Date of Birth: 11-07-1968

Joining the MCBS : 15-06-1985

Religious Profession : 15-05-1989

Death   :  13-06-1991

Thomas, also dearly called Biju, was born on 11th July 1968 at Vazhakulam in the diocese of Kothamangalam. His parents were Chacko and Mammy Thadathil, and his parents migrated to Ondayangadi in the diocese of Mananthavady when Biju was just two years old. Biju was the sixth of his eight siblings. He has been very particular to be neat and tidy from his younger days. He loved music and had a special talent for music. He started to assist at the altar after his primary education. After the SSLC examination he has been thinking of joining a seminary and becoming a priest. Fr. George Kuttickel mcbs happened to be in the parish for preaching a retreat to the parishioners. Biju met him and shared his desire to join a seminary. Fr. Kuttickel paused a number of questions to him to ascertain the genuineness of his desire, and directed him to contact the Rector of the Minor Seminary, Lisieux – Athirampuzha.

Biju was granted admission and joined the seminary on 15th June 1985. During the three years of study and formation in the Minor Seminary he also did the PDC of the University. In May 1988 he entered the novitiate at Podimattam, Kanjirappally. He went through the year of novitiate with all earnestness and assimilated into his life the ideals, values and attitudes of religious life and the spirit and charism of the congregation. He made his religious profession on 15th May 1989. His parents and a number of his relatives were present at the function.

He started his major seminary studies and formation, in June 1989, staying at MCBS Study House and attending classes at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. He has been very earnest in his studies and active in the community. He has been of a very pleasant nature and always striving to make the community very lively and joyful. While doing the second year of philosophy he happened to have some health issues and took some homeopathic treatment; but that treatment didn’t seem to be helpful. Hence he was taken to Carmel Hospital, Ashokapuram. The doctors at Carmel Hospital after detailed investigation diagnosed that Bro. Biju has been suffering from leukaemia, blood cancer, and initiated the required treatment. Even when he came to know that his illness was rather serious he didn’t appear to be unhappy or too anxious. He wrote in his personal diary, ‘My life is for sufferings. Jesus is my way.’

By April 30, 1991 his health condition became worse and was transferred to Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly for further treatment. Till June 10 there has been signs of improvement. He appeared to be happy, and joyfully interacted with everyone who visited him. In the afternoon of June 12th his condition became worse and gradually losing consciousness. Fr. Joseph Vanchipurackel mcbs administered the Sacrament of Anointing. Next day he showed some signs of improvement. His close relatives visited him and in the evening Fr. Kuriakose Moonjely mcbs celebrated Holy Mass for him, and by the end the Mass, Bro. Biju breathed his last in the Lord. He was thus one of the blossoms taken away by the Lord before being fully bloom.

In the early morning of June 15, Bro. Biju’s body was brought to MCBS Study House, Karukunnu. His relatives, inmates of the study house, religious sisters from neighbouring convents and the parishioners payed homage and prayed for Bro Biju. By 9:00 the body was taken to MCBS Generalate Chunangamvely, and the funeral service began with the concelebrated Holy Mass presided over by the Superior General. Funeral homily was given by Fr. Jacob Manampuram, Rector of the Mcbs Study House. Bishop Sebastian Mankuzhikary and Bishop Abraham Mattam VC officiated the final part of the funeral service. Relatives and friends, mcbs priests and seminarians, staff and students of St. Joseph’s Seminary, priests and sisters from neighbouring parishes and convents attended the service.

Deep personal attachment to the Eucharistic Lord, joyful attitude, intimate love, community spirit, hardworking nature and sincerity are a few of his virtues that can be imitated.

Fr. Cyriac Kottayarikil MCBS