At 5:30 a.m. (local time) on Thursday, 8 January 2026, Brother Anselm Mathew Thumbayil, SSP, passed away at Lissy Hospital, Ernakulam. He belonged to the Kochi Community of the India–Great Britain–Ireland Province of the Society of St Paul.
He was 90 years of age, with 66 years of Pauline life and 60 years of religious profession.

Brother Anselm Mathew Thumbayil was born on 21 August 1936 at Pallippuram, Cherthala, in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam–Angamaly, Kerala, to Varghese and Annamma Thumbayil. He was one of eight children—seven brothers and one sister—born into a deeply rooted Catholic family. Shaped by a simple agrarian upbringing and strong Christian traditions, young Varkey (as he was known) imbibed the values of prayer, discipline, and service from his early years.

Even as a young man, Varkey displayed leadership qualities, eloquence, and strong social commitment. He was an active member of the Indian National Congress, earning admiration for his powerful speeches and influence among the youth. Yet, God called him to a higher mission.

Responding generously to this divine call, he entered the Society of St Paul in Mumbai on 18 June 1960, thus beginning 66 years of faithful Pauline life. He made his first profession on 16 July 1966 in Allahabad, receiving the name Anselm, and his perpetual profession on 15 August 1970 in Mumbai. Inspired by his patron, St Anselm, known for faithfulness and total surrender to God’s will, Brother Anselm lived as a faithful disciple and humble builder of God’s Kingdom.

The hallmark of his vocation was his extraordinary dedication to the sick and the elderly. For nearly 46 years, he served as infirmarian in several Pauline communities, becoming a healer through his tender, patient, and compassionate care. Though not formally trained as a nurse, he acquired practical skills at Guru Nanak Hospital and Holy Family Hospital (Mumbai) and St Martha’s Hospital (Bengaluru). He also obtained a Diploma in Theology from the National Association of Religious Brothers in India (NARBI), Bengaluru.

Moved by compassion for the poor, he established semi-medical dispensaries at Nelagathranahalli (Bengaluru) and Bagada (Allahabad), which are still gratefully remembered by the local people. He also organized tuition programmes for poor children in Vijayawada.

Brother Anselm served in Pauline communities and apostolic centres across India:
Mumbai (1968–1972), Bengaluru (1972–1980), New Delhi (1980–1985), Allahabad (1985–1987), New Delhi (1987–1991), Chennai (1991–1994), Vijayawada (1994–1997), Chennai (1997–2000), Pune (2000–2002), Mumbai (2002–2008), Vijayawada (2008–2014), and Kochi (2014 until his death).

His apostolic mission began in the linotype composing section of the press in Mumbai and Bengaluru. He later served faithfully in book centres at New Delhi, Allahabad, Chennai, Vijayawada, Pune, and Mumbai, and managed the book centres in New Delhi (1980–1985) and Allahabad (1985–1987). As a vocation promoter for about 15 years, he inspired many young men to embrace Pauline life. In community service, he functioned as Superior (New Delhi), Prefect, Provider, and Farm/Poultry In-charge, always fostering joy and fraternity among the members, especially on special occasions.

Confreres remember Brother Anselm as ever active, joyful, and available—in the chapel, kitchen, corridors, infirmary, farm, or storeroom, wherever help was needed. His strength flowed from deep personal prayer and filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His punctuality and fidelity to community prayer and liturgy were exemplary. One confrere aptly remarked: “He had the compassion of a father, the affection of a mother, and the understanding of a true friend.” Even in his final years at Kochi, he continued to care for the elderly and sick with undiminished zeal.

As we bid farewell, we thank God for Brother Anselm’s 90 years of life and 66 years of Pauline mission. In him, we mourn a faithful religious, tireless servant, compassionate healer, and joyful brother whose life quietly proclaimed the Gospel through love, service, and sacrifice. A devoted son of Blessed James Alberione and a courageous disciple of the Divine Master, may he now rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace.

Funeral Arrangements

• Mortal remains will be brought to the Pauline Community, Ernakulam:
  Saturday, 10 January 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

• Requiem Mass: Saturday morning (time to be announced)

• Transfer to home parish at Pallippuram: Saturday afternoon

• Funeral Service:
  Sunday, 11 January 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
  at St Mary’s Forane Church, Pallippuram, Cherthala, Kerala

The annual feast of Blessed James Alberione, the Founder of the Society of St Paul, was celebrated by the Society of St Paul Mumbai community on Wednesday 26 November 2025. The entire event was meticulously planned by Fr Sunil Varghese, the Superior, along with his council and members of the Provincial community. The celebration began with the Holy Mass, officiated by His Grace Most Rev. John Rodrigues, the Archbishop of the Bombay, marked three significant events—90th year of the presence of the Society of St Paul in India, 60 years as a Province and the Feast of our beloved Founder Blessed James Alberione. Archbishop John Rodrigues used the opportunity to emphasise the necessity and urgency of the media apostolate, appreciating the work of the Society of St Paul and also of the Pauline Family in Mumbai. 
The presence of Rev. Fr Domenico Soliman, the Superior General of the Society of St Paul, as well as two of his Councillors— Fr Johnson Vattakunnel and Fr Alan Gamutan—added special colour to the function.
After the Mass during the short felicitation function, Rev. Fr Domenico Soliman gifted to Fr Joby Mathew, the Provincial Superior, a special stole that Blessed James Alberione himself had used to celebrate Holy Mass. This was his jubilee gift to the Province. 
On this occasion, the Superior General together with the Archbishop released the much awaited “History of the Province” book complied by Fr George Kaitholil with inputs from several confreres. This project has been in preparation for the past five years. We thank the Provincial Team for realising this dream project in the Jubilee year. 90 years of history is now recorded in black and white for all generations to draw inspiration from! Special Jubilee mementos were distributed to all guests. The celebration concluded with a sumptuous dinner.
 

On Saturday, 7 June 2025, the vibrant Pauline community of Bengaluru came alive with fervent celebrations for the Feast of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, a cornerstone of our spirituality. The day was marked by prayer, reflection, spirited activities, and communal joy, bringing together members, aspirants, families, and friends in a heartfelt tribute to Mary, the first disciple and apostle.

The feast day began with a solemn Visit to the Blessed Sacrament, setting a contemplative tone for the celebrations. Fr Dominic, the Superior of the Community, led the session, drawing inspiration from the writings of Blessed James Alberione, the founder of the Pauline Family. His reflections centred on the profound devotion to Mary, Queen of the Apostles, emphasising her role as a model of faith, discipleship, and missionary zeal. The community meditated on themes such as Mary, the First Disciple, and Mary, the Apostle, fostering a deeper connection to her exemplary life.

In a spirited revival of community traditions, the afternoon saw the formation groups—Juniors and Aspirants—join hands with community members to organise a thrilling volleyball match. Two teams, aptly named Divine Master and Queen of the Apostles, competed with enthusiasm on the sunlit court, cheered on by an animated crowd of supporters. After a fiercely contested match, the Queen of the Apostles emerged victorious amid roaring applause and laughter. This event not only rekindled the spirit of sportsmanship but also strengthened the bonds within the formation groups.

In the evening, the solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Joseph T.C. In his homily, Fr Joseph eloquently highlighted Mary’s pivotal role in the life and mission of every Pauline, urging the community to emulate her humility, obedience, and unwavering commitment to God’s call.

The festivities concluded with a lively bingo session organised by Br Richard and Fr Baji, transforming the community portico into a hub of excitement. The event saw enthusiastic participation from community members, parents of Aspirants, and friends, all gathered to share in the joy of the feast.

The Feast of Mary, Queen of the Apostles on 7 June 2025 was a memorable day for the Bengaluru community, blending spirituality, tradition, and festivity. From the morning’s sacred reflections to the evening’s joyful gatherings, the celebration honoured Mary’s enduring legacy as the Queen of the Apostles while strengthening community bonds. This day of devotion and togetherness will remain etched in the hearts of all who participated, inspiring them to carry forward Mary’s apostolic spirit in their mission.

On 31 May 2025, the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, during a solemn ceremony, five of our Novices—namely, Pradeep Bara, Santosh Kumar, Sumit Lakra, Savio Panmei and Wedneson Goyari—made their first religious profession in the Society of St Paul.

The Holy Mass, presided over by Fr Joby Mathew, the Provincial Superior, was attended by members of the Community in Eluru, along with special invitees and friends. During his insightful homily, Fr Joby emphasised the significance of their commitment and the need to remain always faithful to the Lord who has called them.

Prior to the First Profession, Fr Emmanuel Mundumuzhikkara, SSP, thoroughly prepared the Novices for this special day, challenging them to delve deep into their Pauline vocation and mission.

The celebration concluded with a communal gathering, during which the newly professed were warmly felicitated.