My dear Confreres,

Fraternal greetings to you from Fr Benny Koottanal. I am happy to write these few lines to felicitate Rev. Dr Thomas Kalariparambil MSFS, the Provincial Elect of South-West India Province. After consulting the Members of the South West India Province, the Superior General, in consultation with his Curia, has appointed him as the 7th Provincial of South West India Province. He will be installed as the Provincial on January 24, 2022, the Feast Day of our beloved Patron, St Francis de Sales. On behalf of the Province family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Rev Dr Thomas Kalariparambil MSFS.

Rev Fr Thomas Kalariparambil s/o Scaria Chacko and Kathri Scaria was born on December 12, 1958 at Kanjiramthanam, Kerala. He completed his schooling in Kanjirathanam, in the year 1974. He joined SFS Seminary, Ettumanoor in the year 1975. He made his first profession on June 30, 1979. He did Philosophical studies at JDV, Pune from 1979 to 1981. After the philosophical studies, he was appointed to Vinayalaya for his regency from 1981 to 1982. From 1982-1984 he completed the Master’s in Philosophy at JDV, Pune. He completed theological studies at St Peter’s Pontifical Institute from 1984 to 1988. He committed himself totally for the Lord in perpetual profession on June 5, 1984 and was ordained a deacon on June 5, 1987. He was ordained a priest on April 25 at St John the Baptist’s Church, Kanjirathanam.

Appointments

  • 1988 – 1993: Teaching Staff at Suvidya College, Bangalore
  • 1993 – 1998: Doctorate in Philosophy at Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
  • 1999 – 2013: Teaching Staff at Suvidya College, Bangalore
  • 2000 – 2006: Rector of Suvidya College, Bangalore
  • 2007 – 2009: Director of Research Program, Suvidya College, Bangalore
  • 2011 – 2013 – Provincial Councilor in charge of Education
  • 2013 – 2021: Superior of SFS Vidyashram, Aluva
  • 2021 – Member of SFS Vidyashram, Aluva

On December 5, 2021 he was appointed the seventh Provincial of South West India Province.

My dear Confreres, as all of us know Rev Fr Thomas Kalariparambil MSFS is a man of head and heart. He has proved his caliber in academics, administration, pastoral ministries, especially in preaching. He is a vociferous reader and writer. As one of the most sought-after Professors in Philosophy in India and abroad, Fr Kalary is acclaimed as the most competent Scholar in Heidegger Studies in Asia and is currently the Associate Editor of the Journal of Heidegger Studies (US). Above all, as we know him personally, he is a person who commits himself totally with conviction for the cause he stands for. His undeniable convictions in matters of Faith and the teachings of the Church, personal credibility and the virtues of candour, sincerity and indisputable depth in relationships make him a leader par excellence. We wish and pray that Rev Fr Thomas Kalariparambil leads South-West India Province to further heights through  his ineffable God-given qualities. We also pray that God gives him grace and strength and good health of body and mind to carry out this noble task of animation of our beloved Province through unassailable loyalty and inviolable faithfulness.

Dear Fr Kalary, as the members of South-West India Province we congratulate you wholeheartedly for the leadership role you are taking up in the Province. As we allege our obedience and love, be assured of our whole-hearted co-operation with you and commitment to the entrusted responsibilities. May God bless you abundantly. Hearty Congratulations.

Rev. Fr Thomas Kalariparambil will assume the office of the Provincial on January 24, 2022 in Vinayalaya, MSFS Provincial House, Bangalore.

VOICE OF SFS
“When God sends Inspirations to a Heart, the first one he sends is that of Obedience.”

TLG, Bk VIII, Ch. 13

Fraternally,

Fr Benny Koottanal MSFS
Provincial