SG. Fr. Varghese Payapilly Palakkappilly

Varghese Payapilly Palakkappilly was born as Kunjuvaru on 8 August 1876 in Perumanoor to Palakkappilly Lonan and Kunjumariam. He hails from a noble, rather rich and ancient Christian family of Palakkappilly (also known as Payapilly) which is a Saint Thomas Christian family spread mainly in central districts of Kerala, namely Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki

Fr. Varghese Payapilly was a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam. In order to serve the poor, the destitute and the aged often forsaken by their dear ones or driven out into the street, he started a religious congregation in 1927, later called as the Sisters of the Destitute.

Varghese was born on 8th August 1876 in a noble, rather rich and ancient Syrian Christian family of Payapilly Palakkappilly at Perumanoor in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam.. He was ordained priest in 1907.In 1920 Fr. Varghese Payapilly was transferred to Arakkuzha as parish priest, where he started a primary school and organized retreats, which were effective in the reconciliation of families.

In 1922 he was reappointed as the Manager of St. Mary's, Alwaye. A former student of his, later Cardinal Joseph Parecattil, expressed in his autobiography his admiration for Fr. Varghese as an impressive personality with a strong will power. "The teachings he imparted on spiritual life deeply impressed us and influenced our lives . I am saying nothing but the truth that my boarding life is the main factor in my now being a bishop and a cardinal."

When he was thinking of the need for a religious congregation to serve the poor and the destitute, five pious and zealous young women approached the new Archbishop of Ernakulam Mar Augustine Kandathil seeking guidance. The archbishop directed them to Fr. Varghese, who gave shape to the congregation of the 'Little Sisters of the Poor' in 1927. Since another congregation already bore this name, a new name "Sisters of the Destitute" was adopted in 1933.

On 9th September 1929 Fr. Varghese was laid up with typhoid and was admitted in the hospital. His last words to the pioneer sisters were " whatever happens we have to submit to the will of God. Do not pray for anything else. Pray that the will of God be done". On 5th October 1929 Fr. Varghese was called to his heavenly abode.Fr. Varghese was buried in his own parish, St. John Nepumsian Church at Konthuruthy.

Founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Destitute
Born	August 8, 1876 Perumanoor, Kerala, India
Died	October 5, 1929(1929-10-05) (aged 53) Aluva, Kerala, India
Servant of GOD	6 September 2009, Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil,
Feast	05 October
His last words	“Whatever happens we have to submit to the will of God. Do not pray for anything else. Pray that the will of God be done"

From :http://www.sistersofthedestitute.org