Fr. Josey Kunnunkal was a seeker of depth, a good friend and guide for many, and a creative person. He sought to unravel the beauty in every human person, which is God’s precious gift. Having received training in Group Therapy in Indian Society of Applied Behavioural Science (ISABS), irrespective of the places and ministries he was assigned to, Fr. Josey put to good apostolic use the skills he acquired by working as a professional faculty in various associations of group training and personally animating many community-building sessions.
Even as he was working with all sections of people – students, priests and religious, men and women across caste, creed and economic status – Fr. Josey had a preferential love for and commitment to the Dalits. He did a research on the Dalit psyche with Dr. Pulin Garg, IIM, Ahmedabad. During this research (1985-89), the hostel at Ara Catholic High School, which was then teeming with Dalit students from all the parishes and mission centres of the erstwhile Patna Diocese, was his base.
Since Fr. Josey was a talented person, he was assigned to a variety of ministries: intellectual and youth ministry based in Navdeepti Sadan, Golghar, Patna (1971-77), Socius of the Provincial of Patna (1979-85), Superior of the Jesuit community of Barbigha parish (1990-95), Superior of the Jesuit community of Indian Social Institute (ISI), Delhi (1996-2000), Asst. Director of Bihar Dalit Vikas Samiti (BDVS), Patna (2000-03), Superior at Aurangabad (2004-06), Superior at Phulwarisharif (2006-07), Parish Priest of Buxar (2008-09), Co-Pastor at Itarhi (2009-10), staff member at the Novitiate in Lucknow (2011-12) and Co-Pastor at Danapur Cantt., (2013-17).
In all these, Fr. Josey came across as a warm and exuberant person, who cherished life in all its shades. He celebrated life with his culinary skills and imparted to others the value of enjoying the gift of life given by God. Thank you Fr. Josey for your life and ministry on earth; intercede for us in heaven.
Susai Raj, SJ
