Fr. Thomas Kaduvathookil,affectionately called KT, was born in Ponkunnam, Kerala, and joined the Society after his Intermediate. On finishing his formation, KT was appointed to responsible positions of Headmaster, Principal and Rector of educational institutions in the Provinces of Patna and Delhi. He was a loving and friendly person with a disarming smile always playing on his lips. He would walk into any group with that disarming smile and get friendly with anyone within minutes. The friendships he cherished would extend to his friends’ children and dear ones. He was very eager to offer help to others. After a festive meal, he would collect some chocolates or cake pieces, not for himself, but to be given to the helpers and co-workers. He cared not only for humans but also for the birds and squirrels around. He was a voracious reader. He enjoyed reading books and sharing them with others. He loved to teach especially Maths and English Phonetics. As an administrator, he was very systematic in planning and executing the decisions. As a leader he believed in team work and made sure that opinions of all the stakeholders were taken into account. KT enjoyed sports and games, and would watch badminton, tennis and cricket matches for hours. He used to recall with pride his younger days when he excelled in many games, especially basketball; he even captained a university basketball team. As a Jesuit, he was simple in his lifestyle and a community man. He had great love for the poor and helped many of them in concrete ways. He suffered severe pain practically in every limb of his body. But he bore these aches patiently and with a smile. He had developed an inner strength to suffer pain without making much fuss about it. All of a sudden, to the shock of all, the Lord relieved him of all aches on September 10th, 2021.
Mathew Padayatty, SJ
