It was at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, 26 June 2025, that the eighty-nine-year-old burning candle was temporarily extinguished; an eighty-nine-year-long and purposeful journey came to its end. Yes, Br Basil Chennamkulath has completed his earthly pilgrimage and returned to the Father’s home to enjoy eternal life. He can largely echo the words of St Paul: “I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God...” (2 Tim 4:7–8a).
The thought of someone’s arrival is always a heart-warming melody, while that of someone’s departure is a heart-breaking mourning. We celebrate joyously the birthdays of our dear and near ones, but we feel sorrow in receiving news of the death of someone close to us—even with our Christian faith assuring us that death is not the end but the beginning of a new and glorious life. As we laid the mortal remains of Br Basil to eternal rest in his hometown cemetery at St Anthony’s Forane Church, Paingottoor, we did not bid him farewell. Rather, we assured him that we would keep him alive in our love and prayers, and that we would meet him sooner or later to be reunited in a life never to be parted again.
It was in June 1975 that I first met Br Basil Chennamkulath, dressed in his cassock, at St. Joseph’s Church in Gnanaolivupuram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The meeting was in connection with my desire to join the Society of St Paul, and Br Basil, then being the Vocation Promoter, welcomed me warmly with a smile and spoke to me in Tamil.
After reviewing all the documents required for my admission, he accepted me as a candidate for the Aspirancy without delay. He then asked me to join the Society the following month.
True to his instruction, I arrived in Bangalore on 6th July 1975. Br Basil received me with a heartfelt welcome. I had the privilege of spending the first four years of my formation under his guidance and closely witnessing his pioneering efforts during the early days of the Society’s presence in Bangalore.
Probably the greatest contribution of Br Basil to the Province and Congregation—and one for which he will always be remembered—is his role in founding the Bangalore Community, along with the late Fr Gabriel Colassanto. Bangalore was the fourth house of the Province, which at that time lacked the financial and structural support to sustain a new house. Just after his final profession, Br Basil, young and enthusiastic, known for his spirit of hard work and sacrifice, was chosen by then Provincial Fr Alfonso Ferrero to accompany Fr Gabriel on this challenging mission. With no gold, silver or copper in their pockets, no travel bag, spare tunics, sandals or staff, Br Basil arrived in Nagasandra village on 20 June 1968, settling at a small farmhouse amid an almost vacant 33-acre tract of land.
Coming from the bustling city of Bombay to a remote suburban village of the Garden City, he was initially confused and at a loss as to how to begin the mission entrusted to him. Drawing from his agricultural upbringing, Br Basil put his hand to the plough. Soon the barren land blossomed into a vineyard, a coconut grove, an orchard with various fruit trees, paddy, wheat and maize fields, vegetable gardens, cattle and poultry farms. In time, others like Br Pancratius and Br Thomas Cornelio joined him, lending moral support and physical assistance. “Amid the limitations of material and human resources, the hand of God was constantly felt and experienced throughout,” recalls Br Basil.
From 1971 to 1977, Br Basil served as Provincial Councillor—years that were among the most eventful of his life. He was pivotal in opening the Chennai house in 1972 and initiating the apostolate through the Good Pastor Book Centre. In 1977, he tirelessly contributed to establishing our house and book centre in Kochi. His efforts also played a significant role in founding the communities in Coimbatore and Kozhikode. Whether starting a new mission or nurturing its growth, Br Basil always gave his best, making great personal sacrifices.
His next assignment came from the Superior General Fr Renato Perino, during his tenure as General Councillor in Rome. Br Basil was entrusted with the task of founding a new Pauline centre in an English-speaking African country—we were already present in French-speaking Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), and Nigeria was chosen. Finding suitable property in the African context was challenging, with complex land records and numerous liabilities. Trusting in divine providence, Br Basil journeyed across states and cities in Nigeria before securing a property within the diplomatic security zone of Ibadan, Oyo State. He then constructed a spacious five-storey book centre opposite the Catholic Cathedral of Ibadan.
For four years, our Ibadan community—composed of members from various circumscriptions—was under the General Government. In 1994, then Superior General Fr Silvio Pignotti integrated the community into the Indian Province. The tiny Pauline seed planted on Nigerian soil about a quarter century ago has since grown into a mighty tree with branches extending into four major cities—a legacy Br Basil can proudly witness as bearing abundant fruit.
Apart from his pioneering charism, Br Basil served as a committed director of several book centres: Kochi (1979–1986), Chennai (2002–2003), Kozhikode (2003–2005), San Pada, Mumbai (2005–2006), and Bandra (2006–2011). Known for his meticulous and methodical approach, he brought order and cleanliness to both community and apostolate. Other services he rendered to the Congregation include: Provincial Councillor (1971–1977), General Councillor for two terms (1986–1998), and Superior of the Kochi Community (1979–1986). For several years, he served as house provider, prefect and Vocation promoter in Mumbai and Bangalore. More recently, he supervised the construction of Alberione Home for senior members at Kochi. Though aged and facing health issues, Br Basil remained youthful in spirit and continued to contribute to community life.
Born on 30 May 1936 in Paingottoor, Kothamangalam Diocese, Kerala, young Joseph joined the Mumbai community on 24 April 1958. After three years of aspirancy and formation, he undertook his Novitiate in Allahabad (1961–1963), making his first religious profession as Basil. Returning to Mumbai, he immersed himself in various community services, continuing until his perpetual profession on 15 August 1968.
Austerity, self-discipline and hard work were hallmarks of Br Basil’s life—traits that led him to sacrifice personal well-being for the sake of the community and apostolate. Today, the younger generation of Paulines feel proud and blessed to have learned how to live the Pauline vocation through the example of Br Basil—not so much with the words of mouth, but through the quality of their lives, manifested in his genuine love for the Congregation, the apostolate, prayer and the community.
Let us now express our love, appreciation and gratitude by keeping him ever alive in our memory and prayer, for the eternal repose of his soul.
May he enjoy eternal peace in our Father’s home!
