Fr. Winson Parekkat C. M. I

Rev. Fr. Winson Antony Parekkat was a man of profound faith, gentle wisdom, and unwavering devotion—a shepherd who gave his entire life in service to God and the community he so deeply loved.

Born on the feast of St. Stephen, December 26, 1939, Fr. Winson felt the call to priesthood from an early age. His ordination marked the beginning of a ministry that would span decades, touch countless lives, and leave an indelible mark on all who knew him.

His path to the priesthood began quite casually. After completing his S.S.L.C., while he was considering going to college, Rev. Fr. Vergil CMI—a classmate of his father—visited their family home. Fr. Vergil asked him if he would like to join the CMI Religious Congregation, and without hesitation or demanding further details, he gave a positive answer. He was subsequently accepted as a candidate for the CMI Congregation by the then Provincial, Rev. Fr. Clemens Thottungal (who later became the Bishop of Sagar). Following his periods of formation, college, and priestly studies, he was ordained a priest on December 18, 1972, by Cardinal Joseph Parekkattil, the then Archbishop of Ernakulam.

His first assignment was in Elthuruth, where he taught at St. Aloysius High School. After two years, he was reassigned to Thalore to take charge of a new institution, Deepthi High School, which was established in 1976. His primary priestly service was dedicated to Deepthi High School for the next 12 years. Under his leadership, Deepthi became one of the best aided high schools in the Thrissur District—an achievement he looked back on with immense pride.

While serving in Thalore, Rev. Fr. Alex Ukken approached him about the possibility of serving in the United States. He accepted the offer, took leave from the school upon receiving his visa, and departed for the U.S.A. in 1991. He spent ten years working as an associate pastor across two different parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, a time he remembered fondly as a fulfilling period of pastoral ministry.

In 2001, he assumed leadership as the Superior at Carmel High School in Chalakudy, guiding the educational institution with a steady hand and a true shepherd's heart. His administrative and leadership capabilities were further called upon in 2002 when he was elected as a Provincial Councilor for the CMI Devamatha Province in Thrissur, where he dedicated himself to congregational governance. Seeking to serve those in need, he moved into social ministry in 2005, stepping into the role of Director of "Anugrah" in Mumbai. In this capacity, he led vital outreach and social service initiatives, focusing his energy on extending care and support to the marginalized.

His pastoral journey took him back to the United States in 2007, where he served as an Associate Pastor across communities in both the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Diocese of Louisville. He brought his characteristic warmth and dedication to these American parishes for several years before returning to India for his final chapter of active service. In 2013, he was appointed as the Manager of CMI Public School in Chalakudy. This role allowed him to bring decades of pastoral wisdom, humility, and educational leadership to the institution, beautifully crowning a lifetime of service to the Church and the community.

Throughout his 86 years, he embodied the Gospel not only in word but in deed—visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, guiding the young, and always, always keeping his door open for whoever needed him most.

On May 25, 2026, Fr. Winson peacefully passed into eternal life, completing his earthly journey with the same grace and quiet dignity with which he had lived it. He is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.