FR. VARKEY KATTARATH
He was born at Poonjar on October 13, 1851. He had his seminary formation at Mannanam and Pala. Following his ordination he was entrusted with the pastoral responsibilities of different parishes including Edamattam, Thathampally, Kanjirapally, Vilakkumadam, Angamaly, Ollur, Ezhupunna and Vaikom. He also served as Chaplain to many convents. He took the initiative to start the Ashram at Thottakom during his long stint as the parish priest of Vaikom. He returned to the Diocese of Changanacherry on March 18, 1915. Eventually Fr. Kattarath was appointed on February 7, 1916, as the chaplain of the convent at Champakulam of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament founded by Bishop Kurialacherry. He took care of the Congregation still in its initial stage and guided the members with fatherly love. He personally took care of the sick people even during the time of contagious diseases. He himself became seriously ill in 1927 and was even administered the last sacrament. But he recovered from that illness miraculously. He set out for Thottakom on October 27, 1927 to spend the rest of his life as member of the Vincentian Congregation which was revived. He made the first profession in 1929 and the perpetual profession in 1931. He was called for his eternal reward on October 24, 1931 and his mortal remains lay buried in the Church at Thottakom.