Fr George Uthirakulam, SJ, was born on 11th February, 1948, in Kanjiramattam in the Diocese of Palai in Kerala. He entered the Society of Jesus at XTTI, Patna, Bihar, for the Santal Region of the Society on 1st July, 1966. He was ordained Priest on 26th April, 1980.
Fr George was a spiritual person, simple, with few possessions, lovable, easily available to others, exemplary, a discerning person and conscientious. Right at the start of his priestly ministry, the Superiors found him an ideal person to accompany Ours, and assigned him appointments that involved the accompaniment of those in formation. With his gift of welcoming others as they are, listening to them and seeking to help them with sound advice, Fr George was always accepted as a guide and listened to. He was always eager to learn more about the art of accompaniment through reading, and by attending seminars and courses when opportunities came his way. He was also an excellent teacher of English and taught the language to generations of Jesuit and Diocesan seminarians. Accompaniment is not confined to Ours only, but extended to all whom we serve in our spirituality centres and other places. Wherever he was posted, Fr George was much sought after by Religious Sisters for spiritual direction.
His wise and practical counsels apply also to governance. He sat on the Finance Commission for a couple of years. He served as Socius, Consultor and Admonitor to two Provincials. In that capacity, Fr George rendered invaluable service to the Dumka-Raiganj Province and the Kingdom. Fr George’s availability for any ministry, his selfless engagement in whatever he did, his kindness and cordiality in welcoming others, won the hearts of one and all who came in contact with him. May God Almighty grant Fr George Uthirakulam SJ, Eternal Rest in His Kingdom.
Paul Aquilina, SJ
