A Conversation that Awakened a Chronicle

Fr. Philip Chemattakuzhy: A Journey Rooted in Faith, Heritage, and Service

Centuries ago, during the era of the Travancore Kingdom, Kerala was a land where faith and royal patronage intertwined deeply. The Kings of Travancore, known for their devotion to truth and justice, held deep respect for the Syrian Christian families who had long contributed to the cultural and educational fabric of the region.

Among these noble lineages stood the Pakalomattam family, one of the most ancient and esteemed Syrian Christian families of Kerala, tracing their Christian faith directly to St. Thomas the Apostle. From this sacred root emerged several branches over time, among them the Kulathinaprayil and subsequently the Chemattakuzhy families — known for their integrity, land stewardship, and deep spirituality.

It is said that during the reign of the Travancore King, when agrarian reforms and education were being encouraged, families like the Chemattakuzhy played a vital role in maintaining harmony between tradition and progress. The King’s admiration for families who upheld moral virtue and service inspired generations of Kerala Christians to blend faith with civic responsibility — a legacy that would echo centuries later in the life and mission of Fr. Philip Chemattakuzhy.

Early Life and Family Migration

Fr. Philip Chemattakuzhy was born in Mattakara, Kerala, to Mr. Mathew Chemattakuzhy Varghese and Mrs. Mariam Mathew (Mundackal). Though his date of birth remains undisclosed, he was baptized on September 25, 1954.

In 1955, when he was just one year old, his family migrated from Kerala to South Canara (now Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka), settling in Adka, Puduvettu village near Mangalore. This migration — driven by post-independence opportunities and their ancestral engagement in land ownership and agriculture — marked a historic turning point for the Chemattakuzhy family.

The visionary behind this movement was Varghese Chemattakuzhy (popularly known as Kochettan), a respected member of the Indian National Congress in Kerala. He inspired his uncles — Mathai and Anthony Chemattakuzhy Varghese (Libin’s great-grandparents) — to move with their families to Karnataka in pursuit of a better and more prosperous future.

Education and Spiritual Calling

Fr. Philip began his primary education at the local government school in Puduvettu, completing his early studies up to the fifth grade. He then attended Kayarthadka School and later finished his high school education at SDM School, Dharmasthala. His academic journey continued at SDM PU College, Ujire, where he pursued his Pre-University Course.

From a young age, Fr. Philip was deeply rooted in faith and tradition. Inspired by his family’s strong spiritual foundation and guided by divine intuition, he joined the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) in Mysore in 1972, a congregation founded by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the pioneer of modern education in Kerala.

His formative years in the seminary were devoted to spiritual discipline, philosophy, and theology. He received his novitiate in 1975, dedicating himself to service and contemplation within the CMI order.

Academic Excellence and Priestly Life

Alongside his spiritual journey, Fr. Philip nurtured an extraordinary love for academics. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1982, followed by advanced theological studies in preparation for the priesthood.

In 1986, he was ordained as a priest, marking the culmination of his spiritual formation and the beginning of a lifelong mission of faith and education.

Fr. Philip’s intellectual pursuits were equally remarkable. He obtained Master’s degrees (M.A.) in English, Sociology, Kannada, and Economics, and a B.Ed., all from the University of Mysore. His dedication to knowledge reached its zenith with a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in 2020, focusing on “Gandhian Perspective of Emancipation of Women – A Critical Study.”

Legacy of Service and Leadership

Throughout his priestly and academic life, Fr. Philip Chemattakuzhy has embodied the values of humility, discipline, and compassion. His years of service as a teacher and principal in various reputed institutions have left an indelible mark on generations of students.

Currently, as the Principal of Pushpa English Medium School, Periyapatna, he continues to guide young minds with the perfect blend of faith, intellect, and human values — upholding the same ideals that once inspired the Travancore King to honor truth and education as the pillars of a just society.

Epilogue – The Circle of Heritage

From the noble spirit of the Travancore Kingdom to the tranquil hills of South Canara, the Chemattakuzhy family’s journey mirrors the eternal Indian Christian story — of faith carried through migration, of education as service, and of truth lived humbly.

In Fr. Philip Chemattakuzhy, that royal-ecclesiastical legacy continues:

A priest with the intellect of a scholar, the humility of a saint, and the steadfastness of a heritage born under the blessing of both kings and apostles.