Renowned Bible Scholar Fr. Michael Karimattom Passes Away

Kerala, November 6, 2025: The Church mourns the passing of Fr. Michael Karimattam, a revered Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Thalassery, Kerala, who dedicated his entire life to deepening the faithful’s understanding of the Word of God. His passing on November 6, 2025, is a profound loss to the Church and to countless faithful who were guided and inspired by his biblical teachings.

Born in 1942 and ordained in 1968, Fr. Karimattam’s journey in sacred theology was shaped by distinguished academic achievements, including a Licentiate in Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome and a Doctorate in Biblical Studies from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. Recognizing his remarkable contributions to sharing and teaching Scripture, the Church honored him with the title Malpan—meaning “Distinguished Teacher of Faith.”

Beyond his academic achievements, Fr. Michael Karimattam dedicated his life to sharing biblical knowledge. He served as one of the chief editors of the revered POC Bible, spent 15 years as the director of the Bible Apostolate, Thalassery, and four years as the principal of Divine Bible College, Muringoor. From 2002 to 2022, he imparted his wisdom as a Bible instructor at Mary Matha Major Seminary, Thrissur.

With over 100 published books, Fr. Karimattam made the teachings of the Bible and the mission of the Catholic Church accessible to everyday readers—guiding them to live out their faith with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

His more than 2,000 televised Bible talks, now curated into YouTube playlists, offer authentic biblical teachings rooted in tradition and scholarship. These resources help viewers grow in faith and knowledge, whether exploring Scripture for the first time or deepening a lifelong devotion.

One of his most remarkable contributions is a vibrant collection of 50 Bible comic books—a pioneering effort to make Scripture engaging and easy to understand. These illustrated volumes breathe life into biblical stories, translating complex narratives into clear, visual journeys that captivate minds and hearts alike. Ideal for students and families, the comics offer an intuitive path to discovering the characters, timelines, and spiritual messages of the Bible.

Fr. Michael Karimattam’s passing marks the end of a life wholly dedicated to Scripture, scholarship, and service. His legacy endures through his writings, teachings, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry.

By Catholic Connect Reporter