Legacy of Faith and Service: The Chemattakuzhy Family Heritage as Remembered by Fr. Philip Chemattakuzhy

Family History and Initial Thoughts Fr. Philip Chemattakuzhy reminisces about his upbringing in a friendly, religious, and family-oriented home in Karnataka. Throughout his spiritual journey, his brothers, the late George Chemattakuzhy Mathew, Johnny Chemattakuzhy Mathew, and Jose Chemattakuzhy Mathew, have been a continual source of strength and inspiration. He recalls them with great respect. He conveys his sincere appreciation for their unwavering support and remembers their cherished families, including their loyal spouses, kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry on the Chemattakuzhy tradition of faith, solidarity, and service for future generations.Honouring George Chemattakuzhy Mathew's Descendants

During this time of introspection, Fr. Philip also remembers his late brother George Chemattakuzhy Mathew's two sons: Santhosh Chemattakuzhy George, who proudly works for the Karnataka Police Department in Mangalore, and Vinoy Chemattakuzhy George, a retired Indian Army officer who is still employed by the government. The enduring ideals that the Chemattakuzhy family has passed down through the years are shown in their dedication to integrity, discipline, and public service.

Recalling Anthony Chemattakuzhy Varghese's Line Additionally, Fr. Philip honours his late cousin, A.S.I. Joseph Chemattakuzhy Anthony, the eldest son of Anthony Chemattakuzhy Varghese, who distinguished himself as a police officer in Venur and Mangalore, among other parts of Karnataka. He celebrates the memories of his wife, the late C.J. Elikutty, a devoted teacher and headmistress who worked at schools in Mangalore, Venur, and Neriya, fostering many young minds through her lifelong commitment to education, and recalls Joseph as a man of responsibility, humility, and compassion. Their boys carry on their honourable legacy.Alphi Chemattakuzhy Joseph, Dolphy Chemattakuzhy Joseph, and Vilphi Chemattakuzhy Joseph all use business, agriculture, and service to improve family and community life. Fr. Philip extends his sincere congratulations to their families, including spouses, kids, and grandchildren, who uphold the same values of integrity, self-control, and faith that have long characterised the Chemattakuzhy name.

Spiritual Heritage and Ongoing Legacy He also remembers Joseph's younger brothers, Mathew Chemattakuzhy Anthony, who lives in Mysore and works for a CMI-affiliated organisation and Varkey Chemattakuzhy Anthony, a reputable landowner and businessman. The high family traditions of education, service, and spiritual commitment are still upheld by their spouses, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The fact that the Chemattakuzhy family, many of whom live nearby to Seon Ashram, continue to be active supporters and close participants in its goal of compassion, care, and community upliftment makes Fr. Philip happy and proud. Priests, nuns, educators, medical professionals,writers, philosophers, social workers and business executives from the Chemattakuzhy lineage have served communities in India and elsewhere for many generations.

The Chemattakuzhy family, with roots in both Christian devotion and Brahmin ancestry, continues to be a living example of harmony between religion, wisdom, and compassion—a unique combination of moral strength, intellectual pursuit, and spiritual depth. Every generation is still motivated by their shared story to live honestly and selflessly, upholding the Chemattakuzhy name with pride and purpose.

Note: Photographs of family members have not been included in this publication to respect personal privacy and ensure that the focus remains on their collective legacy of faith, service, and unity.