Msgr. C. J. Varkey

First Spiritual Director of Shalom Ministries

Fr. Varkey was a priest who dedicated his life fully for the migrants of Malabar. He founded the Congregation of Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate on Sept 8th, 1962. After 16 long years of service in the parish of Kulathuvayal in Calicut district, Kerala, India, he was appointed the Corporate Manager and transferred to Koothuparamba. After serving for 6 years there, he returned to Kulathuvayal parish on June 21, 1973. He took charge as the full time Director of MSMI congregation and stayed at the Generalate. In 1976, Fr. Varkey started the Malabar regions first Catholic Charismatic Retreat Center, which currently attracts thousands of people. Pope Benedict XVI gave him the honorary title of Monsignor in 2007 in recognition of his service to the Church. He was taken to the heavenly abode on 24 June 2009, at the age of 89.