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On 22nd June 1939, in Gothuruthy, Kerala, the eldest of 3 sons was born to the
God - fearing and pious parents Mrs. Velama (Philomina) and Mr. John
Kaithathara. Six days later he was baptized at the age of seven, received the
sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. His mother expired on
15-06-1972 and his father on 04/04/1998. Both his brothers, Varied and Raphael
are happily married to Sophy and Omana respectively.
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Rt.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Kaithathara
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It is any wonder that we find Rev. Father Joseph a man of discipline and
principles for he has imbibed the qualities of his worthy father, who had joined
the Indian Army and after the Second World War, the Kerala Police. This has been
supplemented by strong basic education of his parish school. St Sebastian's,
Gothuruthy, from June 1944 to April 1955. Two months later through the
inspiration and encouragement of Fr. J. W. Pereira and Fr. Raphael Vadacherry,
he joined St. Joseph's petit seminary, Ernakulam with the kind permission of
Archbishop Attipetty; that same year in September the option of the Diocese of
Jhansi was made.
Rev. Bishop F. X. Fenech had decided to send him for further studies, so after
two years of studies in Ernakulam, his Rector, Fr. Cornelius Elanjikal, now
Archbishop, made every arrangement for his one month's stay in St. Joseph's Ap.
Seminary Carmelgiri, Alwaye for his visit to Jhansi in Aug 1957 and his trip to
Rome. On 26th Sept 1957 he left by shi for Naples, Italy and reached Rome on 9th
October 1957. He commenced the studies of Philosophy and Theology in Pontifical
Urbanian University on 15th October 1957. Having Successfully completed the
Master's Degree in the above he was ordained priest in Rome on 21-12-1963, by
his Eminence Cardinal Agaginian Bishop F.X. Fenech wished that Fr. Joseph
continue his studies in same college and obtained a Doctorate in Canon law. Fr.
Joseph was asked to be the prefect of students and helper and assistant to the
Rector, Msgr Jezernik. He left Rome in Sept 72 to work in Weichs, Germany from
September 72 to June 73, which gave him a strong bond with Sehulsehwestern of
Bavavian Province, who supported him in all his activities.
Fr. Joseph came back to Jhansi on 04-07-1973 and Bishop Baptist Mudartha sent
him to be on the staff of St. Joseph's Seminary, Allahabad, as a professor of
Canon Law, the assignment that he faithfully carried out from July 1973 to May
1987. He was simultaneously appointed, Prefect of students, Dean of Studies and
Minister of the House.
In July 1987 Bishop Frederick D'Souza called Fr. Joseph back to the diocese and
entrusted him the pastoral ministry of St. Anthony's Cathedral, Jhansi. Under
the guidance of the Bishop Rev. Fathers and financial help of friends in
Germany, the work on Cathedral School, Jhansi commenced on 21-12-1988. At the
request of the Bishops of the region, the Bishop of Jhansi sent Fr. Joseph back
to Allahabad, placing on his reliable shoulders, the responsibility of Rector of
St. Joseph's Seminary, an assignment that he dutifully carried out for Five
Years.
Fr. Joseph returned to the Diocese in July 1996 and in September 1996 was
appointed as Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Church Lashkar, Gwalior. He
is serving the diocese in the capacity of member of the Governing Body,
Consultor of the Bishop and member of the Priests Senate.
Now that Gwalior has been erected as a diocese, Fr. Joseph Kaithathara has been
appointed its Bishop on March 10th 1999.
We take this opportunity to congratulate our shepherd and Pastor and pledge our
loyalty and solidarity with the assurance of abundance of prayers for his well
being and pastoral activities.
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