Central Kerala’s beloved Capuchin priest, Fr. Theophane OFM Cap, has been declared “Venerable” by Pope Leo, becoming India’s first Capuchin friar to receive this distinguished recognition for heroic holiness. With this papal declaration, his canonization cause—opened in 2017—has taken a decisive step forward.
Born ‘Michael’ on 20 July 1913 in Kodungalloor, Kerala, he later entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and took the name ‘Theophane,’ meaning “Epiphany of God.” Widely admired for his humility, simplicity and powerful sermons that drew souls closer to God, his wise and insightful spiritual counsel was considered life-changing by many.
His compassionate outreach to the poor, the suffering and those on the margins earned him deep respect across Kerala and beyond. The epitaph on his tomb in Ponnurunni, Kochi, beautifully captures his life: “He accompanied the suffering men, with his hands around their shoulders.”
Spending his final years at the Capuchin Ashram in Ponnurunni, he died on 4 April 1968 at 55. Thousands still seek his intercession, celebrating his anniversary each year and remembering the friar who upheld a radiant smile despite personal suffering.