Augustine John Ukken

Upon returning to Kerala, Father Augustine John Ukken exercised numerous pastoral and educational responsibilities within the Archdiocese of Thrissur. From 1908 to 1909, he was assistant headmaster of St. Thomas School in Thrissur, where he also taught French and Latin. He then assumed the role of rector of the minor seminary of Thrissur from 1910 to 1917, while serving as secretary to Archbishop John Menachery from 1913 to 1917. Later, from 1921 to 1925, he led St. Thomas College as principal.

Alongside his administrative and teaching duties, he was appointed vicar and parish priest in numerous parishes (notably Kandassankadavu, Kottapady, and Chowannur). It was in Chowannur that he spent the greater part of his ministry (from 1928 to 1956). Close to the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed, he fully committed himself to social and charitable action. His dedication and integrity earned him such esteem from the local population, regardless of religion, that he was unanimously elected judge of the village tribunal (head of civic administration) of Chowannur.

On November 21, 1944, with the approval of Msgr. George Alapatt, Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur, he founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity (CSC) in Chowannur. The institute's charism is the care of the sick, the accompaniment of the dying, aid to the most destitute, and catechetical education. He remained its chaplain and spiritual guide until his death.

After a life entirely given to God and the poor, Father Augustine John Ukken passed away on October 13, 1956, in Chowannur, at the age of 75. His reputation for holiness, already vivid during his lifetime, continued to spread after his death.

The cause for beatification and canonization was officially opened on November 30, 2007. On August 24, 2008, he was declared a Servant of God by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur, during a celebration at the Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral in Thrissur. The archdiocesan tribunal in charge of the inquiry into his life and virtues was established on August 31, 2008, and concluded its work on May 23, 2012.

The Roman phase of the cause began after the validation of the diocesan inquiry. The Positio on his heroic virtues was published in 2015.

On December 21, 2018, Pope Francis authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree recognizing the heroic virtues of the Servant of God, thereby conferring upon him the title of Venerable. For his beatification to be pronounced, the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession is required.

The spirituality of Father Augustine John Ukken is based on an intense love for Christ present in the Eucharist and a deep Marian devotion. Orphaned from a very young age, he developed an absolute trust in Divine Providence, considering God as a loving Father who never abandons His children.

His legacy continues today through the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity (CSC), which includes numerous religious sisters working in India and abroad with the sick, orphans, and marginalized people. His example of life, combining mystical contemplation and concrete charitable action, remains a source of inspiration for the Syro-Malabar Church and all the faithful.