The Life of Rev. Fr. Suresh Pattettu MCBS: The Gentle Pilgrim of Silent Paths

Childhood

Rev. Fr. Suresh Pattettu MCBS lived a gentle and humble life, touching countless hearts with his love, kindness, and compassion. He was called to eternal life at the age of thirty-three — the same age at which Christ completed His earthly mission. His passing was sudden and unexpected; at a moment no one had foreseen, God’s messenger came bearing the call of eternity.

In his thirteen years of religious life and five years of priestly ministry, Fr. Suresh left behind the fragrance of holiness and the light of a deeply spiritual life. Though his years were few, his life as a missionary priest was radiant, powerful, and deeply meaningful. Having faithfully completed the mission entrusted to him, he returned to the God who had created him.

Born on 16 January 1992 in Vellikulam Parish, Diocese of Palai, Suresh was the second of four children born to James Joseph and Marykutty James. His siblings are Ann Maria, Sachu, and Irene.

At baptism he received the name Joseph, though he was affectionately known to family and friends as Appu. After news of his death spread, a childhood acquaintance wrote on social media: “Appu was always a gentle boy from his childhood. I still remember him walking to church every day, carrying his missal. His journey began as an altar server, and he eventually became a good priest. Now he has gone to be with Jesus — his closest and dearest friend.” This tribute captures perfectly the innocence and devotion that marked his childhood.

Seminary Formation

After completing his higher secondary education, Suresh entered the MCBS Lisieux Minor Seminary on 14 June 2008. Following two years of minor seminary formation, he began his novitiate at the MCBS Novitiate House, Kanjirappally, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Jose Karathuruthil. On 27 May 2012, he made his First Religious Profession. His novice master described him with three simple but profound words: Innocent. Silent. Selfless. — a fitting summary of the young religious’s character.

He went on to complete three years of philosophical studies at Jeevalaya Philosophate, Bangalore, followed by a year of Regency at the MCBS Emmaus Provincial House, Kottayam, where he also served as a catechism teacher at Cherupushpa Parish, Kaduvakulam. On 7 May 2016, he received the religious habit.

His Minor Seminary Rector and Regency Director, Rev. Fr. Johny Vettukattil, testified: “He was a person to whom any responsibility could be entrusted with complete confidence. He was absolutely honest in both word and deed, a hardworking religious, and someone who always treated workers with compassion and respect.”

In 2016, he began theological studies at Sanathana Seminary, Thamarassery, where he became known for his readiness to help everyone in the seminary community. Gifted with remarkable artistic talent — particularly in painting, stage decoration, and altar arrangement — he never sought recognition for his abilities. A classmate, Rev. Fr. Sooraj, recalls that during bus or train journeys home on holidays, Suresh would often give up his seat to strangers left standing, choosing to stand himself for the rest of the trip.

Gifted in many ways, he quietly completed his years of formation without seeking attention, applause, or admiration. His life spoke more eloquently than words.

On 10 March 2017 he received Minor Order of Qārōya, on 7 May 2017 he made his Perpetual Profession. He received Minor Order of Hyapdiāqōna on 16 March 2018 and ordained a Deacon on 16 March 2019. During his diaconate he served at the St. Alphonsa Pilgrim Centre, Bharananganam.

Priestly Ordination

On 1 January 2020, at St. Antony’s Church, Vellikulam, Suresh was ordained a priest by Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, becoming a priest of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS) and dedicating his life fully to the service of God and His people.

Early Pastoral Ministry

His first appointment was as Assistant Priest at St. Antony’s Forane Church, Kurumbanadom, in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry — at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions limited active parish ministry. Even so, Fr. Suresh carried out his pastoral duties faithfully. His cheerful smile, gentle disposition, and calm manner endeared him to everyone.

One day a parishioner asked him, “Father, how are you able to remain so gentle with everyone?” Fr. Suresh simply answered with his characteristic warm smile — that smile itself was his answer. He served in Kurumbanadom for one year.

Missionary Life in Arunachal Pradesh

In March 2021, Fr. Suresh left Kerala to begin his missionary service in Arunachal Pradesh, embracing the challenges of frontier evangelization with great enthusiasm.

His first posting was at Sacred Heart Parish, Yazali, where he served until July 2023. He was then transferred to St. Antony’s Parish, Raga, where he ministered as Assistant Vicar while also serving as Principal of the parish school. In 2025 he was appointed a Councillor of the Arunachal Mission, and in July 2025 he took charge as Parish Priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Mengio, and Superior of Jeevadhan House.

A Silent and Holy Missionary

Fr. Suresh’s missionary life was marked by humility, silence, and holiness. He learned the local Nishi tribal language and preached the Gospel in the people’s own tongue, travelling joyfully from village to village to celebrate the Eucharist, administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation, visit families, and bring Christ’s love into every home. Through this loving ministry he won the hearts of the people.

He always carried a small diary in his pocket. Whenever he met someone new, he wrote down their name, and later, during Eucharistic Adoration, he would take the diary with him and pray individually for each person listed in it. By day he travelled to distant villages for pastoral work; in the evenings he gathered families near the parish to pray the Rosary together.

Young people found in him not merely a priest but a loving friend and spiritual father. He knew each of them personally, and even when their own parents forgot their birthdays, Fr. Suresh remembered and celebrated those occasions with them.

A Heart for the Poor

Fr. Suresh treated everyone with equal dignity, especially the ordinary labourers at the various mission centres of Arunachal Pradesh. He often chose to eat with them, sit beside them, listen to their stories, and simply spend time in their company. His genuine concern and affection earned their deep love and respect. Even the smallest tasks mattered to him — arranging flowers on the altar, decorating the sanctuary, washing sacred vessels, preparing the church for worship — all carried out joyfully and with meticulous care. Above all, Fr. Suresh saw Christ in the poor, the abandoned, and the forgotten.

In Raga there lived a young man with intellectual disabilities who, whenever given warm clothes, would eventually lose them. Fr. Suresh never grew impatient; each time, he simply bought him another set, with a smile. On one occasion he gave the young man an audio Bible in the Nishi language. Though the young man could not understand its contents, he was overjoyed — he switched it on, turned the volume to its highest, and walked through the village carrying it with delight, so that the Word of God echoed through the streets and many people heard the Scriptures. It was, fittingly, the first audio Bible whose batteries ran out from being played so often.

Another unforgettable moment took place in Yazali, where witnesses recalled seeing Fr. Suresh bathing a fifteen-year-old boy with intellectual disabilities beside a water pipe, then clothing him with his own garments — a sight that moved everyone present to tears.

His life was a living testimony that true missionary work is accomplished not merely through preaching, but through humble acts of love, compassion, and selfless service.

A Life of Prayer and Charity

Those who lived and worked alongside Fr. Suresh testify that his strength came from his intimate relationship with Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Jinu Thaiparambil, Rev. Fr. Jinu Kaithakkalam, Rev. Fr. Sajan Vazhiparambil, and Rev. Fr. Ansel Naduthottil often found him spending long hours before the Blessed Sacrament — late at night or in the early hours of the morning, quietly praying the Rosary in Eucharistic Adoration. His ministry flowed from this prayer; his silence before the Eucharistic Lord became the wellspring of his joyful service to God’s people. Without seeking recognition, Fr. Suresh quietly extended generous help to many poor families, collecting assistance from benefactors and distributing it discreetly — especially to children who could not afford their education, among them several students pursuing nursing and other professional courses.

One of his greatest dreams was to build a church in Mengio; even while hospitalized, he continued to speak of the project with hope and enthusiasm. To some he was a loving father; to others an elder brother, a younger brother, a son, or a trusted friend. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel loved and valued.

His Final Days

During June and July 2025, Fr. Suresh returned to Kerala on vacation, visiting his family, relatives, and many friends. After returning to Arunachal Pradesh, he resumed his missionary work with his usual dedication.

On 26 July he travelled to a remote village called Kulung to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, mentioning beforehand that since the next day was Sunday, he would also say Mass in a nearby village before returning. After celebrating the first Mass, however, he developed a fever and decided to return at once. That same day, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Ansel Naduthottil, he visited the hospital at Mengio and received medication.

The following morning, 27 July, his condition worsened and the fever returned. He was admitted immediately to the Catholic Hospital at Borgang, Assam, nearly five and a half hours away by road. Rev. Fr. Binu Kulangara remained with him throughout.

On 30 July, still in hospital, Fr. Suresh celebrated what would be the final Holy Mass of his life, with Rev. Fr. Binu Kulangara and Sr. Rosmy present. Afterward the three of them walked together around the hospital grounds. Soon after, doctors diagnosed him with typhoid fever and hepatitis A; though his temperature fluctuated, his condition continued to worsen.

On 31 July, Rev. Fr. Jinu Kaithakkalam transferred him to Nemcare Multispecialty Hospital, Guwahati, where he was admitted to the ICU. At first his condition did not appear critical — on 1 August he was still able to speak with those around him — but on 2 August his health suddenly declined. He became unconscious, and as the illness progressed rapidly, he was placed on a ventilator.

By then, Rev. Fr. Abraham Kochupurayil (Provincial Superior), Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettiyolil (Mission Councillor), and Rev. Fr. Sajan Vazhiparambil (Mission Superior) had reached the hospital in Guwahati. When doctors reported that his liver had been severely damaged and that he might need a transplant, the decision was made to airlift him to Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

He arrived on 4 August, by which time his parents and siblings had also reached Delhi. His sister Ann Maria volunteered to donate part of her liver and completed all necessary preparations, but Fr. Suresh’s body was no longer strong enough to undergo the transplant. He was also diagnosed with dengue fever, and doctors informed the family that both his liver and brain had been seriously affected and that he was no longer responding to treatment.

On 5 August, in the presence of his family and fellow priests, Provincial Superior Rev. Fr. Abraham Kochupurayil administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Finally, on Wednesday, 6 August — the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord — at 11:16 p.m., Fr. Suresh peacefully surrendered his soul into the hands of God.

A Holy Memory

Thus came the unexpected end of a pure, transparent, and grace-filled life of only thirty-three years. Perhaps God desired a painter for heaven — the One who had gifted Fr. Suresh with extraordinary artistic talent now called him home to paint masterpieces far more glorious than those he had created in the churches of Arunachal Pradesh. Just as the Son of God completed His earthly mission in thirty-three years, Fr. Suresh too was granted the same span of life to fulfil God’s plan for him.

When news of his death spread, a monk from the Vagamon Kurisumala Ashram remarked, Father Suresh was one of the dearest friends of our Ashram.” Another moving tribute came from an elderly poor widow who, standing before his photograph at the Emmaus Provincial House, Kottayam, wept and said, “Even when Father came home on leave last month, he helped me.”

How many untold stories of kindness remain hidden in the hearts of those he quietly served! Friends near and far continue to praise a priest whose journey was marked not by noise or publicity, but by humility, silence, and selfless love.

At the front of the Bible he used daily, Fr. Suresh had written these words from Acts 13:22: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Above the verse was an image of the Crucified Christ, and beside it the opening lines of a hymn reflecting his childlike innocence. At the bottom of the page he had written a simple, profound prayer: “My Jesus, from now on, You are my closest friend.”

Having faithfully fulfilled the will of God, Fr. Suresh has now gone to be with that Friend. Let us pray for him in the words of Scripture:

“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

Acknowledgment : This biography is an English adaptation of Nishabdavazhikalile Saumya Sanchari Fr. Suresh Pattett, written by Rev. Fr. George Kadooparayil MCBS and published in Snehadooth, September 2025.