Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-107
Mar Joseph Pastor Neelankavil C.M.I.

Mar Joseph Pastor Neelankavil was born on March 19, 1930, in Kottekatt Neelankavil, a part of Aranattukara parish in Thrissur diocese, as the son of Lazar Kunjannam and his wife. He grew up in the C.M.I. (Syro-Malabar Church of India) congregation and became the second bishop of the Sagar diocese. He completed his schooling at Caldian Syrian High School, Thrissur, and St. Aloysius High School in Elthuruth. Later, he joined the C.M.I. congregation and took his vow on October 15, 1951, at the Ambazhakkad Ashram. He pursued his aspirancy at Elthuruth, Ambazhakkad, Mannanam, and Chethipuzha ashrams. He received his priestly education at seminaries in Mangalore, Pune, and Dharmaram (Bangalore). On May 17, 1960, he was ordained a priest by Cardinal Parecattil at Dharmaram, Bangalore. His first Mass was celebrated at Elthuruth Ashram. Later, he went to Rome for higher studies and earned a Doctorate in Canon Law.

After completing his studies in Rome, Mar Neelankavil returned to India and took up several important positions in the C.M.I. congregation, including Director at Brothers Institute in Achanchal, Bangalore’s Dharmaram College Professor, Prior at Iringalakkuda Christ Monastery, and Superior at the C.M.I. Mission Centre in Sagar. It was during his tenure as General Councillor of the C.M.I. congregation that he was appointed as Bishop of the Sagar Diocese. His consecration as Bishop took place on February 22, 1987. His episcopal motto was “For Peter and for the People.”

Mar Neelankavil proved through his work that he was a bishop with a deep understanding of his pastoral mission and a far-sighted vision. He meticulously planned his projects and implemented them effectively. He established educational and religious institutions that contributed significantly to the development of the Sagar Diocese and will continue to aid future progress. His primary goal was to make his diocese financially self-sufficient, and he initiated several ventures towards this end, including English-medium and Hindi-medium schools. Notably, he was behind the establishment of a college in a foreign country, mainly driven by Fr. Joseph Chirayath.

In Janghat, he established a hospital with a Sister Doctor to cater to the local community. For the upliftment of the poor, he started rural development centers in places like Thulasipur, Mohanpur, Padkui, Bararu, and Barodiya. Many institutions that began under his initiative continue to flourish.

Among the new institutions initiated by the diocese during his leadership, the Minor Seminary named Sanjo Gurukul stands out. It is named after St. Joseph, the patron saint, and was established in 1991. Before this, the minor seminary students of the diocese were sent to seminaries in neighboring dioceses. The new seminary was inaugurated in its own building in 1995.

Additionally, he established the Pastoral Center for the spiritual training and development of priests, nuns, and laypeople. Named “Gadariyala” (meaning “Shepherd’s Home”), this center offers classes, courses, and seminars for both priests and laypeople.

In 1990, Mar Neelankavil founded the Sisters of Jesus congregation in his diocese, which has grown significantly over the years. Many of the sisters were sent to Rome for higher studies and are now serving at various institutions.

In Kerala, near Thrissur, he established a Vocational Center under the diocese’s leadership, providing training for future priests and nuns.

Other significant developments include the establishment of St. Joseph’s English Medium School in Banda, with teaching staff including Fr. Jose Maleluth and the Sisters of Jesus. In Mandideep, he established Chavara Vidyabhavan in 1986, which was later taken over by the Sisters of Jesus in 1988. This has now grown into a higher secondary school.

Mar Neelankavil also initiated various educational institutions for the marginalized, such as the establishment of the Satya Marg Sadana (Truth Path Center) at Mohanpur, focused on non-formal education, elderly education, and vocational training. In Rehli, a dispensary was started under the leadership of Fr. Michael Palamparambil, which later became a full-fledged hospital.

Mar Neelankavil’s vision was not limited to education. He also focused on the social and spiritual upliftment of the communities in his diocese. He established new parishes and churches, such as the St. Joseph’s Parish in Rohli, and in 2002, the Rosary Parish Church and other institutions in Shampur.

Under his leadership, Sagar diocese saw significant growth in both spiritual and developmental spheres. His initiatives have left a lasting impact, and the institutions he established continue to serve the community.

In March 2006, Mar Joseph Pastor Neelankavil retired from the position of Bishop, and Mar Antony Chirayath succeeded him.