Rev. Fr. S. Jose Enchakal was born on 3rd January 1948 in St. George’s Parish, Koodalappadu, Edavoor village, in the Diocese of Ernakulam, Kerala, as the second son among the eight children of Mr. Sauro and Mrs. Rosammal. He had one elder brother, two younger sisters and four younger brothers.
1953 | Began his schooling from Class I at Upper Primary School, Edavoor. |
1964 | Pursued the B. Sc. degree at Sree Sankara College, Kalady, Kerala. |
1967 – 1975 | Joined the Vincentian Congregation of Cuttack, Orissa; completed his philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye, and studied theology for two years. |
1976 | Sought permission from Most. Rev. Antony Muthu, Bishop of Vellore, to continue his studies and to serve in the priestly ministry for the Diocese of Vellore. |
1976 – 1979 | With the permission of the Bishop, resumed and completed his theological studies at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirappalli. |
06.04.1979 | Ordained Deacon by Most Rev. Antony Muthu, Bishop of Vellore. |
10.05.1979 | Ordained Priest by Most Rev. Antony Muthu at St. George’s Church, Koodalappadu Parish, his native place in Kerala. |
19.09.1979 | Assistant Parish Priest, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Zamin Gudalore. |
1980 – 1982 | Parish Priest, St. Dominic Savio Parish, Thirumalai. |
1983 | Medical leave. |
1985 – 1989 | Parish Priest, Christ the King Parish, Nelliyankulam. |
1989 – 1990 | Served at the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), Secunderabad. |
1990 – 1995 | Parish Priest, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, Boodhamangalam. |
1995 – 1996 | Parish Priest, Our Lady of Presentation Parish, Perunthuraipet. |
2004 | Secretary, Labour Welfare Commission, Diocese of Vellore. |
2013 | Served as an Advocate at the High Court of Madras, Chennai. |
Among the many services rendered by Rev. Fr. S. Jose Enchakal, the following stand out:
He awakened the people of Perunthuraipet Parish to the need for social development and progress.
He organised the women of the parish into an association and led a successful campaign against liquor.
He gave due importance to the Dalit community in local body elections and initiated their representation in public life.
He emerged victorious in the struggle for land rights.
Driven by a thirst for liberation and a deep sense of social awareness, he founded the Mannin Maindhar Viduthalai Iyakkam (Sons of the Soil Liberation Movement).
He carried out his ministry with social consciousness and deep spiritual love.
Having served with great distinction as a priest for 47 years, Rev. Fr. S. Jose Enchakal returned to the Lord in his 78th year, on Thursday, 24th September 2026, at about 12.45 p.m.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.