Indian Doctor Turned Catholic Priest Combines Medicine with Ministry

Thrissur, Kerala, January 23, 2025: Dr. Sumesh Kuruthukulangara, a trained physician from Kerala, was ordained a Catholic priest on January 4, 2025, at Our Lady of Dolours Minor Basilica in Thrissur City by Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath of Thrissur. Dr. Sumesh, now a member of the Camillian religious order, integrates his medical expertise with his pastoral mission to serve the sick and needy.

“I am thrilled to be a medical doctor and now a Catholic priest,” Father Sumesh said in an interview with RVA News.

Father Sumesh’s journey began with a childhood dream of becoming a priest. His aspirations deepened when he attended a vocation discernment camp led by Dr. Father Francis Allapat, which inspired him to pursue both medicine as well as the priesthood. “I thought first I needed to study medicine before joining a seminary to become a priest,” he recalled.

During his medical education, Father Sumesh actively participated in the activities of Jesus Youth, an international Catholic movement aimed at inspiring young people to live meaningful, creative, and fulfilling lives. “Jesus Youth reignited my childhood desire to become a priest and pursue my missionary vocation,” Father Sumesh said.

After completing medical school, Father Sumesh joined the Camillian order. Founded by Saint Camillus de Lellis in 1582, the order is known for its dedication to caring for the sick. During his seminary training, Father Sumesh utilized his medical skills to serve those in need. This includes aiding patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing medical care to victims of violence in Manipur last year.

Now that he is already an ordained priest, Father Sumesh looks forward to integrating his medical professional skills into his priestly pastoral ministry.

“Physicians provide to regain patients’ health, but healing comes from God,” said the priest physician. “Healing is not just about the body; it also includes healing of the mind and soul, " he added. “Physicians treat patients, but ultimately, God heals.”

Father Sumesh advises Catholics to seek holistic healing through worthy reception of the sacraments, spirituality, and prayer. He also encourages individuals practicing other religions or no religion to adhere to their religious precepts or human values as part of their holistic healing process.

Father Sumesh views his vocation as an extension of Jesus’ ministry. “I am blessed to be part of Jesus’ healing ministry,” he said. “I pray for God’s unending grace to heal bodies and souls.”

Courtesy: Radio Veritas Asia