Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church –18
Fr. Antony Manjil S.J.
Fr. Antony Manjil, a member of the Jesuit Church, drew public attention through his work in drawing, photography, short film production, and writing. He was born on June 21, 1919, in the Manjil family at Erinjery Angadi, behind the Thrissur Puthenpalli. He was the eldest of ten children born to the well-known Vareethu Kathrina couple. The Manjil family is known for its contributions to the Church, including numerous priests and nuns.
Fr. Antony Manjil received his primary and middle school education in Thrissur and his high school education in Ernakulam at St. Albert’s. He later earned a B.Sc. degree from St. Joseph’s College, Thrissur. During his student years, he joined and actively participated in Scouting. After his college education, he joined the Jesuit order and completed his priestly studies in Pune and Kersiyong.
After receiving his priestly ordination, he served in various institutions of the Jesuit Church. He worked as a Botany teacher at St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai (Tamil Nadu), and also served as a Headmaster at Kanjirappally A.K.J.M. High School and St. Joseph’s High School in Kozhikode.
During his various activities, he visited England, where he presented radio broadcasts and television programs. He also traveled to Germany, Denmark, Holland, and England. Fr. Manjil devoted himself entirely to writing, drawing, photography, and short film production.
It is common to use a travel kit, which typically includes a movie camera and a still camera. Good visuals are captured with the camera. He has produced numerous short films for children. A collection of articles published in the “Mathrubhumi” magazine at the insistence of Mr. N. V. Krishnavarier, a renowned literary critic and editor of the magazine, is compiled in the book titled “Love Your Students: They Are Good.” This book, first published in 1973, was reissued in a second edition by D.C. Books in 1993. In the preface of this book, Mr. Krishnavarier wrote:
“Fr. Manjil has an extraordinary talent for using various colors of chalk to create photographic drawings. His joy in discovering and encouraging children with even a slight interest in drawing is immense. He is always concerned with the development of his students. I highly value the kindness of this extraordinary person. Spending even a few moments with him is an invaluable experience for me. This experience strengthens my faith and love for humanity.”
