Fr. Anthony Kudupadam was born on July 26, 1946, the son of late Mr. Varkey and Mrs. Theresa Kudupadam at Pulincunnu Parish in Changanacherry Archdiocese, Kerala. He was christened Anthony on 19 August 1946 and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on October 6, 1955. Having completed his matriculation from St. Joseph’s High School, Pulincunnu, in 1964; and in the same year he joined the Franciscan Third Order Regular at Franciscan Monastery, Ranchi. After one year of candidacy at the monastery he did his second year of candidacy at St. John’s Regional Minor Seminary Bhagalpur, Bihar. He joined the Novitiate at Babumahal on May 30, 1966. At the completion of the Novitiate, Bro. Anthony made his Temporary Profession on May 31, 1967 at Sacred Heart Novitiate, Babumahal. He then joined St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, for philosophy studies. He made his Solemn Profession in Franciscan Training Institute, Ranchi on May 31, 1970. For his theology and secular studies, he went to St. Francis Seminary Loretto, PA, USA. He was ordained a priest there on May 3, 1975. He majored in mathematics along with his theology. In addition, he obtained a bachelor of education degree from the University of Calcutta on March 22, 1985.
After his return to India, he was assigned to the Franciscan Training Institute, Ranchi for a short time. He was then assigned to Mount Assisi School, Bhagalpur as vice principal and teacher. He worked there from 1977-1979. Thereafter, he went to Chakkai as assistant pastor. He was then assigned to St. Mary’s School Hasimara, Bengal as Headmaster (1979-1984). After nurturing the fledgling school for about five years and developing it, Fr. Anthony was assigned to St. Stanslaus High School, Gokhla, Bhagalpur as Head Master (1984-1988). Thereafter, he was sent as missionary pastor in Fathima Matha Church, Kayyunni and Infant Jesus Church, Valad in the diocese of Mananthavady (1988-1992). During his tenure in Kerala, he served the faithful with great zeal and dedication. In 1992, Fr Anthony came back to the North Indian Mission as pastor at St. Elizabeth’s Church, Kathibari, Bihar (1992-1999). He then volunteered to go to South African Mission. He served the Church and Province in South Africa with great enthusiasm and commitment and endeared himself to one and all during the nineteen years of his stay over there as Pastor, Novice Master, Minister Provincial and Province Econome.
Returning to India after nineteen years of ministry abroad, Fr. Anthony was assigned to Assisi Sneha Bhavan, Vadakkencherry in Kerala. After serving Vadakkencherry Mission for few months, Fr. Anthony moved to Shantigiri Novitiate, Panamchira, in Niligiris District, Tamil Nadu as spiritual director and associate Novice Master. Fr. Anthony was diagnosed for cancer and was brought to Assisi Bhavan, Bangalore. Undeterred, he faced the disease with determination and ultimately emerged victorious. He was then appointed as the Local Minister at Assisi Bhavan, Bangalore. On December 17, 2023, he visited his sister and her family in Bangalore. After celebrating the family gathering with his dear ones, he went to bed at 12:20 a.m. and fell asleep in the Lord peacefully during the early hours of December 18, 2023.
His mortal remains were brought to Assisi Bhavan in Bangalore, where a multitude of people, including relatives, friends, priests, and religious, gathered to pay their final respects. A Holy Mass was celebrated, attended by numerous faithful who came together to pray for the departed soul. On December 19, his mortal remains were then taken to Assisi Bhavan, Meenangadi the next day accompanied by his Sisters, Nephews, Nieces, Relatives and Friars. Hundreds of Faithful, Priests, Religious, Friends and Relatives visited throughout the day to pay their last respects to their beloved Father Anthony. The Community at Assisi Bhavan, Meenangadi meticulously planned everything for the smooth and flawless conduct of the funeral of Fr. Anthony. The funeral services were officiated by Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Palakudiyil, TOR the Minister Provincial assisted by Rev. Fr. Thoams Madamana, TOR, the Superior of Assisi Bhavan, Meenangadi. The Holy Mass of the Christian burial was presided over by His Excellency Mar Jose Porunnedom, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mananthavady. A large number of Friars, Priests, Religious, Family members, Parishioners and Friends came to pay their respects to Fr. Anthony and pray for his eternal repose.
Fr. Anthony Kudupadam was a person who was constantly active for the cause of Christ. He was a man who celebrated his life. His dedication to his ministry both at home and abroad is a proof for the validity of the age-old saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way”. His sickness did not make him bed-ridden to lament over his poor physical condition, but urged him to be always joyful and in achieving great things for the Lord and his people. He excelled in all the areas where he was called to serve. Indeed, he was an exemplary Friar with a clear vision and a noble mission. He was a man of prayer and his smiling face, joyful appearance and sense of humour made the members of the community entertained and endeared himself to all with whom he came into contact. There are many institutions in TOR India Mission and South Africa, where Fr. Anthony is remembered with love and gratitude. Fr. Anthony was a very simple, unassuming and joyful friar who always did his best to whatever he was assigned especially in the missionary works. His unfailing dedication to God, the Church and the people entrusted to his care has made Fr. Anthony a role model for others, especially the youth. Fr. Anthony Kudupadam fulfilled St. Paul’s ideal of “spending himself” for the Lord and His Gospel. As an authentic Franciscan, Fr. Anthony was quite simple in his life style, ready to serve any and every one in need. He was a man of prayer and an exemplary Franciscan who lived the gospel life joyfully. The death of Fr. Anthony created a void in the community. In Fr. Anthony 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 countless friends and family members. May the Merciful Lord grant Fr. Anthony eternal blessedness.