Vatican Declares Msgr. Joseph C. Panjikaran Venerable

Vatican, Dec 18, 2025: The Vatican has recognised the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Joseph Panjikaran, a diocesan priest from India and the founder of the Congregation of the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph, marking a significant step forward in his cause for sainthood.

The decision was announced through the Promulgation of Decrees by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints on December 18, following authorisation granted during an audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery.

Life and Ministry

Msgr. Joseph C. Panjikaran, born on September 10, 1888, in Uzhuva near Cherthala town in Kerala, dedicated his priestly life to pastoral service and healthcare ministry, founding a religious congregation committed to medical care, especially for the poor and the sick. He died on November 4, 1949, in Kothamangalam, India.

With the recognition of his heroic virtues, Msgr. Joseph C. Panjikaran is now formally declared Venerable, bringing the Church a step closer to acknowledging his life of faith, service, and self-giving love.

Msgr. Joseph C. Panjikaran was the second child of late Mr. Chacko Panjikaran and Mariam Kanichattu and was known by his pet name Outhachan. He completed his matriculation in 1906.

He graduated in History from St. Joseph College, run by Jesuits at Thiruchinappilly. History was his favourite subject, and in 1913 he became the first postgraduate among St. Thomas Christians in Kerala.

In May 1913, the same month he obtained his M.A. degree, Msgr. Panjikaran joined the minor seminary at Ernakulam. He was later sent to the papal seminary at Kandy, Sri Lanka, for clerical studies and training. After completing theological studies, he was ordained priest on December 21, 1918, at the seminary in Kandy, and celebrated his first Holy Eucharist the following day.

Returning to Kerala, he emerged as a scholar in sacred sciences, noted for artistic talents, leadership qualities, eloquence in preaching, selflessness in service, and goodwill. He served as a teacher at St. Mary’s High School, Aluva, from 1919 to 1922, and as Director of the Propagation of Faith in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam from 1921 until his death.

In 1925, he represented Kerala, India, at the Vatican mission exhibition in Rome and was awarded the ‘Bene Merenti’ medal by Pope Pius XI. During this period, he completed doctorates in Philosophy, Theology, and Canon Law.

Msgr. Panjikaran later served as Director of Archdiocesan publications, including Satyadeepam and Malabar Mail. A gifted orator and historian, he documented the historical background of the Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala and discovered a Pahlavi Cross at Alengad in 1931.

His pastoral and social commitments included serving as Director of the Works of Mercy, President of the Sadhu Jana Sangh from 1928, and establishing Dharmagiri Charity Mount, the first Catholic hospital in Kothamangalam using the allopathic system of medicine.

The Servant of God Msgr. Joseph C. Panjikaran is regarded as one of the pioneers of the Church’s healthcare apostolate in Kerala.

Source: The Medical Sisters of St. Joseph