A Life of Zeal and Vision: The Legacy of Very Rev. Dr. Jose Kaimlett

Very Rev. Dr. Jose Kaimlett (May 5, 1941 – June 27, 2018) was a towering figure in the Catholic Church in India and beyond, renowned for his profound missionary zeal and his strategic founding of three distinct religious societies to address the critical needs of the global Church. He was a tireless servant who combined intellectual acuity with a deep, practical concern for the poor and marginalized.

Born on May 5, 1941, in Palakattumala, Kerala, India, Fr. Jose Kaimlett received his early education in his native region. Displaying exceptional commitment, he completed his schooling and joined the minor seminary of the Diocese of Palai. Driven by a missionary calling, he later transferred to the missionary Diocese of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.

• Parish and Mission Work: He served in several mission centers, notably starting a new mission at Akiveedu in 1970.

• Education and Charity: In 1971, he was appointed Headmaster of St. Ambrose High School in Nidadavole, where he established St. Joseph Orphanage for destitute children, ensuring they received education and care.

• Administrative Role: He briefly served as the administrator for the newly created Diocese of Eluru until the Bishop took charge.

• Higher Studies in Rome: In 1978, he was sent to Rome, where he earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Urban University in 1981, equipping him with the legal foundation for his future society formations.

The Founder of Three Societies

Upon his return from Rome, Fr. Kaimlett observed a growing global shortage of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, especially in traditional Catholic countries, alongside the immense spiritual and physical poverty in mission territories.¹³ This realization fueled his vision to found not one, but three Missionary Societies of Apostolic Life:

The founding of the Missionaries of Compassion (M.C.) came later in his life, born from a desire to dedicate the “evening” of his life to the “most marginalized and the least cared of God’s people.” The charism was inspired by the Gospel passage on the Last Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46), emphasizing direct works of mercy.

Fr. Kaimlett’s extraordinary vision and tireless work resulted in the establishment of a vast network of humanitarian and pastoral institutions that continue to serve the poorest communities globally. His commitment extended across multiple sectors:

• Education: He founded over twenty-eight schools in remote areas of India and Africa, accompanied by hostels, to ensure quality education for poor and marginalized children. 

• Healthcare: He established numerous healthcare facilities, including the Holy Cross Hospital and Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre in Nidadavole, and the Good Samaritan Cancer and General Hospital in Vangayagudem.

• Marian Devotion: An ardent devotee of the Blessed Mother, he built the unique Nirmalagiri Shrine in Gowripatnam, which draws millions of pilgrims annually.

Fr. Jose Kaimlett’s work fostered vocations and built physical structures of service that have benefited countless lives in India, Africa, Italy, the USA, and Australia. He also authored several books, including Wisdom of the Ages (1995) and the Tonic for the Spirit series, sharing his insights for successful living.

He passed away on June 27, 2018, leaving behind a monumental spiritual and social legacy—a triple heritage of missionary zeal, vocational promotion, and radical compassion for the world’s neediest, a testament to his faithful execution of the Gospel mandate.

Watch the video for a visual biography of Father Jose Kaimlett and his work in the Eluru parish area of India