Augustine was born on April 1, 1891, in Ramapuram of the Kingdom of Travancore which is present day Kerala, India.  He was the youngest of 5 children to his parents, Itty Iype and Eliswa of the Thevarparambil clan.

He was raised in a deeply religious environment, but his education started in a government school.  He was later transferred to Saint Ephrem’s High School in Mannanam where his religious faith intensified and developed a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. After graduating, he enrolled in a seminary and was ordained a priest at the age of 30.

He was stationed in his hometown and was known as Kunjachan (“Little Father”) for his short stature.  He witnessed the disadvantaged communities of people, referred to as Dalits, who were deprived of dignity, respect, and the basic necessities of life and he dedicated himself to their spiritual and social upliftment.

He believed literacy was the key to their liberation and established informal schools known as “Kalaris” in small sheds across various villages.  He broadened the Dalit community’s education which provided a foundation for a better future.

His pastoral mission was marked by tireless travel on foot across rugged terrain.  He provided medical aid, financial assistance, and counseling to those in distress.  Through his efforts, many were converted to Christianity.

Despite facing opposition from upper class groups and landlords, he remained steadfast.  He conducted retreats, ensuring every family participated in the sacraments of reconciliation and catechism, and tracked their spiritual progress in a book called “Almasthithi”. His humility and selflessness inspired many, both within and outside the Church.

He spent hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, seeking guidance for his work. After his daily visits to the villages, he would return to the church to reflect and plan his next day’s mission.

After a brief period of serious illness, Kunjachan died on October 16, 1973, at the age of 82.  At his death, the children and others stated that ‘a saint has passed away’. Within a few days after his death, his tomb at Ramapuram became a center of pilgrimmage for people from near and far.

For God’s Glory.