Thrissur: Archbishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy was not only a compassionate shepherd and visionary leader but also a profound scholar, particularly in the field of Canon Law. His intellectual rigor and deep understanding of ecclesiastical law enabled him to guide the Church with clarity, fairness, and foresight, ensuring that pastoral care was always balanced with canonical integrity.
After his ordination in Rome on December 22, 1956, Mar Thoomkuzhy pursued advanced studies in Canon Law, earning a doctorate that equipped him with a comprehensive grasp of the Church’s legal, administrative, and pastoral frameworks. This expertise became an essential part of his ministry, allowing him to address complex issues of governance, parish administration, and diocesan planning with wisdom and prudence.
His time in Rome was formative not only academically but also spiritually. Immersed in the universal Church, he gained a perspective that combined local pastoral needs with a global ecclesial vision. This unique synthesis allowed him to implement reforms and establish practices in his dioceses that were both faithful to tradition and responsive to contemporary challenges.
In his role as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Thalassery and later as bishop, his canonical knowledge became a guiding force in decision-making. From structuring diocesan administration to advising clergy, he applied Canon Law as a tool for justice, transparency, and pastoral efficiency. His counsel was sought not only within his own dioceses but also by peers and Church authorities across Kerala.
Beyond administration, Mar Thoomkuzhy’s scholarship influenced the formation of clergy. At institutions like Mary Matha Major Seminary, he integrated canonical education into a broader curriculum that emphasized pastoral care, ethics, and practical ministry. By doing so, he ensured that future priests would be both knowledgeable in Church law and sensitive to the human realities of their communities.
Through his intellectual contributions, Archbishop Thoomkuzhy demonstrated that scholarship and pastoral care are not separate paths but complementary dimensions of true Church leadership. His legacy in Canon Law continues to guide diocesan governance, clergy formation, and the faithful’s understanding of Church life, leaving an enduring mark on the Syro-Malabar Church.