Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -124
Fr. Cyprian Illikkamuri O.F.M. Cap.
Fr. Cyprian Illikkamuri, one of the prominent theologians in India, was born on November 27, 1930, as the seventh child to the ancient Illikkamuri family in Kanjirappally, to Dominic and Eliamma. He completed his schooling at Kanjirappally Malayalam High School and later pursued his education at an English high school in Goa, where he achieved academic excellence. Afterward, he joined the Capuchin Order. In 1952, he made his first profession of vows and took his perpetual vows in 1955. He completed his philosophical studies in Kollam and theological studies at Kotagiri (Nilgiris). On March 22, 1958, he was ordained a priest.
Fr. Cyprian served as a teacher and Assistant Rector at the Capuchin Minor Seminary in Bharanangaan from 1960 to 1963. He later served as the Provincial Secretary from 1963 to 1967 and earned his B.A. degree during this period. From 1967 to 1968, he was a professor at the Capuchin Major Seminary in Kotagiri. In 1969, he pursued theological studies at the University of Münster in Germany under renowned theologians like Karl Rahner, Walter Kasper, John Baptist Metz, and Jürgen Moltmann. He earned both his post-graduate degree and doctorate in theology.
From 1977 onwards, Fr. Cyprian served as a professor at the Capuchin Major Seminary in Kotagiri and later in Thrissur, and from 1980, at the Capuchin Vidyabhavan in Kottayam. Additionally, he was a visiting professor at the Bodhi Institute of Theology in Kollam and the Vijnananilayam Institute of Philosophy and Religion in Andhra Pradesh. He also served as a Councillor in the Kerala St. Joseph Capuchin Province twice, as Assistant Provincial once, and as the Rector of Capuchin Vidyabhavan Seminary twice. He participated in three international Capuchin conferences held in Rome, both as a representative of the Indian Capuchins and the Kerala St. Joseph Capuchin Province. Notably, he was also invited to give lectures on cultural adaptation at an international conference in Rome.
Fr. Cyprian has authored ten theological books, and many research papers and articles have been published in various collections and scientific reviews, in both English and Malayalam. The books he has authored include:
The Lordship of Jesus Christ
At His Footsteps
The Paths Where Danger Lurks
Doubting Thomas
Some Theological Studies on the Holy Eucharist
Even if Led by the Strangers
Morning Rays
A Glimmer of Light
Pursuing the Truth
Word, Faith, Life (Four Volumes)
In relation to the first volume of Word, Faith, Life, the renowned theologian Archbishop Kerdanale Mark Vercetti wrote:
“Two millennia have passed since the appearance of Jesus Christ on Earth. At this juncture, a book worthy of presenting as a valuable contribution to Christology is now available. It is remarkable that despite occasional deviations from well-trodden paths, the author remains guided by a deep sense of purpose, maintaining a sense of justice and discipline.”
Human knowledge continues to evolve with each passing moment. Our perceptions and ideas are continuously shaped by the era we live in. Through the lens of science, the quest for material reality has intensified, with new technologies pushing mankind to search for ultimate truths with ever-increasing urgency. Concurrently, skepticism has grown exponentially.
Fr. Cyprian’s writing stands out for its profound depth, describing the significance of light as seen in the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16), which speaks of a great light seen by those dwelling in darkness. The writings of the prophet, guiding us toward the Word made flesh, resonate even today as a source of light, dispelling doubts and bringing clarity to those wandering in spiritual obscurity.
The author does not expect universal agreement with every opinion presented in the book. However, if it is read and understood in an accessible style, there is no doubt that it remains a theological work. In the current age of intellectual exploration, it is essential to interpret and understand spiritual truths through the context of contemporary realities. This book, therefore, remains timely and relevant.
This work stands as a significant contribution to Christology in Malayalam, offering a deeper understanding of the subject.