His Liturgical Vision

Regarding the liturgical renewal, he had reservations on merely restoring the ancient traditions. Althouth he was in favour of restoration, he objected to restoring everything in toto irrespective of the contemporary needs and aspirations of the people of God. He informed the Council Fathers that his reservations were based on the principle of the spiritual growth of the faithful and their pastoral exigencies. (Cf. Ernakulam Missam LII.4 (April 1983)

Cardinal Parekattil on Priestly Commitment

I am dedicated to God for all eternity. I have taken the irrevocable step. The vision about this step was a solemn profession to remain firm in the service of God till death. The principle remains the same even today, but often its practice yields to compromises. Today, we see the pathetic situation in which not only clerics of lower grade, but even those persons who belong to the higher ranks of priestly order seeking exemption from their vows and leaving. Further the philosophy of "situation ethics" and the like have diluted the value of solemn professions and permanent commitment. For people like me, the priestly life then had all the fullness of the signs of a total dedication.
(From the Autobiography of Cardinal Parekattil)

International Recognition of Cardinal Parekattil

Mathias Mundadan CMI in his book on Cardinal Parekattil, "Cardinal Parekattil: The Man, His vision, and His contribution" writes about the international fame of Cardinal Parekattil

"A book published in the United States of America on the eve of the conclave which was to elect the successor to Pope Paul VI bearing the title "The Inner Elite" gave a short accounts of all the cardinal electors. About cardinal Parekattil the book records a number of things which touch upon his personality and his vision in a succinct manner. It is to be noted with gratification that in the analysis of the book Cardinal Parekattil was placed sixth among the ten top ranking Cardinals. This is an index of the esteem the Cardinal commanded on international level." In this particular book mentioned his choice would be, "Parekattil was very much in favor of greater independence for national hierarchies. In special conclave, his choice of candidate would be greatly influenced by the individual's attitude to decentralization. He certainly would not favor a candidate who sought to retain rigid curial control of all Church activities."

The vision of an INDIAN CHURCH

(J. Thaliath, Letter to I.C Chacko, AGOD): The rite conflict in India calls the attention of theologians to think about the formation of one Indian Rite.As Kerala being the center of Christianity in India the attempt initiated after the Second Vatican Council by Cardinal Parekattil is praiseworthy. His vision of Indian Church cannot be Utopian.It is important that a secular historian of Kerala has appreciated the attempts of the Cardinal. (A.S Menon, Social and Cultural History, 208-210.) (J. Parekattil, Adaptation,186-191; A.M Mundadan, ed. Cardinal Parekattil.) 

Joseph Cardinal Parekattil

Joseph Cardinal Parekattil
Native parish	Kidangoor, Angamaly
Date of Birth	4/1/1912
Ordination	8/24/1939
Bishop	11/30/1953
Arch bishop	7/20/1956
Cardinal	3/28/1969
Date of Retirement	4/1/1984
Passed away on	2/20/1987

Cardinal Parecattil

This year marks the birth centenary of Cardinal Parekattil. He was a visionary of the Indian Church.