseph's Cathedral, Gorakhpur |
| Family Contact | +91 94957 47677 |
Fr. Joseph Thookuzhy, CST was born on 26 June 1959 at Thookkuzhy Bhavan, Kattappana, as the son of Thomas and Annakkutty. From an early age, he cherished a deep desire for the priesthood and nurtured within his heart a genuine missionary vocation. After completing his school education, he eagerly joined the Little Flower Congregation (CST) in 1975 to dedicate his life to the service of God and the Church.
From the day he entered the Congregation, his desire for the priesthood was accompanied by a profound spirit of religious commitment and self-sacrifice. He was ordained a priest in 1986 and, filled with missionary zeal, immediately began his ministry in the Gorakhpur Mission.
He was appointed Vice Rector of the Minor Seminary, but his ministry was tragically brief. Within just sixteen days of assuming this responsibility, he was struck by a serious illness and passed away.
Holding the image of Jesus close to his heart and invoking the holy name of the Lord until his final breath, Fr. Joseph surrendered his life to God. He became the first CST priest to offer his life in the Gorakhpur Mission, leaving behind a lasting witness of missionary dedication and sacrificial love.
May the compassionate Lord, who lifts up the lowly and strengthens those who serve Him, grant Fr. Joseph the fullness of eternal joy in His heavenly kingdom.
Fr. Thomas Plathottam, CST (1947–2012)
| Diocese | Kothamangalam |
| Parish | Cheppukulam |
| Date of Birth | 12 November 1947 |
| Religious Profession | 17 May 1967 |
| Priestly Ordination | 16 December 1974 |
| Date of Death | 11 January 2012 |
| Place of Burial | Little Flower Mission Seminary Cemetery, Vettikkattiri |
| Family Contact | +91 94471 64026 |
Fr. Thomas Plathottam, CST was born on 12 November 1947 at Keezhparambil, Palai. He later moved with his family to Cheppukulam, Kothamangalam, where he spent his formative years. He joined the Little Flower Congregation (CST) in 1965 and was ordained to the priesthood on 16 December 1974.
One of the pioneer missionaries of the Gorakhpur Mission, Fr. Thomas began his priestly ministry with remarkable missionary zeal. In 1975, he was sent to the Varanasi Mission, where he became one of the early missionaries who helped establish and strengthen the Gorakhpur Mission. His enthusiasm for evangelization and his willingness to undertake challenging assignments made him a true missionary in every sense of the word.
In 1980, Fr. Thomas embarked on a pioneering mission among the tribal communities of Attappady, where he courageously explored new fields of apostolic work. His ministry there demonstrated fresh possibilities for the apostolate of a religious priest and reflected his deep concern for the poor, the marginalized, and those on the peripheries of society.
He later ministered for many years in Ellington, Connecticut, USA, faithfully carrying out pastoral responsibilities. Yet, his heart remained restless in its search for new opportunities to serve the poor and proclaim the Gospel wherever the need was greatest.
On 4 January 2012, Fr. Thomas travelled to the Philippines to spend a sabbatical year reflecting on new missionary initiatives and exploring fresh avenues for evangelization. While there, the Lord unexpectedly called him to Himself. His mortal remains were later laid to rest in the cemetery of the Little Flower Mission Seminary, Vettikkattiri, where they await the resurrection.
Fr. Thomas is remembered as a missionary of extraordinary compassion, courage, and apostolic zeal. His life bore witness to the Gospel values of fearlessness and selfless service, virtues that his fellow priests especially admired and cherished in him. He maintained warm and affectionate relationships with his family, friends, and fellow missionaries, and was deeply loved for his simplicity, generosity, and genuine concern for others.
Reflecting on his sudden passing, a poet wrote:
“At the final sleep, without anyone knowing,
without uttering even a word of farewell, he departed.
That little boat had already begun its final journey.”
The memory of Fr. Thomas Plathottam continues to inspire the members of the Little Flower Congregation and all who knew him. His missionary spirit, fearless dedication, and compassionate heart remain a lasting legacy. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and the fullness of joy in His heavenly kingdom.
This version combines all the information from both Malayalam passages into a smooth, publication-quality biography while preserving the devotional tone of the original.
Fr. Theophane Kiliyanthara, CST (1931–2016)
| Diocese | Ernakulam |
| Parish | Chalil |
| Date of Birth | 23 October 1931 |
| Religious Profession | 17 May 1950 |
| Priestly Ordination | 1 June 1956 |
| Date of Death | 21 March 2016 |
| Place of Burial | St. Joseph's Cathedral, Gorakhpur |
| Family Contact | +91 94475 05731 |
Fr. Theophane Kiliyanthara, CST was born on 23 January 1931 at Chalil, Cherthala, to Joseph and Rosamma. He joined the Little Flower Congregation (CST) in 1948. After completing his philosophical studies at Mangalapuzha Seminary, he pursued theological studies at the Papal Seminary, Kandy, Sri Lanka, and later obtained a Licentiate in Theology from Pune.
He was ordained a priest on 1 June 1956, becoming the first priest of the Little Flower Congregation (CST).
From the very beginning of the Congregation, Fr. Theophane worked closely with the Founder, assisting him in the administration, formation, and expansion of the Institute. Throughout his priestly life, he faithfully carried out numerous responsibilities that contributed significantly to the growth and stability of the Congregation.
From 1962 to 1966, he served as Rector of Little Flower Seminary, Aluva, where he played a vital role in the formation of future priests. He was then appointed Headmaster of the school at Mookkannoor, serving from 1966 to 1972. He was elected General Councillor (1973–1976) and later served as Vicar General (1979–1982), providing wise leadership during important years in the Congregation’s history.
Beginning in 1975, Fr. Theophane devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Gorakhpur Mission, where he rendered distinguished service in pastoral ministry and missionary outreach. After the Founder, he was regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of the Congregation, contributing to almost every major area of its apostolate. He dedicated his knowledge, energy, and talents to the proclamation of the Gospel, the strengthening of missionary initiatives, and the development of the Congregation’s communication and publication ministries. His tireless zeal and selfless dedication became an enduring inspiration for generations of CST members.
During the last twelve years of his life, Fr. Theophane resided at the Provincial House in Chhargawan. Although retired from active administration, he continued to enrich the Congregation through his prayer, wisdom, and encouragement. His vast knowledge, especially his remarkable command of languages and exceptional proficiency in English, earned him the affectionate title of “a walking dictionary.”
Having lived and worked closely with the Founder, Fr. Theophane imbibed the discipline and ascetical spirit of the Basilian monastic tradition. At the same time, he was widely admired for his gentleness, serenity, and gracious manner in dealing with others. The Superior General, Fr. Francis Kilivallikkal, fondly described him as “a man of celebrations,” a tribute to his joyful spirit, positive outlook, and ability to bring encouragement and hope wherever he served.
On 21 March 2016, Fr. Theophane entered into eternal rest after a lifetime of faithful priestly and missionary service. Having completed the race of faith with perseverance and generosity, he remains a cherished pioneer of the Little Flower Congregation, remembered with gratitude for his humility, scholarship, leadership, missionary zeal, and unwavering dedication to Christ and
His Church. May the Lord grant him the joy of everlasting life in His heavenly kingdom.
Fr. Benny Konooran, CST (1973–2021)
| Diocese | Thalassery |
| Parish | Manikkadavu |
| Date of Birth | 28 February 1973 |
| Religious Profession | 17 May 1994 |
| Priestly Ordination | 28 April 2004 |
| Date of Death | 21 May 2021 |
| Place of Burial | Little Flower Ashram, Jungle Sikri, Gorakhpur |
| Family Contact | +91 94476 88429, +91 97445 83240 |
Fr. Benny Konooran, CST was born on 28 February 1973 at Manikkadavu in the Archdiocese of Thalassery, in the Konooran family, as the ninth child of Varghese and Thresiamma. After completing his school education at St. Thomas High School, Manikkadavu, he joined the Little Flower Congregation (CST) on 16 June 1990. He began his minor seminary formation at Jyothi Bhavan, Gorakhpur. His novitiate commenced on 16 May 1993 at Chathamunda, and he made his First Religious Profession on 17 May 1994. After studying Philosophy at Little Flower Major Seminary, Aluva, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Devagiri College, Kozhikode. Following his practical training at Basil Bhavan, Basti, he completed his theological studies at Khrist Premalaya Seminary, Ashta. He was ordained to the priesthood on 28 April 2004. His first appointment was as Assistant Novice Master at the Little Flower Novitiate, Chathamunda. In 2007, Fr. Benny Konooran was appointed to Little Flower Seminary, Aluva, first as a member of the formation staff and later as Procurator. During this period, he completed a Master's Degree in English Literature and subsequently earned an M.Phil. After his higher studies, Fr. Benny Konooran was appointed to Jyothi Gurukul Minor Seminary, Waterganj, in 2014, where he served first on the formation staff and later as Rector. In 2016, he was appointed Rector and Superior of Little Flower Minor Seminary, Vettikkattiri, where he devoted several years to the formation of seminarians with wisdom, dedication, and fatherly care. In 2021, Fr. Benny Konooran was appointed Superior of Little Flower Ashram, Shrawasti, and Principal of Little Flower School. Shortly after assuming these responsibilities, he contracted COVID-19. He was admitted to Fatima Hospital, Gorakhpur, on 28 April 2021. Although his condition initially improved and he tested negative for the virus, he suddenly suffered a severe brain haemorrhage following a rapid drop in oxygen saturation. On the night of 21 May 2021, he peacefully departed to the Lord. Following the funeral rites, his mortal remains were laid to rest in the cemetery of Little Flower Ashram, Jungle Sikri, Gorakhpur. Fr. Benny Konooran is remembered as a dedicated missionary, an exemplary formator, and a compassionate priest who inspired his students to live lives rooted in the love of God and fraternal charity. His gentle leadership, academic excellence, and deep concern for those entrusted to his care left a lasting impression on the Congregation and on all who knew him. Having completed his earthly pilgrimage with fidelity, he now shares in the eternal love and peace of the Lord whom he served so faithfully.
Fr. John Kulathinkal, CST (1956–2023)
| Diocese | Thalassery |
| Parish | Edoor |
| Date of Birth | 22 January 1956 |
| Religious Profession | 17 May 1974 |
| Priestly Ordination | 8 March 1983 |
| Date of Death | 23 June 2023 |
| Place of Burial | Little Flower Mission Seminary, Vettikkattiri |
| Family Contact | +91 81139 27508 |
Fr. John Kulathinkal, CST was born on 22 January 1956 at Edoor in the Archdiocese of Thalassery, in the Kulathinkal family, as the third son of Joseph and Thresiamma. He completed his school education at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School, Edoor, and joined the Little Flower Congregation (CST) on 22 June 1972 at the Minor Seminary, Mookkannoor. He made his First Religious Profession on 17 May 1974. He then pursued his philosophical studies at Little Flower Seminary, Aluva, while residing at Vijnan Bhavan (present-day Little Flower Generalate), Thrikkakara. He completed his theological studies at Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamallee, and was ordained to the priesthood on 8 March 1983 by Bishop Sebastian Valloppilly at Little Flower Minor Seminary, Irikkur. Soon after his ordination in 1983, Fr. John was assigned to the Gorakhpur Mission, where he began his missionary ministry as the priest in charge of the Dumrikhas Mission. Over the years, he served with dedication in several mission centres, including Calvary Mission, Kasia Mission, and Mitheura Mission, bringing the Gospel to many through his pastoral care and missionary commitment. His ministry later extended beyond India. He served in the Diocese of Norwich, USA, and from 2003 to 2007 he exercised pastoral ministry in the Diocese of London, Ontario, Canada. He also served in the Bhairahawa Mission in Nepal, generously sharing his priestly ministry across diverse cultures and communities. In 2015, owing to ill health, Fr. John retired from active ministry. In 2021, he took up residence at the Little Flower Mission Seminary, Vettikkattiri, where he continued to receive medical care. Following a period of illness, he was admitted to the hospital on 21 June 2023. His condition gradually worsened, and at 10:10 a.m. on 23 June 2023, he peacefully departed to the Lord. Fr. John Kulathinkal is remembered as a humble and hardworking missionary who faithfully dedicated his life to the service of the Church. Through years of patient ministry in missions, parishes, and foreign dioceses, he became a witness to Christ's love and compassion. His simplicity, perseverance, and generous spirit continue to inspire the members of the Little Flower Congregation and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and everlasting joy in His heavenly kingdom.
Life Memories
Home To Eternity
Fr. Sebastian Thundathil, CST (1946–2025)
| Diocese | Palai |
| Parish | Moolamattom |
| Date of Birth | 10 January 1946 |
| Religious Profession | 17 May 1966 |
| Priestly Ordination | 23 December 1973 |
| Date of Death | 30 August 2025 |
| Place of Burial | Little Flower Ashram, Jungle Sikri, Gorakhpur |
Fr. Sebastian Thundathil, CST was born on 10 January 1946 at Moolamattom in the Diocese of Palai, in the Thundathil family, as the sixth of the ten children of Thomas and Mariam. After completing his S.S.L.C., he joined the Little Flower Congregation (CST) at the Minor Seminary, Mookkannoor, on 8 June 1964. He completed his novitiate in 1966, made his First Religious Profession on 11 May 1966, and was ordained to the priesthood on 23 December 1973 at his home parish, Moolamattom, by Bishop Sebastian Vayalil, the first Bishop of Palai.
Fr. Sebastian began his priestly ministry in 1974 as Superior of Marygiri Ashram at Koottumugham in Kannur District. A year later, responding generously to the call of the Congregation, he joined the Gorakhpur Mission in 1975. There he received his initial missionary formation under the guidance of the Canadian Capuchin missionary Fr. Jojin Maria Viani, learning the fundamentals of missionary life and pastoral ministry.
He subsequently served in several pioneering mission centres. He was entrusted with the newly established Masih Seva Ashram, Nichlaul Mission, and from 1979 to 1982 served as Superior of the Gorakhpur Mission while also serving as Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church. From 1982, he was placed in charge of the Basti Mission. On 2 January 1984, he founded St. Basil School, Basti. He also supervised the construction of schools in the Dumariaganj (Hallaur) Mission and, in 1988, became the Principal of St. Joseph’s School, Gorakhpur.
Throughout his long priestly ministry, Fr. Sebastian held several important leadership positions within the Congregation, including Chancellor of the Diocese, Procurator, Provincial Superior, Rector of Little Flower Seminary, Aluva, Rector of the Minor Seminary, and Vicar Provincial, serving each responsibility with wisdom, dedication, and pastoral charity.
From 1991 to 1997, he pursued higher studies at the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Vadavathoor, earning a Doctorate in Oriental Liturgy with distinction. His academic excellence led to his recognition as a respected scholar and teacher.
Between 2010 and 2020, Fr. Sebastian rendered dedicated service in the Nepal Mission, serving as Superior at Bhairahawa and Sehari, where his missionary leadership and pastoral care were widely appreciated.
From 2020 onwards, he experienced several health challenges, particularly related to his heart. A pacemaker was implanted to regulate his heartbeat, and he also battled diabetes and other age-related illnesses with remarkable faith and serenity.
On 16 August 2025, after developing a fever and persistent cough, he was admitted to the hospital. Medical examinations revealed serious cardiac complications, and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for specialized treatment. On 25 August, kidney failure necessitated dialysis, but despite every effort, his health continued to decline. At 5:15 a.m. on 30 August 2025, Fr. Sebastian peacefully surrendered his life to the Lord whom he had served so faithfully.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated on 1 September 2025 in the presence of Bishop Dominic Kokkat, Bishop Thomas Thuruthimattam, Bishop Mathew Nellikunnel, fellow priests, religious, and the faithful. Following the funeral rites, his mortal remains were laid to rest in the cemetery of Little Flower Ashram, Jungle Sikri, Gorakhpur.
Fr. Sebastian Thundathil is remembered as a pioneering missionary, a gifted administrator, a respected scholar, and a devoted formator. His unwavering commitment to evangelization, priestly formation, Catholic education, and missionary expansion left an enduring mark on the Little Flower Congregation and the Church. His life remains a shining example of faith, humble service, and total dedication to Christ and His mission. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and the everlasting joy of His heavenly kingdom.
Life Memories
Home To Eternity
Fr. Mathew Aruthottiyil, CST (1949–2026)
| Diocese | Palai |
| Parish | Thottuva |
| Date of Birth | 03 January 1943 |
| Religious Profession | 17 May 1968 |
| Priestly Ordination | 17 December 1975 |
| Date of Death | 29 May 2026 |
| Place of Burial | Little Flower Ashram, Jungle Sikri, Gorakhpur |
Fr. Mathew Aruthottiyil, CST was born on 3 January 1949 at Thottuva, in Kottayam District, in the Diocese of Palai, as the third of the five children of Mathew and Annakutty. After completing his school education, he joined the Little Flower Congregation (CST) in 1966 and began his priestly formation at the Minor Seminary, Mookkannoor. He entered the canonical novitiate in 1967 and made his First Religious Profession on 17 May 1968. After completing his philosophical studies at Little Flower Seminary, Aluva, he pursued theological studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva, and was ordained to the priesthood on 17 December 1975.
Soon after his ordination, Fr. Mathew was assigned to the Gorakhpur Mission, where he began his missionary ministry as Assistant Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Gorakhpur, and later at St. Antony’s Church, Dharampur. Until 1981, he served the mission with remarkable zeal, simplicity, and dedication, sharing in the pioneering missionary efforts of the Congregation in northern India.
In 1981, he was recalled to Kerala and entrusted with the important ministry of priestly formation. He first served as Assistant Novice Master at the Little Flower Novitiate, Chathamunda, where he accompanied young religious in their initial formation. Later, he joined the staff of Little Flower Major Seminary, Aluva, where his wisdom, patience, and fatherly concern made him an outstanding formator. In 1983, he was appointed Vice Rector of St. John Maria Vianney Seminary, Amritsar, the Minor Seminary of the Diocese of Jullundur.
The following year, Fr. Mathew served briefly as Assistant Parish Priest at St. George Forane Church, Edappally. In 1985, he was entrusted with preparing seminarians for the missions, particularly by teaching English and Hindi, equipping young missionaries for apostolic service in North India. From 1986 to 1991, he again served on the staff of Little Flower Major Seminary, Aluva, continuing his valuable contribution to the intellectual, spiritual, and human formation of future priests.
In 1991, Fr. Mathew stepped away from formation ministry and was appointed Assistant Director of St. Thomas Ashram, Kottor, where he continued his pastoral and missionary service. During his sabbatical year in 2000, he dedicated himself to the service of Adivasi children in Attappady, generously sharing his time in teaching, caring for them, and supporting their educational and spiritual growth.
From 2003 to 2013, he was a member of the Provincial House community, faithfully carrying out various responsibilities entrusted to him. In 2013, he volunteered for the Tansen Mission in Nepal, where he spent a year in missionary service. From 2015, he became a member of the Little Flower Ashram, Jungle Sikri, continuing his apostolic ministry with the same missionary spirit that had characterized his priesthood from the beginning. As his health gradually declined, he moved to the Provincial House, Chargawan, in 2019, where he received medical care while remaining an active spiritual presence within the community.
Fr. Mathew’s later years became a remarkable testimony to Christian hope and perseverance. Confined to bed for more than five and a half years, he embraced prolonged physical pain, emotional suffering, and psychological struggles with extraordinary patience and complete trust in God’s providence. He never allowed illness to diminish his faith or his concern for others. Even in physical weakness, he continued to encourage visitors through his serene smile, gentle humour, and profound spiritual insights. His silent witness became an eloquent proclamation of the Gospel, inspiring all who came to know him.
A gifted and creative personality, Fr. Mathew possessed a special love for children. His joyful disposition, artistic talents, handcrafts, songs, and delightful sense of humour brought happiness to countless people. His ability to combine simplicity with deep spirituality made him an approachable priest and a beloved companion in community life. Those who lived and worked with him remember him as a man of kindness, gentleness, and genuine fraternity.
Even during his years of illness, Fr. Mathew continued his apostolate through writing. Drawing from his own experiences of suffering, hope, and faith, he authored the Malayalam book Idam Thedunna Oru Kunju Mezhukuthiri (“A Little Candle in Search of a Place”), a collection of deeply spiritual reflections. The book was published in November 2025 on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination. Its simple yet profound reflections touched many readers and revealed the depth of his faith, wisdom, and complete surrender to the will of God.
During the final months of his life, Fr. Mathew’s health deteriorated steadily. He developed breathing difficulties caused by fluid accumulation in his lungs and was admitted to Fatima Hospital, Gorakhpur, on 25 April 2026. Although treatment brought temporary improvement and he was able to return to the Provincial House on 20 May, his physical strength continued to decline. On 13 May, he received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from Bishop Mathew Nellikunnel, CST, preparing himself with serenity for his final journey.
In the early hours of 29 May 2026, after a peaceful night of rest, Fr. Mathew quietly surrendered his soul to the Lord. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that he had passed away peacefully. His life, marked by faithful priesthood, missionary zeal, joyful service, and patient suffering, had reached its fulfilment in the Lord whom he had loved and served throughout his life.
Fr. Mathew Aruthottiyil is remembered as a dedicated missionary, an exemplary formator, a compassionate priest, and a joyful religious. His life bore witness to the transforming power of faith, especially through the serenity with which he embraced prolonged suffering. His contributions to missionary formation, pastoral ministry, and the growth of the Little Flower Congregation continue to inspire those who knew him. Above all, his patient endurance during the final years of his life became a powerful testimony that true discipleship is found not only in active ministry but also in faithfully carrying the cross with Christ. The Little Flower Congregation gratefully remembers his life of humble service and unwavering fidelity, praying that the Good Shepherd whom he served so faithfully may now welcome him into the everlasting joy of His heavenly kingdom.
Life Memories
Home To Eternity
