Joseph C. Panjikaran

Mgr. Joseph C. Panjikaran (Malayalam: മോണ്‍. ജോസഫ് സി. പഞ്ഞിക്കാരന്‍) (1888-1949) of Shertallay was a Syro-Malabar Catholic Monsignor, historian, theologian, journalist, and the founder of the Dharmagiri Hospital, Kothamangalam, and the Congregation of the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph (Dharmagiri sisters).

The cause of his canonisation was initiated by the Diocese of Kothamangalam in 2010.

Brief History

Rev.Msgr.Joseph. C. Panjikaran (1888-1949) who was born on 10th September 1888, in a noble family in the village of Uzhuva, in the diocese of Ernakulam as the 3rd child of late Mr. Chacko Panjikaran and Mariam Kanichattu. Way back in early thirties of 19th century when health was not considered as a priority issue the heart of a visionary was set on fire with zeal and compassion for the suffering underprivileged brethren of our country. Rev.Msgr.Joseph. C. Panjikaran (1888-1949) who was the director of the propagation of faith in the Vicariate of Ernakulam had taken interest in his life to proclaim the good news of Jesus to the poor. A zealous pastor that he was, Msgr.Panjikaran had directly seen the pain, the hardships, and the loneliness of the sick and the poor during his many pastoral visits. It was his deep conviction that the Church had the responsibility to provide Medical Service to these people. As a result of his earnest prayer and hard work Msgr. Panjikaran opened a hospital named Dharmagiri (Charity Mount) at Kothamangalam, Kerala in 1934. He was strongly convince that only consecrated persons can see Jesus in the sick and led them to salvation by their compassionate service. The congregation of Medical Sisters of St.Joseph is the fruit of the deep God experience and merciful love of our founder father late Servant of God Rev.Msgr.Joseph. C. Panjikaran towards the sick and suffering. On 4th November 1949 the founder father left the Congregation in the hands of St.Joseph and passed away for his eternal reward.