Priests

Prelates

i) Mar Joseph Irimpen (1921-1997)

He was born at Poovathussery in the Civil district of Trichur (in the undivided eparchy of Trichur and presently in the eparchy of Irinjalakuda) on 25th February 1919. After his High school studies at St. Aloysius High school, Elthuruth and Pre-degree at St. Thomas College, Trichur he graduated from Madras University. He had his priestly formation at Papal seminary, Kandy and was ordained priest on 06th May 1950. While he was the Vicar General of the undivided eparchy of Trichur he was nominated the first bishop of the newly erected eparchy of Palghat on 27th June 1974. He was ordained bishop on 08th September 1974 by His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Parekattil, the then Archbishop of Ernakulam. Mar Joseph Kundukulam, the then bishop of the eparchy of Trichur and Mar Sebastian Valloppilly, the then bishop of the eparchy of Tellichery were the co-consecretors on that occasion. He took charge of the eparchy on the same day. He preached what he lived. He led a simple, humble and silent life. He was very zealous in constructing churches wherever possible and taking care of the spiritual and pastoral needs of the faithful. He retired on 06th December 1994 after 20 years of his Episcopal ministry and died on 23rd August 1997.

ii) Mar Jacob Manathodath (1947-)

He was born on 22nd February 1947 at Kodamthuruthu in the District of Alappuzha. After his studies at Kodamthuruth and Kuthiathode he joined the Sacred Heart Minor seminary, Ernakulam. He had his philosophical and theological formation at Papal seminary, Pune. He got opportunity for taking Masters degree in Philosophy and Theology in the Papal Athenaeum, Pune. He was ordained priest on 04th November 1972. He took doctorate in Theology from the Gregorian University, Rome. After his return from Rome he served the Archeparchy of Ernakulam in various capacities like Archeparchical secretary, Secretary to Mar Antony Cardinal Padiyara, Promoter of Justice and Defender of Bond of the Metropolitan Tribunal, Parish priest etc. He also served as professor of Theology at St. Josephs Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. On 06th September 1992 he was nominated the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam. He was ordained bishop on 28th November 1992 and became proto-syncellus of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam. His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed him as the second bishop of the Eparchy of Palghat on 11th November 1996. He took canonical possession of the eparchy on 1st February 1997. It is he who paved the way for erection of the eparchy of Ramanathapuram. He took initiative for its establishment, taking into consideration the linguistic and cultural difference and extensive nature of this area. As the bishop of the undivided eparchy of Palghat and the one who was immediate instrument in facilitating its establishment, this eparchy owes much to His Lordship.

iii) Mgr. Joseph Veliyathil, Former Administrator (1931-)

He was born at Thalayolaparambu on 13th August 1931. Now he belongs to the Parish Chittady (Maria Nagar) in the eparchy of Palghat. He was ordained priest on 11th March 1957. After his specialization in Indian Philosophy, for a long time he was the professor of Philosophy at St. Josephs Pontifical seminary, Mangalapuzha and served in between as the Vice Rector of the same seminary also. He continued there until he was appointed the Vicar General of the eparchy of Palghat. When Mar Joseph Irimpen, the first bishop of the eparchy of Palghat retired from his Episcopal ministry he was appointed administrator of the vacant eparchy on 06th December 1994. He continued in that office until the new Bishop Mar Jacob Manathodath took charge of the eparchy on 01st February 1997.