Thalassery: Long before Archbishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy became a bishop, he served the Church with quiet dedication in roles that rarely drew public attention but carried immense responsibility. His early years as Chancellor of the Diocese of Thalassery and Secretary to Bishop Sebastian Valloppilly shaped him into an administrator, diplomat, and trusted advisor, laying the foundation for his later leadership.
In these positions, Mar Thoomkuzhy managed the day-to-day governance of a diocese that was still in its formative stages. Thalassery, newly established to serve the migrant communities of Malabar, needed firm yet pastoral administration. His keen understanding of Canon Law, coupled with his personal humility, allowed him to navigate the delicate balance between rules and compassion.
As Chancellor, he was responsible for diocesan records, correspondence, and official documents. But his service was far more than clerical work. He provided guidance on legal and pastoral matters, advised parishes on administration, and ensured that the growing diocese maintained order and unity during its expansion.
Working closely with Bishop Valloppilly, he became a bridge between the bishop and the people. Migrant communities often felt overwhelmed by challenges of land disputes, poverty, and cultural integration. Father Thoomkuzhy’s patient and empathetic listening made him a reliable support for both the bishop and the faithful.
Behind the scenes, he was also a builder of trust and vision. His organizational skills and discretion gave confidence to those he worked with, while his priestly zeal ensured that administration never lost sight of its true purpose: service to the faithful. Those who encountered him in this period recall his accessibility, his readiness to help, and his ability to find fair solutions without creating division.
Though these roles were not as visible as his later episcopal responsibilities, they were crucial stepping stones. They revealed his gift for leadership, his ability to work collaboratively, and his capacity to balance intellect with humility. In many ways, his years as Secretary and Chancellor were the hidden roots of the towering pastoral figure he would later become.
Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy’s service behind the scenes reminds us that true leadership often begins in silence, patience, and fidelity to small tasks. His hidden labor in Thalassery helped shape the structure of a diocese and prepared him for the wider mission that awaited him.