Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-74
Fr. Antony Irimpan
Fr. Antony Irimpan
The Irimpan family has contributed many eminent figures to the history of the Syrian Catholic Church in Kerala, including notable personalities recorded in the Church’s annals. Fr. Antony Irimpan is a member of this family, which played a significant role in the Church’s freedom struggle and includes the excommunicated figure, the renowned Fr. Geevarghese. The first bishop of the Palakkad diocese, Mar Joseph, also hails from the Irimpan family.
Fr. Antony was born on November 6, 1927, as the youngest son of Kunjuvarith and Thandamma in the Irimpan family of Poovathussery in Ernakulam district. He is the youngest sibling of Mar Joseph Irimpan, the first bishop of the Palakkad diocese. He received his education at St. Joseph’s Primary School in Poovathussery, St. Mary’s Malayalam Middle School in Moovikulam, English Medium School in Parakkadavu, St. Anthony’s High School in Mala, and St. Aloysius High School in Elthuruth. He completed his priestly education at the Thrissur Minor Seminary and furthered his studies at the Aluva Pontifical Seminary. He received ordination on March 13, 1958, from Bishop Mar George Alappattu. After studying philosophy in the seminary, he participated in a special training program as a member of the Malabar Missionary Union. This training became a milestone in his priestly formation and life, particularly focusing on social studies within the Church.
His first appointment was as an assistant vicar at Ollur Church during the liberation struggle. His powerful speeches inspired many during this time. He worked to strengthen the Catholic Labor Association’s convention and attempted to establish a youth movement in the parish. His initial pastoral roles were in Karamukku, Antikadu, and Kanjani, where he played a crucial role in resolving conflicts between parish communities. Under his guidance, the convention in Ozanam Nagar, organized with the Vincent de Paul Society, was a resounding success, fostering unity among diverse religious groups. His religion classes in Karamukku provided many with a profound experience of Christ.
In recognition of his active involvement in labor issues, Bishop Alappattu appointed him as the diocesan director of the Catholic Labor Association. While collaborating with the C.L.A. established by Fr. Janesius C.M.I., he successfully set up units in various parishes and facilitated training programs for skilled labor. His efforts in the Arimpur North and South parishes addressed conflicts and brought about resolution by bridging the two groups. He also organized effective marriage preparation classes in Arimpur.
Later, he served as the vicar of Kottekkad Church, where he facilitated spiritual development through various programs like the Capuchin mission retreat and training sessions conducted by religious educators. His next assignment was in Kuriyachira, where he continued the initiatives he had started. Following this, he was appointed to Parappur in the Palai diocese during the college strike in 1972, where he coordinated various protest programs. His visits to homes revealed a significant number of unmarried girls facing economic hardships in the parish, leading him to establish the Family Welfare Organization and the “Little Friends of Jesus” for children, both of which helped alleviate community issues.
His subsequent appointment was to Chalakudy, where he was already familiar as a retreat director. He formed the Chalakudy Employment Scheme Organization for unemployed youth and activated several organizations like IKF and C.L.C. He initiated 68 family unit meetings and published a parish bulletin called “Tharangam,” aiming to create employment opportunities through various initiatives, including a sewing center and tuition for underprivileged children. Five industrial units were also established for the unemployed, financed significantly by the parish.
When the Irinjalakuda diocese was formed, Fr. Antony joined it and became a member of its first planning committee, contributing to liturgical norms and planning. He shaped the Catholic Youth Community, which later evolved into K.C.Y.M., and initiated various programs for alcohol prohibition. He was instrumental in revitalizing parish libraries and publishing a monthly magazine called “Vachanam.” His ministry continued in Mala, where he celebrated his silver jubilee as a priest. He played a key role in the success of the Christian Life Exhibition organized by the Irinjalakuda diocese.
Fr. Antony was later appointed director of the Better Life Center, established by Fr. Jose Akkarakaran and taken over by the Irinjalakuda diocese. He dedicated attention to initiatives like the Kerala Church Seminar and the publication of the Kerala Church Monthly.
He also served as the promoter of the Holifamilicon convent and worked for six years in the name of Mary Theresia. Currently, he resides in the St. Joseph’s Bhavan in Chalakudy, enjoying a life of rest.
Born into a farming family, Fr. Antony was a revolutionary from a young age. Witnessing the struggles of the marginalized deeply moved him. He faced many challenges, but a significant incident during the month of Karkidakam made him reflect on his life and mission. His mother’s words, “When preparing for birth, sometimes we have to deal with the pain,” instilled a sense of empathy in him. This ultimately inspired Fr. Antony to advocate for the poor, workers, and the unemployed throughout his life.
