Joseph Powathil
|
His Excellency Mar Joseph Powathil |
|
|---|---|
| Archbishop Emeritus of Changanacherry | |
 |
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| Diocese | Catholic Archdiocese of Changanacherry |
| See | Syro-Malabar Catholic Church |
| Predecessor | Antony Padiyara |
| Successor | Mar Joseph Perumthottam |
| Other posts | Chairman, Interchurch Council |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 3 October 1962 |
| Consecration | 13 February 1972 |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Joseph |
| Born |
14 August 1930 Kurumbanadom, Travancore, British India |
| Nationality | India |
| Denomination | Syro-Malabar Catholic Church |
| Residence | Archbishop's House, Changanacherry |
| Parents | Ulahannan Joseph, Mariamma |
| Alma mater | St. Berchman's High School |
Mar Joseph Powathil (b. 14 August 1930, Kurumbanadom, Kerala, India) [Crown of Syro Malabar Church] is a Indian Catholic Archbishop representing the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. He is the Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. It is widely believed that he is quite influential in the Syro Malabar Catholic Church and among other churches.
Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil is known for his in-depth knowledge of the ancient patrimony and East Syrian Liturgy of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and his strenuous efforts for its reformation and restoration of liturgy in accordance with the directives of Vatican II. He strongly desires that the true and correct East Syrian Liturgy and rituals which were once celebrated in the Indian church[Mar Thoma Nasrani Church ] be restored. He was in the forefront towards the end of 20th century in the continuing struggles (which began in the late 18th century and gathered momentum in the early 20th century) for the restoration of Syro-Malabar Church’s East Syrian liturgy, full legitimate rights and its complete identity as an individual Church. He is also well known in the ecumenical movement and the Church's fellowship with followers of other religions.
Archbishop Joseph Powathil was born in the quiet hamlet of Kurumbanadom, near Chanaganacherry, Travancore. He was dearly known as Pappachan in his childhood, and he officially goes by the name of P. J. Joseph. He went to school at Holy Family LP School and St. Peter’s UP School, which were both in his home village, and then at St. Berchmans’ High School in Changanacherry. He attended St. Berchmans' College, Changanacherry for B.A. Economics and Loyola College, Chennai for M.A. Economics. Later, he took a one-year course in Developmental Economics at the University of Oxford in 1969.
Joseph did his seminary studies in St. Thomas Seminary Changanacherry and Papal Seminary Pune. He was ordained priest on 3 October 1962. Just after his ordination Joseph Powathil was appointed lecturer in economics at St. Berchmans’ College, the same college where he had his graduation studies. Though his later years were full of Episcopal responsibilities it is an irony that Father Joseph had very little pastoral experience as a priest. The authorities thought the other way, to utilize his leadership qualities and organizing abilities, besides his experience as a teacher and mentor, in the making of a prelate.
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