Mananthavady: The year 1973 marked a turning point not only in the life of Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy but also in the history of the Syro-Malabar Church in Malabar. On May 1, 1973, Father Thoomkuzhy was appointed the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Mananthavady, a mission entrusted to him at a time when the region was still grappling with the struggles of migrant communities. His appointment was both a recognition of his pastoral depth and a call to shepherd a people in need of direction, stability, and hope.
The creation of the Diocese of Mananthavady was itself an act of vision. Malabar had witnessed an influx of migrants from central Kerala who cleared forests and braved wild animals, disease, and poverty in search of livelihood and land. While they built settlements with courage, their faith needed a shepherd who could walk alongside them. The Church chose Father Thoomkuzhy, whose years of priestly service in Thalassery had already proven his closeness to the people and his ability to combine pastoral care with practical wisdom.
When consecrated bishop, Mar Thoomkuzhy carried with him the simplicity of a priest and the sharpness of a canon lawyer. He began his episcopal mission by visiting remote villages, celebrating Mass with scattered communities, and encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith despite hardship. His episcopacy was marked by humility, accessibility, and a willingness to share in the everyday struggles of his flock.
Building a diocese from scratch was no small task. From establishing parishes and schools to providing healthcare and organizing social uplift programs, Bishop Thoomkuzhy laid a solid foundation for the spiritual and social development of Wayanad, Kannur, and Malappuram. He gave special attention to the role of religious congregations, recognizing that priests, nuns, and brothers could strengthen the faith and service dimensions of parish life. His founding of the Kristudasi Congregation in 1977 was a milestone in this vision, giving the local Church its own missionary force.
The making of a bishop was not simply about an appointment it was about a calling that demanded courage, endurance, and vision. In Mananthavady, Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy proved that he was not only a leader appointed by Rome but a true shepherd chosen by God for His people. His episcopal ministry in Malabar would become the cornerstone of his larger mission in the Syro-Malabar Church, shaping the course of thousands of faithful and influencing the very identity of the region’s Catholic life.