Date of Birth: 15-08-1858

Ordination to Priesthood: 17-12-1881

Joining the mcbs: 04-05-1936

Religious Profession: 15-08-1937

Death: 31-05-1943

Fr. Joseph Peediakel, who used to be described as a ‘Man of God,’ was born at Athirampuzha on 15th August 1858. His parents were Mathew and Eliamma Peediakel, and he was dearly called by the name Kocheppachen.

After his primary education at the village school, he was advised by his close relative Peediakel Malpanachen, who has been the parish priest of Athirampuzha, to start learning Syriac language, the then liturgical language of St. Thomas Christians. By the age of 14 he mastered the language so that he could enjoy reading and understanding the works of eminent writers like St. Ephrem, and translate them into his mother tongue, Malayalam. In April 1873 he joined the seminary at Mannanam and started his study for priesthood. During those years, along with his study of theology, he took special interest in learning different languages like Latin, Portuguese, and English. He was ordained as priest at  the age of 23, on 17th December 1881, by Bishop Marcelinos of Varapuzha diocese. Fr. Joseph Peediakel celebrated his first Holy Mass on 9th January 1882 at the monastery chapel, Mannanam.

Fr. Joseph Peediakel’s first assignment was as assistant at his home-parish, Athirampuzha, and it lasted for eight years. Then he was appointed parish priest at various parishes like Kuravilangad, Piravithanam, North Paravur, Kadanad, Mutholapuram, Elanji, Mulakulam, Vadakara, Kumarakom and Ramapuram. He has been very pastoral minded in his ministry and meticulous in keeping the parish records. He has been very kind and considerate to the harijan Christians in the parishes and took special interest in their education. As an exemplary priest with up-to-date knowledge about the church, a very powerful preacher and attentive to administrative affairs, Fr. Peediakel was liked by everyone.

Kocheppachen happened to be a historian. He translated the life history of St. Thomas, the Apostle, from Syriac language into Malayalam which helped him have specific insights into the history and identity of the St. Thomas Christians in Kerala. According to him, they have the right to be administered by native bishops from their own rite. He was happy when two vicariates were established specifically for the St. Thomas Christians, but unhappy that they were being administered by foreign bishops from a different rite. He even supported a movement that opposed such an administrative system for which he was made to suffer to some extent. But he also had the privilege to witness to the establishment of the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy in 1923 and appointment of native bishops from the same church.

On 6th March 1932, Fr. Joseph Peediakel celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his priesthood with solemnity. While serving as parish priest at Ramapuram he took voluntary retirement and moved to Lisieux chapel at Sreekandamangalam, and started to stay at the rectory there. Later when Fr. Thomas Purakary (Sr.) and his brothers decided to donate the chapel and the property to the newly founded mcbs congregation, he continued his stay there, and eventually he joined the congregation as member on 4th May 1936. He made his novitiate with the first batch of novices and had his Religious Profession on 15th August 1937. As a religious he led an exemplary life of prayer and service to the community. His health has been detreating, and by 10th May 1943 he was seriously ill and was administered the Sacrament of Anointing. On 31st May 1943, at the age of 87, Fr. Joseph Peediakel breathed his last in the Lord. The funeral service was on 2nd June 1943 at the Lisieux chapel. Over 35 priests, a large crowed of friends, relatives and public personalities attended the service. An elegant eulogy was preached by Rev. Fr. Michael CMI.

Fr. Peediakel has been very devoted to the Holy Eucharist, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Blessed Mother. He was very kind and compassionate to the sick and down trodden, very hardworking and endowed with deep love for the Church.

Fr. Cyriac Kottayarikil MCBS