Br. Leo Kocheelath: A Faithful Pauline Disciple

Br. Leo Kocheelath, a true Pauline Disciple as envisioned by Blessed James Alberione, the Founder of the Pauline Family, was called to his eternal reward on Monday, 16 December 2024, at 7:00 AM in the community of Vijayawada, India.

Born as Varghese Kocheelath on 26 October 1945 in Elemgdi, Changanacherry (India), he was the fifth of ten children to Ephrem Abraham and Aley Elisabeth. He entered the Pauline community in Bombay on 21 May 1964, began his Novitiate on 16 July 1967, and made his First Religious Profession on 16 July 1969, adopting the name Leo. He perpetually consecrated himself to the Lord on 20 August 1974. Throughout his life, Br. Leo rendered generous and selfless service in various communities of the Indian Province.

Blessed Alberione once stated that the highest tribute to a Pauline is to recognize him as “observant.” By this standard, Br. Leo undoubtedly earned the highest recognition. He embraced the essentials of religious life with a genuine and profound spirit, endearing himself to all with his friendly, humble, and prayerful nature.

What truly defined his life was his unwavering dedication to the Pauline apostolate, prayer  life and  his cheerful disposition, which he upheld until his final days.

In loving memory of Br. Leo, a Requiem Mass was celebrated on 21 December 2024, at 6:30 AM in the community of Mumbai. The Mass, presided over by Fr. Joby Mathew, the Provincial, witnessed a large gathering of Paulines who came together to pray for him and give thanks to the Lord  for the life of his faithfulness to the Lord  till the end of his life. 

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his life of dedication to the Lord inspire others to follow in his footsteps with the same zeal and devotion.

On Friday, 13 December 2024, His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera, Bishop of the Diocese of Eluru, together paid a fraternal visit to our community in Mumbai and a few apostolic departments on the same campus.

Fr. Joby Mathew, our Provincial, welcomed them warmly. In his address, he emphasized that the Society of St Paul is grateful to these esteemed visitors for choosing to spend time with us. He added that the members of the Mumbai community are indeed fortunate to meet them on our campus.

After a brief interaction with the members, the two prelates visited our book centers in Bandra: Title Waves and St Pauls Book and Art Centre. They appreciated the careful selection and orderly arrangement of books.

They then proceeded to visit St Pauls Institute of Communication Education (SPICE). Both were of the opinion that our media institute is equipped with excellent infrastructure necessary for conducting professional media courses. “Thanks to Blessed James Alberione, your founder,” said Rev. Bishop Jaya Rao, “you are focusing on your specific apostolate of spreading the Word through media and communication.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to these ecclesiastical authorities for visiting St Pauls, Mumbai.

With profound sadness and hope in the Lord’s resurrection, the Society of St Paul announces the passing of Bro. Leo Varghese Kocheelath, who entered eternal life at 7:00 am on 16 December 2024 in the Vijayawada community, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Born on 26 October 1945 in Cheruvally, Kottayam, Kerala, to Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Elizabeth, Bro. Leo was the seventh of their children. Responding to God’s call, he joined the Society of St Paul in Mumbai in 1964. Following his novitiate in Allahabad, he made his first religious profession on 16 July 1969 and his final vows on 20 August 1974, coinciding with the congregation's 60th foundation day.

Bro. Leo’s 55 years of professed life were marked by deep dedication and service in various roles across the country:

• 1974-1976: Press Manager in Allahabad.
• 1976-1978: Service at Good Pastor International Book Centre, Chennai.
• 1978-1982: Caretaker of the farm in Bangalore.
• 1982-1984: House bursar and distributor of Home Life magazine in Mumbai.
• 1984-1991: Pioneer of the Calicut community, managing construction and the book centre.
• 1991-1994: Manager of the Bandra Book Centre, Mumbai; celebrated Silver Jubilee in 1994.
• 1994-1999: Oversaw the mobile unit in Vijayawada, promoting good literature and construction projects.
• 1999-2001: Provider for Bangalore community; involved in construction projects in Ranchi and Pune.
• 2001-2002: Manager of the Allahabad Book Centre.
• 2003-2007: Led the construction of the new building in Ranchi.
• 2007-2010: Delegate and mission reviver in Jalandhar.
• 2010-2019: Assistant Director, St Paul International Book Centre, New Delhi.
• 2019-2023: Managed construction and farm projects in Bengaluru.
• 2023-2024: Manager of the Jalandhar Book Centre.
• 2024: Member of the Vijayawada community.

Bro. Leo will be remembered for his humility, discipline, and unwavering dedication to the congregation’s mission. His life exemplified the Pauline spirit, marked by joy, hard work, and a deep love for God.

Final Rites and Burial
After the Funeral Mass and Last Rites in Vijayawada, Bro. Leo’s body was transported to the Bengaluru community, accompanied by his nephew, Thomas, along with Fr. Varghese Gnalian and Fr. Vincent.

The mortal remains were placed in the community chapel for members and the faithful to pay their respects. The funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, at 2:30 PM at the Community Chapel of the Society of St Paul, Bengaluru, followed by burial in the community cemetery.

Friday, 13th December 2024: Society of St Paul, Mumbai campus had the honour of welcoming His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, and His Lordship Most Rev. Dr Jaya Rao Polimera, the Bishop of Eluru and Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam, during their friendly visit to the Provincial House. The community offered them a warm welcome and reception in the community dining hall.

Fr Joby Mathew, the Provincial Superior, extended a formal welcome on behalf of the members gathered and as a gesture of respect and gratitude, honoured both the Cardinal and the Bishop with traditional shawls and presented them the “Pauline Cross” and a selection of our latest titles.

Cardinal Poola highly appreciated the mission of the Society of St Paul and recalled his long association with the Paulines, especially in Eluru, Vijayawada and Chennai. He encouraged the members to carry on our media ministry with renewed enthusiasm and creative energy. Bishop Jaya Rao too expressed his appreciation for our ministry in his Diocese and remembered with gratitude the love and care he experienced from Br Angelo of happy memories. 

Community members individually greeted His Eminence and His Lordship, sharing their joy in meeting the distinguished guests. Fr Joby Mathew, on behalf of the entire community, expressed gratitude for their gracious visit, acknowledging the inspiration and encouragement it brought to the members. Their visit, though short, will go a long way in strengthening our bonds of friendship and for the expansion of our apostolic activities in Andra Pradesh and Telangana.