Church Historian A.M. Mundadan on Cardinal

On account of the originality of Cardinal Parecattil's vision and magnitude of his pioneering contributions, the Cardinal became a sign of Contradiction. For, in his vision, he was far ahead of his contemporaries; by his contributions, he was far above several other leaders. It was this uniqueness that made the Cardinal a controversial figure; but it was the same uniqueness made him a prophet of modern Indian Catholicism. Like any prophet in history, he also became a sign of contradiction because a powerful group of conservatives could not understand nor accept his ideas. He was sometimes isolated, sidelined and even ignored. But he bore 'all the heat and burden of the day' so that others after him might march ahead safely and comfortably.

Bishop Thomas Chakiath on Cardinal Pareckattil

Another remarkable instance of his prophetic and readical action was his decision to sell the golden (pectoral) cross of the late Bishop Louis Pazheparambil and of Archbishop Augustine Kandathil, his predecessor, and of his own and to donate the amount to the educational fund he had founded in 1967. Tha Archdiocese has the history of selling a golden cross of the Angamaly parish for raising funds for the construction of St.Joseph's High School, Angamaly. One is reminded here of St Armbrose, the courageous bishop of Milan, who exhorted his priests not to hoard gold in the possession of the Church but to spend it for those who were in need. He even advised the clergy to break up the sacred golden vessels and ornaments of the Church and even the "mystic cup", if necessary to ransom the captives and help the poor.

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."