Fr. Francis Kizhakkumthala (1960-2017) Birth: 10-8-1960; Profession: 55-6-1982; Ordination: 28-12-1991; Death: 23-9-2017; Parish: Chalakudy; Burial: Palakkad
Lisieux Monastery and Little Flower Minor Seminary were the early fields of priestly activity, for Fr. Francis Kizhakthala after his ordination. After his master‟s degree in Physics, he was teaching at Maruthumalai, and then he served as the principal of Carmel School, Erode. Thereafter, he was the provincial councilor for Education and then he was elected the provincial. He also served as administrator of Dharmaram College. Realizing his call for more intense spiritual life and interiority, he chose to live at Chavara Contemplative Ashram at Kakkadampoil. He was diagnosed with acute Leukaemia while serving there. For medical treatment, he moved to the Prior General‟s House, and continued treatment at Vellore and Rajagiri Hospitals. Excellent administrator and teacher, Fr. Francis was not satisfied and contented, until he chose to lead a life of prayer, contemplation and interiority at the Contemplative Ashram. Nobility and serenity were the hallmarks of his character. Intensely spiritual, and angelic in holiness, he was sought by many for spiritual advice. Even in the face of death, he used to spend hours in adoration and was serene in disposition. He completed his earthly sojourn and laid his soul in the hands of God Almighty, in 2017, and was buried at Palakkad.