Mar Joseph Powathil, 'The Great Wall Of the Church'

Mar Joseph Powathil can be considered as the 'GREAT WALL OF THE CHURCH', in front of new age crisis. It is only because of his presence and motivation that the church succeeded in resisting the atheism and atheist attack against the faith and minority rights of the church.

In the Self financing collage issues, KEAR modifications, Curriculum frame work, Centralized 'One window' program for the XI admission procedure or in the new text book dilemma, what ever be the problems, it was mar powathil's firm determinations and beliefs, that led the church into the track to fight against it.

Thus what ever be the problem, mar powathil is there, right in front of it, as a great wall or a huge mountain, to protect the faith and rights of the church.

A Profile Of Ministry In 'Truth And Charity'

Born on August 14, 1930 P.J. Joseph had his primary education in Holy Family L.P. School and St. Peter's U.P. School, Kurumpanadom and High School education in St. Berchman's High School Changanassery. He had his higher studies in S.B. College Changanassery and Loyola College, Madras, from where he took his M.A degree in Economics.He did his seminary studies in St. Thomas petit seminary, Parel and Papal Seminary Pune. After Ordination on 3rd October 1962 at Pune he was appointed lecturer in Economics and Warden of St. Joseph's Hostel, St. Berchmans' College, Changanassery. He was on the campus ministry for one decade(1962-1972). During this period he had the advantage of taking a one year course in Developmental Economics at the prestigious Oxford University.That was in 1969.He took keen interest also in the study of the ancient patrimony of the Syro-Malabar Church and for its restoration in accordance with the directives of Vatican II, as a member of the Central Liturgical Committee of the Church. He was actively involved in the various apostolate of the Archdiocese and was secretary of the Pastoral Council for a short period.On January 29, 1972 he was nominated Auxiliary Bishop of Changanassery and was ordained bishop by Pope Paul VI on Feb.13, 1972 in Rome. During the five years of his service as Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General (ex officio) introduced many reforms in the Archdiocese in close collaboration with the Archbishop Mar Antony Padiyara.Realizing the importance of Youth apostolate he took the initiative in establishing a Diocesan Youth Movement called 'Yuvadeepti'. In course of time it spread to all the Dioceses in Kerala leading to the formation of Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM). He was at the forefront in the struggle for educational freedom. He helped the Archbishop in establishing several institutions for the under privileged such as homes for the the mentally retarded and the physically handicapped.During the next 9 years he was entrusted with the task of nurturing the new born diocese of Kanjirappally to which he was appointed bishop on February 26,1977 and assumed charge on May 12, 1977.Bishop Powathil was appointed Archbishop of Changanassery on November 16, 1985 and he assumed charge on January 17 the next year. True to his motto, the ministry of Mar Joseph Powathil as bishop and Archbishop has been one of dedication and commitment to 'Truth and Charity'. Past seventy, and thirty years in episcopacy, Mar Powathil's ministry transcends the bounds of the Archdiocese and the people entrusted to his care. He served as President of CBCI (1994-98), Chairman of KCBC (1993-96) & Chairman of Education commision of C.B.C.I. He is at present a member of the Post Synodal Commission for Asia (1998) and Chairman of KCBC Commission for Education, Chairman of commission for Ecumenism of the Syro Malabar Bishops' Synod and founder Chairman of Inter Church Council.The Syro-Malabar Church in which he was born and brought up was always close to his heart. He was always a devoted son of this Church, and therefore always on the forefront in the struggles for the restoration of its legitimate rights and its identity as an Individual Church.He did a great deal to promote formation based on this, to priests, religious and the laity (Oriental Study Forum, Dukrana, Christian Orient, Missionary Orientation Centre (MOC), Amala Theological College, Marthoma Vidyanikethan, Zion Retreat House etc.). He also founded an Eastern Monastic congregation - Sisters of St. Thomas (SST). The new priests' Home stands out as a symbol of his care and concern for the elderly and sickly priests.Archbishop Mar Powathil has been a staunch defender of the teachings of the Magisterium. His concern for the poor, the underprivileged and the marginalized was such that he initiated a number of schemes for their development. The Malanad Development Society and Sahyadri Project in Kanjirappally Diocese, and the various projects of the Changanassery Social Service Society (CHASS) bear ample testimony to this. Worthy of special mention also are the foundation of Bl. Alphonsa Sneha Nivas for street children and Bl. Alphonsa centre for the terminally ill.Mar Powathil's pastoral outlook is broad and encompasses the non-Catholics and even the non-Christians. He is well known in the Ecumenical Movement (Inter-Church Council, Nilackal Ecumenical Trust) and the Church's fellowship with followers of other religions (Religious Fellowship Foundation).The source of Mar Joseph Powathil's sense of mission and dedication is undoubtedly his commitment to Truth and Charity, enriched by his solid faith and life in the spirit. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil retired from his service on 19th March 2007.

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