Bl. Augustine Thevarparampil – The Apostle of Dalits in India

BLESSED. AUGUSTINE OF RAMAPURAM

Blessed Augustine Thevarparampil, affectionately known as Kunjachan, was an Indian Catholic priest renowned for his missionary work among the Dalit community in Kerala. He dedicated his life to their spiritual and social upliftment, emphasizing education and evangelization. Through his humble service, he brought thousands to the Catholic faith and is remembered as a beacon of love and compassion.

Blessed Augustine Thevarparampil, known as Kunjachan, was born on April 1, 1891, in the Thevarparambil family, a branch of the ancient Kuzhumbil lineage. The youngest of five children, he was baptized on the seventh day at his home parish, St. Augustine’s Church, Ramapuram. His parents, Itty Iype and Eliswa Thevarparambil, raised him in a deeply religious environment. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in faith and service.

In his early years, education was not widely available, especially for marginalized communities. Augustine began his schooling in the traditional village learning system called "Kalari" before progressing to a government primary school in Ramapuram. Later, he attended St. Ephrem’s High School at Mannanam, where he developed a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. His education helped shape his vision for social and spiritual reform.

Feeling a divine call to priesthood, Augustine joined the Minor Seminary at Changanacherry before moving to the Puthenpally Seminary at Varapuzha in 1915. On July 16, 1915, he received his cassock, marking the beginning of his religious journey. After nine years of formation, he was ordained a priest on December 21, 1921, by Mar Thomas Kurialacherry, the Bishop of Changanacherry.

Fr. Augustine’s early priestly ministry took him to Kadanad Church as an assistant vicar, where he also served at the Manathoor filial church. Even in his initial years, people regarded him as a holy man, often seeking his blessings to protect their crops from pests. His prayers were believed to be miraculously effective. However, due to ill health, he returned to Ramapuram in 1926.

It was at Ramapuram that his lifelong mission unfolded. The evangelization efforts among the Dalit community had begun under the guidance of Fr. Hilarios T.O.C.D., a Carmelite priest. Witnessing the baptism of 200 Dalit individuals during a retreat, Fr. Augustine was deeply moved and dedicated himself to their spiritual and social upliftment.

His approach was deeply personal—he visited Dalit families, understanding their struggles firsthand. At that time, these families had no land, lived in extreme poverty, and were denied basic rights, including education. Fr. Augustine believed that literacy was the key to their liberation. To address this, he established informal schools known as "Kalaris" in small sheds across various villages.

His pastoral mission was marked by tireless travel, often on foot across rugged terrains, to reach the marginalized. He visited Dalit settlements regularly, encouraging them to embrace the faith and improve their living conditions. He provided medical aid, financial assistance, and counseling to those in distress. Through his efforts, many Dalits converted to Christianity, finding dignity and hope in the faith.

Despite facing opposition from upper-caste groups and landlords, Fr. Augustine remained steadfast in his mission. He persuaded families to send their children to school, even providing food and clothing to make education accessible. He also introduced small savings schemes and co-operative societies to promote self-sufficiency within the community.

For their spiritual growth, he conducted annual retreats, ensuring that every family participated in confession and catechism. He meticulously recorded their faith journey in a book called "Almasthithi," which tracked their religious progress. His affectionate manner led people to call him "Our Father," while he lovingly referred to them as "My children."

Fr. Augustine spent hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, seeking guidance for his work. After his daily visits to the villages, he would return to the church to reflect and plan his next day’s mission. His deep faith, humility, and dedication made him a true missionary of Christ.

On October 16, 1973, Fr. Augustine Kunjachan passed away, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service. His work transformed countless lives, uplifting an entire community from social and spiritual neglect. Recognized for his holiness, he was beatified on April 30, 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI.

Today, his tomb at St. Augustine’s Church, Ramapuram, is a place of pilgrimage, drawing thousands who seek his intercession. His life continues to inspire missionaries, social workers, and the faithful worldwide.

Feast Day

16-10-

Birth Date

1-4-1891

Died Date

16-10-1973

Canonised Date

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St. Augustine’s Church, Ramapuram, India

"Lord, we lift up Augustine of Ramapuram to You. Bless him with Your grace, wisdom, and strength. Guide him in all his endeavors, protect him from harm, and surround him with Your love. May he always walk in Your light, and may his heart be filled with peace and joy. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen."
BLESSED. AUGUSTINE OF RAMAPURAM

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BLESSED. AUGUSTINE OF RAMAPURAM

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