IN LOVING MEMORY OF BR. JOSEPH BASIL CHENNAMKULATH SSP (24 May 1936 – 26 June 2025) The Society of St Paul, India–UK–Ireland Province, with deep sorrow and yet with profound thanksgiving to God, announces the passing of our dearly beloved Br. Joseph Basil Chennamkulath SSP, who was called to his eternal reward on the morning of 26 June 2025 at 8:00 a.m., in our community of Kochi, India. A LIFE ROOTED IN FAITH AND SERVICE Born on 24 May 1936 in Paingottoor, in the Diocese of Kothamangalam, Kerala, Joseph was the cherished son of Mr. Paily and Mrs. Mariam, part of a loving family of six brothers and two sisters. Deeply influenced by the simple, hardworking spirit of his agrarian upbringing, young Joseph imbibed the values of prayer, discipline, and service from his earliest years. He entered the Society of St Paul in Mumbai on 24 April 1958, beginning a journey that would span over six decades. He made his First Profession on 16 June 1963 in Allahabad, taking the religious name Basil, and later his Perpetual Profession on 15 August 1968 in Mumbai. His life was guided by the patronage of St. Basil, whose zeal for the Church and commitment to the community Br. Basil embodied faithfully. A PIONEER IN THE TRUEST SENSE One of the most defining contributions of Br. Basil was his pioneering role in founding the Bangalore community in 1968. Sent by the then Provincial Fr. Alfonso Ferrero to join Fr. Gabriel Colassanto, Br. Basil—newly perpetually professed, young, and full of missionary spirit—bravely stepped into the unknown. He arrived at Nagasandra, then a remote and almost barren land, with nothing in hand except faith, determination, and the Pauline spirit. Drawing strength from his agrarian roots, he began cultivating the land and transforming the wilderness into a vibrant community space. Coconut groves, fruit orchards, paddy fields, a cattle and poultry farm—these were not just agricultural ventures but expressions of trust in Divine Providence. With companions like Br. Pancratius and Br. Thomas Cornelio, Br. Basil laid the physical and spiritual foundation of a community that would soon flourish as a key Pauline centre. A MISSIONARY AND BUILDER OF COMMUNITIES Br. Basil’s legacy cannot be measured merely in years, but in foundations laid and dreams realized. As Provincial Councillor (1971–1977), he played a decisive role in establishing the Chennai community (1972) and its apostolate through the Good Pastor Book Centre. In 1977, he was instrumental in the opening of the Kochi house and book centre, serving as its Superior until 1986. His missionary zeal extended beyond India. As a General Councillor in Rome (1986–1998), he was entrusted with establishing the first English-speaking Pauline presence in Africa. After extensive travels and untold hardships, he secured land in Ibadan, Nigeria, and oversaw the construction of a three-storey book centre opposite the Catholic Cathedral. This initiative marked the beginning of a mission that continues to thrive today in four Nigerian cities. DEDICATED SERVICE IN MANY COMMUNITIES In addition to pioneering foundations, Br. Basil served faithfully across many communities: He was known for his meticulous order, love for cleanliness, and unwavering commitment. Whether managing a book centre or overseeing construction, Br. Basil infused every task with a spirit of dedication and care. A LIFE OF DISCIPLINE, SIMPLICITY, AND PRAYER What marked Br. Basil most deeply was not just what he did—but how he lived. Austere in habits, deeply prayerful, and quietly generous, he was a man of inner discipline and deep humility. He avoided the spotlight but radiated authenticity. His witness inspired generations of young Paulines to embrace religious life with courage, sacrifice, and joy. In recent years, despite advancing age and health challenges, he remained active in the Kochi community. He supervised the construction of the Alberione Home for senior members and continued to offer spiritual and practical guidance with a youthful spirit. A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON As we bid farewell to Br. Basil, we do so with gratitude for his 89 years of life, 67 years of Pauline vocation, and six decades of mission. He leaves behind not just the memory of his presence, but the living legacy of communities built, vocations inspired, and missions established. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family members, especially Mr. C.P. Paul, Mr. C.P. George, and Mrs. Chinnamma George, as well as to all his confreres, collaborators, and friends. FUNERAL DETAILS Funeral details will be communicated separately. IN GRATITUDE AND PRAYER We thank God for the gift of Br. Joseph Basil Chennamkulath—a faithful son of Blessed James Alberione, a humble servant of the Word, and a courageous missionary disciple. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” May he now rest in the eternal embrace of the Divine Master, whom he loved, served, and proclaimed with his whole life. 
“A faithful disciple, tireless missionary, and humble builder of the Kingdom”
(Mt 5:8)
