FR. ANTONY PAUVATHIL

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FR. ANTONY PAUVATHIL

He hails from Thaikkattussery and was born on September 4, 1896. He had his school education at Mannanam, Pavaraty and Alwaye. He underwent priestly formation in Minor Seminary at Ernakulam and in the Major Seminary at Puthenpally. After the priestly ordination on the 20th of December, 1924 he worked as assistant parish priest at Njarackal and Muttam.

The personality traits of Fr. Antony Pavuathil were quite unique. He was known as a missionary of ‘interior life’. He used to go for retreat preaching and other pastoral works along with the other two fathers. Later due to ill health he could no more undertake pastoral work outside. He was respected as a scholar and his literary abilities were well known. His work “Divyakarunya Aaradhakan” is still a best seller. Eight editions of the book were published and is extensively used for adoration in almost every Church and religious community. His other woks include, St. Vincent De Paul, Isoyodukoode Veroru Manikkur, Ente Prarthana Pusthakam etc.There are a few works and devotional songs in his shelves which are not published. He was a man of orderly life and very strict in observing all the rules and regulations. After completing 12 years of service at Thottakom, Fr. Antony Pavuathil came to Angamaly as superior in 1939. He spent the rest of his life at Angamaly except for a three year period from 1963 when he served as the Rector of Vincentian Vidyabhavan, Aluva. He served as the superior of Vincentian Ashram Angamaly for many years, as novice master for 11 years till 1963. Incidentally he was the first novice master from among the members of the Congregation. He also worked as professor of the Minor Seminary, General Councillor and as the novice master of the Franciscan Clarist Sisters for many years. He was called for his eternal reward on April 20, 1980

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