He is currently in his third year of a Bachelor’s degree in Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, thanks to a scholarship from the CARF Foundation.

He shares his story about how Blessed Thevarparambil Kunjachan helped him mature in faith, as well as his formative experiences between the rural reality of his homeland, his studies in Calcutta and his current life in the heart of the Catholic Church.

“I am Justin Joseph, a seminarian in the Diocese of Ato Idukki, Kerala, India. I was born on February 25, 1998, in Kerala, into a devout family. My parents, deeply rooted in their faith, raised me in a pious environment that laid the foundation for my spiritual life. As a child, I served as an altar boy and was actively involved in parish activities, finding joy and inspiration in catechism classes.”

The inspiration of Blessed Thevarparambil Kunjachan in service to the poor: the life of the Blessed and the beatification ceremony

The life of Blessed Thevarparambil Kunjachan, a priest from my own family who dedicated his life to serving and promoting the poor in Kerala, deeply touched my heart and planted the seed of my vocation. His selfless service ignited in me the desire to follow in his footsteps and serve the Church. My desire to become a priest was further awakened during the beatification of Blessed Augustine Thevarparambil in 2006.

He was a good shepherd who cared deeply for his flock, dedicating himself especially to the advancement of the poor. His holy life deeply inspired me and awakened in me the desire to follow in his footsteps as a priest. As a child, I didn’t fully understand what beatification was or the process it entailed; however, during the ceremony, hearing about his life—especially the image of him as a good shepherd and his life of prayer—attracted me and deeply inspired me.

Growth in liturgical service and in love for the Eucharist through active participation in Mass.

I believe that experience led me to become more actively involved in the life of the Church. I began to help out at the parish, serving as an altar server at Holy Mass and developing a deep love for the celebration of the Eucharist. These experiences strengthened and deepened my desire to become a priest.

The context of the diocese of Idukki and its rural characteristics, between the Syro-Malabar rite and the simple but profound faith of the people.

After completing my upper secondary education in 2016, I entered the Diocese of Idukki, which is my own diocese. The Diocese of Idukki belongs to the Syro-Malabar Church and was established in 2003 to serve the spiritual needs of the faithful in this mountainous region of Kerala. Most of the region’s inhabitants are farmers, with lives closely tied to the land and a faith intertwined with their daily work.

They are deeply rooted in Catholic traditions and have preserved their religious heritage with a simple yet profound devotion. The diocese continues to grow and serve as a vibrant center of faith and community, despite the challenges inherent in a rural area.

I began my journey at the Mar Ephrem Minor Seminary in Idukki, where I took my first steps toward the priesthood. Those two years were a time of profound formation in which I learned not only to pray, but also to live a life grounded in faith, service, and community. Here I discovered what it means to be a priest: the importance of selfless dedication, the beauty of fraternity, and the values ​​that would guide me from then on.

The university stage : fundamental to understanding the realities and concerns of contemporary youth

After completing this initial formation, I pursued undergraduate university studies. During this time, I came to understand the struggles and aspirations of young people my age who face life’s uncertainties. This shaped my vision of what it means to be a priest in today’s world, helping me to envision a ministry that speaks to the hearts of new generations.

I then pursued a degree in Philosophy, which I completed in April 2023 in Calcutta. Living and learning alongside seminarians from across India gave me a broader perspective on pastoral work, showing me how faith takes root in diverse communities. This experience broadened my vision of ministry, preparing me to serve with greater understanding, compassion, and openness to the many faces of God’s people.

Studying theology in Rome , at the heart of Catholicism

After a year of practical experience in my diocese, I was sent to Rome to continue my theological studies. I consider it a great blessing and a wonderful opportunity on my vocational journey. Being here in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, allows me to experience the Church more intimately.

Living in the city of saints and martyrs, and studying in a place so rich in history and ecclesial tradition, has been a very meaningful experience for me. Every day I have the opportunity to learn not only through my studies, but also through the people I meet, the places I visit, and the faith I find here.

My thanks to the benefactors of the CARF Foundation

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be in Rome because I believe this experience is helping me to grow both personally and spiritually and to prepare myself more deeply for my future priestly ministry.”