PATTARA Family

Rev. Fr. Joseph Savio Pattara CMI, lovingly called by his close friends and relatives ‘Appachanachan’, was the eldest son of Vavachan and Tharamma of Pattara, Koottunkal, Muhamma. His mother Tharamma was from Kanjickal family, Pulincunnu. Joseph was born on 11th November 1932. After completing his high school studies, he opted to become a religious priest and joined the CMI congregation. His uncle, Rev. Fr. Bertram was already a well known member of the CMI order, the professor of moral theology at Dharmaram College, Benguluru. He offered his religious vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on 15th October 1952 and added the name of Savio to his name. His training for priesthood was in Dharmaram College, Benguluru. He was ordained a priest on 17th May 1963. Fr. Joseph Savio Pattara was deeply interested in social work. His superiors encouraged him and so was asked to do his graduation in Political Science at Thevara and post graduation in Canada. On return from Canada he taught at The School of Social Work at Kalamassery. It was during this time that the passion for practical social and missionary work arose in him and the time was just right for him. The Diocese of Rajkot was being handed over to the CMI congregation from the Jesuits. He was among the pioneer missionaries of Rajkot and worked hard for its all round development especially in Rajkot, Bhuj, Surendranagar and Limbidi. News of his dedicated work reached even in Rome. The CMI Prior General nominated 3 names for bishop-hood of 3 different dioceses. Fr. Paulinos Jeerakath, Fr. Gratian Mundadan and Fr. Savio Pattara were the three nominees; but Fr. Savio graciously gave way to Dr. Jonas Thaliath who in many ways deserved the post at that time. Fr. Pattara however continued his missionary work and served the congregation in many responsible positions. Later, when he was taken ill, his superiors and family members wanted to take better care of him in Kerala but he declined. He even mentioned that he wanted to be buried in Gujarat after death. He was well taken care of by the CMI fathers during his prolonged illness. He passed away on 10th February 2006 and was buried at St. XavierS Diocesan Church at Rajkot. Rev. Fr. Joseph Savio Pattara, though left his home and near & dear to become a missionary of Lord Jesus, he was very proud of his surname PATTARA . In his spare time he did research on the origin of the family and he traced the family ‘s origin to Kodungallore during 17 th century. Present history of the family is written based on his research works. As a tribute to him, a humble endowment was made in his name by the family members for the education of poor children in Gujarat. On 15th October 2002 family celebrated the golden jubilee of his first vows.