Joseph Parecattil

Joseph Parecattil (1 April 1912 – 20 February 1987) was an Indian prelate of the Syro-Malabar Church. He served as the 2nd archbishop of Ernakulam from 1956 to 1984, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1969. He was the first cardinal from Kerala and second from India.

Biography Mar Joseph Parecattil was born in Kidangoor, Angamaly, Kerala, and studied at the minor seminary of Ernakulam and the Major seminary of Kandy, from where he obtained a doctorate in theology (with a dissertation entitled: "Augustine vs. Pelagius on Divine Grace". He also attended the University of Madras, where he specialised in economics. he then did pastoral work in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam, serving as assistant pastor at Narakal and North Paravur and as pastor at Chunangamvely. He was also editor of the weekly Sathyadeepam ("Light of Truth").

Pope Paul VI created him Cardinal Priest of Nostra Signora "Regina Pacis" in the consistory of 28 April 1969. In his capacity as Chairman of the CBCI, gave special attention to the development and establishment of St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore. Mar Joseph Parecattil retired as Archbishop of Ernakulam on 30 January 1984, following a 28-year tenure. He continued to serve as President of the Pontifical Commission for the Revision of the Code of Oriental Canon Law until his death in 1987.

In 2012, to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of the Cardinal, India Post released a postal cover. Former Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy lauded the late visionary's contributions towards education, healthcare and the overall development of the society at an event.