Rev. Br Varkey Thakidiel MCBS

Date of Birth: 07-08-1928

Joining the MCBS: 02-07-1950

First Religious Profession: 16-05-1953

Final Profession : 16-05-1956

Death: 11-05-2012

Varkey Thakidiel was born 0n 7th August 1928 at Mannanam in Kottayam District. His parents were Augustine and Mariam Thakidiel from the parish of Athirampuzha in the Archdiocese of Changanassery. He was baptised on 16th August 1928. He had his primary and high school education at St. Epfrem’s School run by the CMI Fathers. Early on he had the desire to be a missionary. After having completed the high school studies he joined the Salesian seminary at Thirupathur in Tamil Nadu. But he had to discontinue his studies there because he was unable to cope with the standard of education there. But he did not give up his desire to be a religious. He approached the MCBS superiors enquiring about the possibility of joining as a Brother Co-operator. He was granted permission, and on 2nd July 1950 he joined the MCBS as a candidate and started his formation at Lisieux Ashram. He was the first one to join the congregation to be Brother Co-operator.

He was granted permission to join the 5th batch of MCBS novices and have the novitiate from 15th May 1952. Fr. Romulus CMI, the spiritual director of St. Alphonsa, has been the Novice Master. Bro Varkey Thakidiel made his first Religious Profession on 16th May 1953. At first his place of service was Lisieux Ashram, Athirampuzha. His responsibility was to oversee the agricultural works on the paddy field and landed property. He tried to do his job as best as he could. Then he was transferred to Karimpany Ashram where he rendered similar sevice. Later he was transferred to the Mother House at Kaduvakulam. Construction of the first floor of the house has been going on and he was to supervise the works and give direction to the kitchen staff. Bro Varkey made his Final Profession on 16th May 1956.

His next transfer was to Pious Mount Ashram, Nellikutty, where, in the hard living conditions, he strived to plant more coconut trees and to increase the income from the landed property. In 1961 he was assigned to Karukunnu where the construction of the building has been in progress. His main task was to assist the procurator by doing the shoping and giving directions to the kitchen staff. His next place of service was at Podimattam, Kanjirappally, where the land was just purchased for the proposed new House. He lived in the limited living conditions and took care of the property. From there he was transferred to St. Thomas Villa Kombayar, where his difficult task was to oversee the works in the Cardamom Plantation and improve the income from it. His next place of service was MCBS House Anappara where Lisieux Boys’ Town has been functioning then. He tried his best to take care of those school-going boys. Later he was transferred to Sanjobhavan Nanjangud where his task was to assist the director who has been managing the Coconut Farm. Then he was asked to render his service at Iduvally, in Shimoga Mission. He helped taking care of the boys in the Balabhavan at Paduasadan.

Wherever Bro Varkey served, he has been very particular about personal prayer and community life. His love for the congregation was so much that he has been ready to accept any hardship. Bro Varkey has been advancing in age and experiencing a number of health problems. Hence he was transferred to Emmaus Provincial House so that he could get necessary medical care and rest. He has been suffering from diabetes, dementia etc. and has had regular medical check-up and treatment. For about seven years he has been almost bed-ridden. On 9th December 2011 his health condition became worse and was administered the sacrament of Anointing. This condition persisted for about five months. On 12th May 2012, his condition became very critical and at 2.30 a.m. Bro. Varkey Thakidiel breathed his last in the Lord.

The funeral service for Bro. Varkey Thakidiel was on 14th May 2012 at the Emmaus Provincial House. The first part of the service was officiated by the provincial superior and assisted by his councillors. The second part of the service was officiated by the superior general. The third part commenced with the concelebrated Holy Mass, officiated by Bishop Thomas Elevanal and assisted by the superior general, provincials and many members of the congregation. Fr. Jose Mulangattil preached a very touching homily, highlighting the valuable service of Bro. Varkey.

Zealous devotion to Holy Eucharist, love for personal prayer, punctuality, truthfulness, respectfulness, sense of gratitude and belongingness, evading confrontations etc. are a few of Bro Thakidiel’s virtues to be appreciated and emulated.

Fr. Cyriac Kottayarikil MCBS