REV FR. SEBASTIAN POOVATHUNKAL MCBS

Date of Birth : 13-05-1938

Joining the MCBS : 08-06-1958

Religious Profession : 25-05-1960

Priestly Ordination : 16-12-1967

Death : 08-04-2023

Sebastian Poovathunkal was born on 13th May 1938 at Kadanad in Kottayam district. His parents were Abraham and Eliamma Poovathunkal Thazhath, from Kadanad parish in the diocese of Pala. Sebastian was the eldest of three sons. Abraham and Jose were his younger brothers. He did his primary education at the Government L. P. School, Vallyath. He had his further education at St. Sebastian’s School, Kadanad. Early on he has been active in church activities; he drew inspiration from Fr. Sebastian Valloppally, the headmaster of the high school and later the bishop of Thalasseri, for priestly vocation.

On successful completion of the high school studies, Sebastian Poovathunkal joined the Minor Seminary at Lisieux Ashram, Athirampuzha, on 8th June 1958. He had his novitiate under Fr. George Kanatt during 1959-60 at the Mother House, Kaduvakulam. He made his first Religious Profession on 25th May 1960, and continued the studies at the Minor Seminary. On completion of the minor seminary studies he started his Major Seminary formation at the MCBS Study House, Karukunnu. He had his study of Philosophy at Carmelgiri Seminary and Theology at Mangalapuzha Seminary. He was ordained as priest on 16th December 1967 by Archbishop Joseph Parekkattil of Ernakulam.

Fr. Sebastian Poovathumkal’s first assignment was at MCBS Study, Karukunnu, helping out in pastoral ministry in the neighbouring parishes and religious communities. He rendered his service as assistant parish priest at Kanjoor for three months in early 1969. In April 1969 he joined the group of mcbs priests who were sent for ministry in the mission diocese of Raighar and Ampikapur, in the then Madhya Pradesh, presently Chathisghad. His first assignment in the mission was at the parish in the Raighar town. It helped him learn Hindi language, and also the tribal languages. During the period 1969-83 he was assigned to various mission centres like Rajghat, Ginabhagar, Ludegu, Dharmajaighat, Ghagra, Sadipara and Manpur. Everywhere he got involved in pastoral ministry, social service and educational activities. He made use of the opportunity to do his graduation and post-graduation in English Literature from Rangy University.

In June 1983 he returned to Kerala and started his service as the spiritual director of the seminarians at MCBS Study House, Karukunnu. During 1985-90 he served as the Principal of Marymatha College, Karimpany. Then he was appointed as the superior of Karimpany Ashram. He was, then, transferred to Pious Mount Ashram, Nellikutty. In May 1995 he was assigned to do pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Changanassery. He served as the parish priest at Kuttykonam and Narikal in Kollam District. In 1999 he served at the house in Shenkota, T.N. In April 2000 he was appointed as the superior of St. Thomas Villa, Kombayar. He also served as the manager of the school there. In 2005 he was transferred and appointed as the Director of the Balabhavan at Anappara. In 2007 he was transferred to Divya Karunnya Ashram, Thannipuzha; as a member of the house he made use of every opportunity to render pastoral service in nearby parishes, religious communities and retreat centres.

In 2019 as Covid -19 pandemic spread, he was seriously affected. Although he survived the pandemic it had its impact rest of his life. In 2022 he was transferred to Kaduvakulam and became a member of Casa Fratelli. There has been improvement in his health condition and he actively participated in the community activities. But from January 2023 his health has been deteriorating and hospitalized for longer periods. He has been suffering a lot on account of the ailments. But he patiently accepted everything without any complaints. By April 2023 his condition became very serious and he was administered the sacrament of anointing. By 8 in the evening he seemed to be going through a very critical stage and was shifted to the hospital. Fr. Sebastian Poovathunkal breathed his last in the Lord at 11 p.m. on 8th April 2023. It has been the Holy Saturday.

The funeral service for Fr. Sebastian Poovathunkal was on 12th April 2023 at Emmaus Provincial House, Kaduvakulam. The first part of the service was officiated by the Provincial Superior and assisted by the councillors in the chapel at the provincial house. The casket was, then, carried in procession to the Little Flower Parish church. The second part of the service was officiated by the Vicar Provincial and assisted by Frs. Joseph Madathikandathil and Cyriac Kottayarikil, classmates of Fr. Poovathunkal. This was followed by concelebrated Holy Mass, presided over by the Superior General and assisted by the provincial superiors and a good many priests, and attended by many religious sisters, lay faithful from the parishes of his ministry, friends and relatives of Fr. Sebastian. Fr. Joseph Madathikandathil preached a very touching homily, highlighting the life and ministries of Fr. Poovathunkal. The final part of the service was officiated by Archbishop Joseph Perumthottam of Changanassery and assisted by the superior general and the provincial superior.

Fr. Sebastian has been a calm and quiet person. A man of prayer, very devoted to the Eucharistic Lord, a zealous missionary, always for justice and love; never quarrelled with anyone; loved books and reading them; very hard working and willing to be helpful to everyone.

Rev Fr Cyriac Kottayarikil mcbs