Fr. K.C. PHILIP, SJ: A LIFE OF HUMBLE SERVICE AND DEDICATION
14/3/1944 – 26/12/2024
Fr. K.C. Philip quietly departed for his heavenly abode on the afternoon of December 26, 2024. Since it was the second day of Christmas, most house members were out. The novices had gone on a one-day outing to town. Around three o’clock in the afternoon, Manju, the house caretaker, saw Fr. K.C. Philip lying on the ground near the newly constructed hall. I, Br. Isidore, rushed to the spot, only to find him completely lifeless. We immediately contacted Ulhatu Hospital. A doctor arrived, examined the body, and, upon her advice, we took him to the hospital, where it was confirmed that Fr. K.C. Philip had passed away.
The burial ceremony was held on December 28, 2024. Four of his nephews travelled from Kerala to attend the funeral.
Early Life and Formation
Fr. K.C. Philip was born on March 14, 1944, in Kadathuruthy. His parents were Mr. Chandy and Mrs. Sara. He was the second among seven brothers and one sister.
He completed his early schooling at Leo XIII School, Alleppey. With a strong vision of making a difference in life, he felt called to love and serve the Lord and His people, leading him to join the Ranchi Province. He entered the Novitiate at Sitagarha, Hazaribagh, on June 20, 1963, and after two years, professed his first vows on June 20, 1965. He then moved to St. Joseph’s, Bengaluru, for his Juniorate on June 25, 1965.
Fr. K.C. Philip pursued his college studies at St. Joseph’s, Trichy, and Loyola College, Chennai. He completed his philosophy studies at DNC, Pune, and theology at Vidyajyoti, Delhi. After successfully completing his formation, he was ordained a priest on May 12, 1976, in his home parish in Kadathuruthy. For his tertianship, he attended St. Stanislaus College, Sitagarha, in 1979–80. He took his final vows in Sitagarha on February 2, 1982.
Ministries in the Society of Jesus
Fr. K.C. Philip served in multiple capacities throughout his Jesuit life. He did his regency in two places—St. John’s and St. Xavier’s, Doranda, Ranchi. In 1979–80, he served as the Director of the Pre-Novitiate at Borea, Kanke. In 1981, he was assigned as Professor and Dean at the Juniorate of SSC, Sitagarha, where he remained until 1989. He then moved to DNC, Pune, serving as the Superior of the Philosophers from 1995 to 2001.
After being relieved from his duties in Pune, he went on a sabbatical in 2001 and stayed at Arrupe House, Chicago, until 2002. Upon his return to India in 2002, he was appointed Registrar and Spiritual Guide for the Philosophers at Satya Nilayam, Chennai, a role he carried out with great dedication until 2005. Given his extensive experience in formation, he was appointed Assistancy Delegate for Formation (ADF) by POSA. He also served as Superior at Jor Bagh, Delhi, for six years (2005–2010).
His final mission was as a Superior from 2010 onwards.
A Life of Simplicity and Service
Fr. K.C. Philip was a simple man of few words, yet gentle and kind in his demeanour. He served the Society of Jesus with humility and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of faith, wisdom, and quiet strength. May his soul rest in peace!
Fr. Camil Kerketta, SJ