Early Life & Education
Born on August 14, 1930, in Kurumpanadom, Changanacherry, Joseph was the eldest of the three sons of Sri. Ulahannan Joseph and Mariyam Joseph Powathil. His early education began at Holy Family School, Puliamkunnu, followed by St. Peter’s School, Kurumpanadom. He completed his high school education at St. Berchmans H.S., Changanacherry.
An intellectual from a young age, he pursued his degree at St. Berchmans College and later earned an M.A. in Economics from Loyola College, Madras. Furthering his academic prowess, he studied Economics at Oxford University, England, from 1969 to 1970.
Priesthood & Early Ministry
He began his priestly formation at St. Thomas Minor Seminary, Parel, and continued Philosophy and Theology studies at the Papal Seminary in Pune. On October 3, 1962, he was ordained to the priesthood. He served as a Lecturer of Economics at St. Berchmans College from 1963 to 1972, shaping young minds while serving the Church.
Episcopal Ministry
In 1972, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Changanacherry and was ordained by Pope Paul VI in Rome on February 13, becoming the first Syro-Malabar Bishop to be ordained by the Holy Father. His motto, "In Truth and Charity," guided his every action.
He became the first Bishop of the Eparchy of Kanjirappally in 1977, where he served until 1985. During this time, he founded numerous developmental and charitable societies, including the Malanadu Development Society and Peerumedu Development Society.
Archbishop of Changanacherry
In 1985, he returned to Changanacherry as its Archbishop, serving for 22 years. His tenure was marked by immense growth in educational and social institutions. He welcomed Pope John Paul II in 1986 and led the inauguration of the Syro-Malabar Raza Qurbana.
A staunch defender of the Church's heritage and a promoter of ecumenism, he served as President of the CBCI and Chairman of the KCBC. His contributions to the global Church were recognized through his participation in multiple Synods of Bishops in Rome.
Legacy
After retiring in 2007, he remained an active voice in the Church. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI acclaimed him as "The Crown of the Syro-Malabar Church." He was called to eternal rest on March 18, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shine as the "Gem of the Orient."