25th Ordination

Father Thomas Mathew Vellappallil

Birth name: Thomas

Birthplace: Anickad, Kerala, India

Entrance: May 1987

First profession: May 1, 1990

Final profession: May 1, 1993

Education: St. Thomas High School, Anickad, Kerala, India

Intermediate pre-degree, Madhya Pradesh University, India

Philosophy degree, St. Joseph’s Pontifical College, Alwaye, Kerala, India

Theology degree, Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City, Philippines

Master’s in arts and education majoring in guidance and counseling, La Salette University, Santiago, Isabela, Philippines

Service in the archdiocese: Executive director, North American La Salette Mission Center, 2010-present

Service outside the archdiocese: Parochial vicar, Holy Rosary Parish, and chaplain, La Salette High School, Jones, Isabela, Philippines, 1994-95

Priest-in-charge, St. Augustine Parish, San Augustine, Isabela, 1994-95

Director, La Salette Postulancy Program, Silang, Cavite, Philippines, 1995-98

Parochial vicar, St. Patrick Church, Lufkin, Texas, 1999-2000

Parochial vicar, Good Shepherd Church, Orlando, Fla., 2001-03

Assistant director, La Salette Postulancy, Swampscot, Mass., 2003-04

Parochial vicar, Mary Queen Parish, Friendswood, Texas, 2005-07

Pastor, St. Theresa Parish, Carlyss, Louisiana, 2008-10

About Father Thomas Mathew Vellappallil: The caption that was chosen for my ordination was from Mark 1:11, which said, “You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” I have been often inspired and challenged by this message as to who I am, as a disciple and a priest for Jesus. It has been quite an enriching and fulfilling experience for me to serve as His priest especially being a missionary for the past 25 years. I can gladly say that I am so privileged and proud to be a La Salette missionary.