Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -126
Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomguzhy
Taking the motto “Until Christ is formed in us” as his guiding principle, Father Thoomguzhy began his mission. His attention was first drawn to the upliftment of the marginalized Adivasis and the poor, who were still remnants of the slave trade in Wayanad. When famine and disease caused deaths in Thirunellai in 1977, he reached there and led thousands in the fight against hunger and illness. This excerpt is from an article written by C. Fransi, FCC, in the Deepika weekly on January 13, 1991.
Born on December 13, 1930, as the second son of Kuryan and Rose Thoonguzhi in the village of Villakumada, in the Palai diocese, Mar Jacob Thoomguzhy worked tirelessly for the complete liberation of the people of Wayanad. He attended primary school in Villakumada and high school at St. Mary’s English High School in Bharananganam. From a young age, he aspired to become a priest and thus joined the Changanassery Parayil Perari Seminary for his theological studies. This was also the time when the Thalassery diocese was beginning, and his spiritual father, Mar Sebastian Valloopilly, was appointed as its first bishop. During this period, Brother Jacob joined the Thalassery diocese. After his studies, Brother Jacob was sent to the Propaganda Fide College in Rome for higher education. He completed his theological education there and was ordained a priest on December 22, 1956. After returning to Rome for further studies, he earned a doctorate in Canon Civil Law from the Lateran University.
Returning to his homeland, Father Jacob was appointed as the Secretary of the Thalassery diocese and also took up the role of Chancellor. He later served as the Rector of the Seminary for two years. In 1968, he went to America for further studies and obtained a master’s degree in English literature from Fordham University in New York. After returning from America, he was again appointed as the Rector of the Thalassery Minor Seminary. Under the leadership of Father Valloopilly, significant developments occurred in the immigrant communities, and many priests, nuns, and religious workers were engaged in various activities in the diocese. The number of religious institutions and believers grew exponentially. Father Valloopilly advocated for the division of the Thalassery diocese, and in 1973, the Mananthavady diocese was created with Mar Jacob Thoonguzhy as its first bishop.
The leadership of Father Thoomguzhy in the Wayanad region began when he took charge during the famine in Thirunellai. He led the efforts to bring relief and worked for the overall welfare of people from all communities. Through his initiative, the Wayanad Social Service Society made significant strides in community development, earning national recognition. This society provided housing for over 1,800 families and developed technical agricultural training, job opportunities, family welfare centers, small-scale industries, and loan facilities for many individuals. It also constructed 125 wells and 1,350 biogas plants. The diocese adopted 1,100 families from different communities, helping with livestock farming, poultry, and other initiatives. Various self-help groups and projects for the welfare of the poor were also set up under his leadership.
Father Thoomguzhy also worked extensively in education, establishing several schools and training institutions across the region. He founded a parallel college in Mananthavady and initiated programs for the youth and children, emphasizing character development and spiritual growth. Under his leadership, more than 1,500 religious educators were trained and the diocese witnessed a spiritual awakening.
As the founding father of the Mananthavady diocese, Father Thoomguzhy worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the poor and marginalized. His leadership was marked by compassion and dedication, and he created several institutions for the care of the abandoned, sick, and disabled. His efforts led to the establishment of hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the differently-abled, as well as fostering a strong network of religious communities. He also founded the Christudasi Congregation (S.K.C.) in 1977 to support the welfare of immigrants.
In 1995, Father Thoomguzhy was appointed as the Bishop of the Thamarassery diocese. This move came as a surprise, as the faithful of Mananthavady were deeply saddened by his transfer. Nevertheless, Father Thoomguzhy accepted the new responsibility, and within a short period, he made significant contributions to the Thamarassery diocese, including the establishment of several institutions.
Father Thoonguzhy’s leadership in the Thamarassery diocese was marked by his dedication to the growth of the diocese, establishing several educational and social institutions, such as engineering and medical colleges. He was also instrumental in the growth of the Major Seminary, where future priests were trained. His leadership and commitment were acknowledged by many, and his efforts transformed the diocese into one of the most prosperous in Kerala.
In 1996, Father Thoomguzhy was appointed as the Archbishop of Thrissur, one of the oldest and most prominent dioceses in Kerala. His leadership in Thrissur was characterized by simplicity, sincerity, and a deep commitment to spiritual growth. He initiated several key social projects, including the establishment of an AIDS rehabilitation center, a research department, and medical and engineering colleges.
Father Thoomguzhy’s contributions to the church, his spiritual guidance, and his unwavering commitment to service have left an indelible mark on the religious and social landscape of Kerala. Through his humility, service, and unwavering faith, he has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals in Kerala and beyond.
