Monday, April 24, 2023

Fr. Thomas Paruvanany (SJ)

 


Fr. Thomas Paruvanany (October 1, 1939 – September 7, 1988) was a Catholic Priest, Missionary, Educator, Retreat Preacher, and Formator. He was an important church missionary in the Syro Malabar Missions in Bihar, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Aside from being an exceptional social worker, he has been recognized for his contributions to community development and as an Academician who taught English as a topic. He was known as 'Thomachan' among relatives and friends.


Education:

  • Master of Theology (M.Th) in Theology & Philosophy, Vidyajyoti College of Theology, New Delhi
  • Master of Arts (MA) in English/Political Science, Ranchi University
  • Bachelor of Education(B.Ed), Patna University


Life & Career:

Fr. Thomas Paruvanany began his career as an academician at St. Xavier's High School in Patna after being ordained as a religious priest. After a few years, he transferred to St. Xavier's Senior Secondary School in Jaipur, where he worked as a senior academician and is still involved with Syro Malabar Missions. He finally became Vice Principal at St. Xavier's School in New Delhi and then Assistant Rector and Professor at St. Xavier's College of Education in Patna.

Thomachan was well-known for his Reformist and Revolutionary ideas. He authored numerous publications on Community Development and mission experiences. He died in 1988 after a heart attack.

Achievements:

Trained more than 500 young priests.