Monday, April 24, 2023

Rev. Fr. Philip Paruvanany

 


Fr. Philip Paruvanany (Born in 19th September 1935 – Died on 04th July 2012) is a Catholic Parish Priest and Reformer. He is renowned for his leadership qualities, ability to be a strong congressman, and contributions to community development. In the neighborhood and among his family, he was referred to as "Kochachan."

Life & Career:

Fr. Philip Paruvanany was ordained as a Catholic priest on March 12, 1964, in the VC (Vincentian Congregation) Family during the golden jubilee of the memorable International Eucharistic Congress in Mumbai. At the time, Pope Paul VI was in India.

He began her career at St. Mary's Church Thuruthy - Kottayam as an Assistant Vicar & Community Leader. He served in several parish churches in the Syro Malabar Church, including St. Thomas Church in Amalagiri, St. Joseph's Church in Koovappally, St. Mary's Forane Church in Pulincunnoo (Pulinkunnu), and others.

He had the honour of performing Holy Qurbana in Syriac (Chaldean Syrian - Eastern Catholic Tradition) in the parishes and dioceses of Mar Mathew Kavukattu (Metropolitan, Arch-diocese of Changanassery) and Mar Antony Padiyara (Cardinal, Kanjirapally).

Kochachan was a calm and peaceful man who was elected by the people as a strong congress statesman. Among diocesan priests at the time, he was recognised as a nationalist because he was involved in political meetings and rallies that bolstered the voting base of the Indian National Congress (INC) and Kerala Congress, led by Mr. K.M George.