- 12 July, 2026
Bengaluru, July 12, 2026: The Catholic Church in India is mourning the passing of Fr. Joseph M. Ethakuzhy, widely known as Fr. A. M. Joseph, a distinguished priest of the Diocese of Ootacamund, philosopher, theologian, educator and former President of St. Peter's Pontifical Institute. He passed away on the night of 11 July 2026 following a sudden cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery at St. John's Hospital, Bengaluru. He was 73.
The sad news was announced by Fr. Richard Britto, Rector of St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary.
"It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the passing away of Fr. A. M. Joseph, a member of the staff of St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary. He had been recovering after a surgery at St. John's Hospital and suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest this evening and was declared dead at approximately 10:30 p.m. This is a great loss for St. Peter's. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and console his family and all who mourn him. Kindly remember him in your prayers."
Funeral arrangements will be announced separately.
Born Joseph Mathew Ethakuzhy on 28 January 1953 in Kanjirathanam, Kerala, Fr. Joseph answered God's call to the priesthood at a young age. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ootacamund on 25 May 1977, beginning a ministry that would span nearly five decades.
His priestly vocation was characterised by a deep love for the Church, intellectual excellence and an unwavering commitment to the formation of future priests. Throughout his ministry, he remained known for his humility, simplicity and dedication to both academic life and pastoral service.
Fr. Joseph was one of India's most respected Catholic philosophers and theologians. After completing his Bachelor of Theology at St. Peter's Pontifical Institute in 1977, he pursued higher studies in philosophy at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, earning a Master of Philosophy in 1989.
He later obtained his Doctorate in Philosophy from the prestigious Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome in 1991.
His doctoral dissertation, God-Experience according to the Bhagavad Gita: A Religio-Philosophical Study, reflected his lifelong interest in dialogue between Christianity and Indian philosophical traditions. The work became a significant contribution to Catholic scholarship on inculturation and interreligious understanding.
In 1999, he further enriched his theological vision by attending the Continuing Education Programme at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies in Jerusalem.
For more than three decades, Fr. Joseph served St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary and Institute in Bengaluru, where he became one of its most respected educators and administrators.
Joining the faculty in 1989, he taught Philosophy and Religion, inspiring generations of seminarians with his intellectual depth, pastoral sensitivity and engaging teaching style.
His leadership extended beyond the classroom. Over the years, he served as Librarian, Archivist, Dean of Philosophy and eventually as President of St. Peter's Pontifical Institute from 2004 to 2007.
Even after completing his administrative responsibilities, he continued serving the institute with dedication as professor, archivist and mentor, remaining actively involved in academic life until his final days.
Fr. Joseph's scholarship focused particularly on the history of inculturation in India and the interaction between Christianity and Indian culture.
He conducted extensive research on the contribution of the Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP) missionaries in India and consistently encouraged the Church to engage respectfully with India's rich religious and cultural traditions.
He was also widely recognised for promoting interreligious dialogue, believing that genuine encounter between faith traditions strengthens mutual understanding while deepening Christian witness.
His expertise led to his appointment as a member of the committee of experts responsible for preparing the commentary for The New Community Bible, published by St. Paul's India in 2008.
Beyond his impressive academic achievements, Fr. Joseph will be remembered above all as a gentle teacher and compassionate priest.
Students and colleagues recall his calm presence, thoughtful guidance and readiness to accompany seminarians through both intellectual formation and personal growth. His lectures challenged students to think deeply while remaining rooted in faith, and his office door was always open to those seeking advice or encouragement.
Generations of priests across India owe part of their philosophical and theological formation to his patient instruction and personal witness.
Fr. Joseph's passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of St. Peter's Pontifical Institute. His contributions to philosophical education, priestly formation, biblical scholarship and interreligious dialogue have left an enduring imprint on the Church in India.
While his academic writings and research will continue to inspire future scholars, those who knew him personally will remember a priest whose greatest lesson was the quiet witness of a life faithfully dedicated to God, the Church and the pursuit of truth.
As the Catholic community mourns his passing, prayers are being offered for the repose of his soul and in thanksgiving for his decades of generous service.
May the Lord whom he served so faithfully welcome him into eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire future generations of priests, scholars and faithful across India.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
