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: 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. Mortal remains will be brought to the Pauline Community, Ernakulam: Requiem Mass: Saturday morning (time to be announced) Transfer to home parish at Pallippuram: Saturday afternoon Funeral Service:
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.
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).
Funeral Arrangements
Saturday, 10 January 2026 at 6:00 a.m.
Sunday, 11 January 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
at St Mary’s Forane Church, Pallippuram, Cherthala, Kerala
