Fr. Joseph Unnukallel was born on October 9, 1962 at Kanjirathanam, Kerala as the son of the late Mr. Mathew and Mrs. Rosa Unnukallel. He was baptized on October 15, 1962 at St. John the Baptist’s Church, Kanjirathanam and confirmed on February 17, 1970 at Christ the King Forane Church, Manimooly. After his high school education Joseph joined the Third Order Regular of St. Francis at Assisi Bhavan, Meenangadi as a candidate from 1979 to 1980 and entered the Postulancy at FTI Ranchi from 1980 to 1982. He had his Novitiate at Babumahal from 1982 to 1983 under the able direction of Fr. Michael Edamanapadavil, TOR. Bro. Joseph Unnukallel made his First Profession on May 31, 1983. Thereafter, he did his philosophy at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, and earned a Bachelor of Arts (1984 – 1989) at St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. He completed his theological studies (1991 to 1995) at Kripalaya, Mysore. He made his Solemn Profession in the Order on May 30, 1989. He was ordained as a Deacon on July 3, 1995. The Priestly Ordination of Dn. Joseph Unnukallel was held at St. Francis Assisi Church, Meenangadi, Kerala on April 30, 1996; conferred on him by the Bishop Jacob Thoonkuzhy.
During the past twenty-six years, Fr. Joseph Unnukallel served the Missionary Church and the Franciscan Order with great dedication and commitment. Fr. Joseph served as Vice Principal at St. Francis School Shamli and St. Francis School Harmu. He was an associate Pastor in St. Francis Church, Noida in the Archdiocese of Agra and parish priest in St. Francis Assisi Church, Meenangadi and St. Sebastian’s Church, Panamchira in the Diocese of Mananthawady.
He was Superior, Econome and Priest for the Mass Centre at Nemom, Trivandrum. He was resident priest having treatment at Assisi Bhavan, Bangalore and Franciscan Ashram, Palavoor from 2009 to 2011. During the past years ,he has been assigned to Mount Assisi, Pallichal as Superior and Econome from 2011 to 2022.
All through his religious life, Fr. Joseph had occasional complaints of back pain and some other difficulties. Ordinary medicines and strict diet kept him active. However, during the past few months he underwent hospital admissions and treatments. Then he was assigned to Assisi Sneha Bhavan, Valliyodu as a resident priest for treatment and rest. During the last two months, he was admitted at Bishop Vayalil Medical Centre, Moolamattom. His family members as well as friars and Sssters visited him. Of late Fr. Joseph’s health deteriorated and he succumbed to his sickness and embraced “Sister Death” and went to his eternal reward in the early hours of January 25, 2023. Fr. Joseph is survived by his mother, three brothers and two sisters.
Fr. Joseph was a simple, hard-working friar who always did his best wherever he was assigned. He was an orderly and systematic person who always loved to do the duties at his best. He was an effective preacher and a good homilist. The death of Fr. Joseph Unnukallel has created a vacuum in the community. In Fr. Joseph, we have lost a fervent religious, committed Franciscan, dedicated missionary and an honest friend. He has gone ahead of us to the land of the living and his memory will ever be cherished by the Franciscan community as well as by his family members and friends. May the Merciful Lord grant dear Fr. Joseph Eternal Blessedness.
His body was taken to Assisi Bhavan, Meenangadi on 25 January. The funeral liturgy was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Palakudiyil, the Minister Provincial on 26 January, assisted by Fr. Siby Earath, the Vicar Provincial, Fr. Baby Parekattil the Superior, Assisi Sneha Bhavan, Valliyode. and Fr. Mathew Puthenparambil. A large number of friars, priests, religious, family members, parishioners and friends came to pay their respects to Fr. Joseph and pray for his eternal repose. Fr. Joseph was buried in the Franciscan Fraternity Cemetery, Assisi Bhavan, Meenangadi.