“I am what I am before God; nothing more, nothing less”. I have found myself as a pencil in God’s hands to write his message of love to his sons and daughters in several places mostly as a pioneer”: wrote Fr. Aloysius Kattady in his short autobiography published in 2012 on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of his ordination. This emphasizes the life and works of Fr. Aloysius Kattady as we eulogize his death.
Fr. Aloysius Kattady was born on September 20, 1933 at Kumarankari, Kottayam, Kerala of late Mr. K.M Thomas and Mrs. Thresiamma Thomas. He come from an illustrious family of four brothers and three sisters, the eldest being a priest, late Fr. Mathew Kattady. He had his high school education at St. Berchman’s School, Changanassery in 1949 and graduated in Science from St. Berchman’s College, Changanassery in 1953. Thereafter he was offered a job in St. Berchman’s College and also qualified for MBBS. The urge to become a Franciscan missionary priest in North India became his first choice as he was a member and office bearer of the SFO (Secular Franciscan Order) of S.B. College, Changanassery, he abandoned the offers.
He arrived Bhagalpur on June 20, 1953, with others recruited by late Bishop Urban McGarry, TOR. He made his first profession in 1955 after the novitiate and on completion of philosophy studies at St. Alberts College, Ranchi he made his solemn profession in June 1958. Thereafter, he sailed to USA to pursue his Theology at St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, Pennsylvania and was ordained on May 19, 1962 at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Altoona, PA, USA.
After completing the Post Graduation (MA) at Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, in 1963, he returned to India, by taking the sea route of 40 days journey that brought him to Mumbai, and finally in Bhagalpur in January 1964.
Fr. Aloysius’ first assignment was to St. Francis School, Poreyahat (1964-69), which became the first Government recognized High School in Bhagalpur Prefecture/Diocese. Thanks to his relentless work and job accomplishment.
The following are his main places of work and service:
| ▪ Principal, St. Francis High School, Poreyahat | 1964-69 | |
| ▪ Principal, St. Francis School, Deoghar | 1969-74; 1985-87 | |
| ▪ Rector, FTI, Ranchi | 1974-76 | |
| ▪ Provincial Treasurer, Bhagalpur | 1976-78 | |
| ▪ St. Francis School, Harmu | 1978-80 | |
| ▪ Provincial, St. Thomas Province | 1980-84 | |
| ▪ Assisi Bhavan, Bangalore | 1988 | |
| ▪ Principal, St. Francis School, Shamli | 1989 | |
| ▪ General Councilor, Rome | 1989-95 | |
| ▪ Shamli & Noida project | 1995-96 | |
| ▪ Vicar Provincial & Treasurer, Bhagalpur | 1997-99 | |
| ▪ Provincial, St. Francis Province | 1999-2001 | |
| ▪ Franciscan Ashram, Hasimara, W. Bengal | 2002-2005 | |
| ▪ Provincial, St Francis Province Ranchi | 2005-09 | |
| ▪ Sacred Heart Novitiate, Babumahal | 2010-12 | |
| ▪ Franciscan Ashram, Bhagalpur | 2012- 2024 | |
He has also served the diocese of Bhagalpur as the director of Education. He was President of Franciscan Conference of North India in 1975 and 1986. He has also served the Order and Province in various capacities in different parts of the World.
Finally, let us all reflect on the great legacy he has left behind for our inspiration as well as imitation. He has done his part, inspiring us to do our part…
Last few years of his life was mainly spent on reading and writing. There are over 20 books to his credit, spiritual as well as historical. To quote a paragraph from his autobiographical booklet; he wrote “As I step into the next stage of life which, according to Indian tradition is meant for prayer and sacrifice. I deepen the awareness of the presence of Jesus in my heart and the commitment I have made to belong to him forever. I continue to follow daily the advice of St. Clare, the great Franciscan Mystic: Look at him, love him, live in his presence”. True to this he spent hours reading the Holy Bible.
While he was the General Councilor of the Order, he visited almost all the Provinces and TOR missions in the world. His later contact and approach to them was indeed something remarkable and ever praiseworthy. He is also a self-disciplined man, always aiming at perfection in the work to be done. All this and more make the person of Fr. Aloysius.
Fr. Aloysius was confined to his room in the Provincial House for the last five years, especially after his home visit in the summer of 2019. He became bedridden for the last one year and needed medical treatment and constant nursing care. Last twenty-four hours of his illness took a sudden turn leading to a calm and serene passing away on October 26, 2024 at 10:40 am, fortified by the Anointing of the sick and Holy Communion in Holy Family Hospital, Tilkamanjhi, Bhagalpur. He embraced sister death in the presence of Most Rev. Kurien Valliakandathil, number of friars, priests, religious, friends and the hospital staff – all praying and entrusting his soul to his Lord and Master.
On the following day at 6.30 am, the Eucharist of the Lord’s Resurrection was celebrated at Franciscan Ashram, presided by Rev. Fr. Thomas Chittookalam, Provincial, and concelebrated by the friars, and participated by the Sisters of the neighboring Communities and the faithful.
He was a resolute administrator, erudite preacher, excellent educator, voracious reader, prolific writer, uncompromising on principles, punctual to point, resolute in prayer, kind to the poor and large hearted. He was up-to-date with the teachings of the Church and was a class cut above with an elephantine memory and vast knowledge and decorum. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may we strive to carry out the legacy of adherence to the core beliefs of the Church and seraphic father Francis – compassion, love and wisdom he crafted soundly for the last 91 years on earth enlighten us. He will continue to live in us through his books, and the legacy he has left behind. May his soul rest in peace.
As we conclude, we place on record here the names of some great church and religious dignitaries, who have personally sent letters of Condolences and tributes to the Provincial office. These letters certainly bear witness to the love and appreciation they have for him.
The following are these persons:
- His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alenchery – Sro-Malabar Church
- His Beatitude Moran Mor Cardinal Cleemis Mar Baselios, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara Church
- Most Rev. Fr. Amando Trijulo Cano TOR, Minister General of Third Order Regular
- Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Puthenparampil TOR, Former Provincial
- Very Rev. Sr. Litty Thomas FCC, Superior, General
- Very Rev. Sr. Jemma FSLG, former Superior General
- Very Rev. Sr. Mercy FSLG, former Superior General
- Very Rev. Sr. Rajni FSLG, former Superior General
May the Risen Lord, we pray, help us walk the pathway he has trodden during the past 70 years as a religious, and 62 years as Priest in the Church.