Indian journalist priest, Varghese Paul Chollamadam, dies at 78

Jesuit priest Varghese Paul Chollamadam, a writer and author of books, died in Vadodra, Gujarat, India, on April 10. He was 78.

Father Varghese was a noted Gujarati writer and senior member of the Indian Catholic Press Association.

“It is with deep sorrow that I formally inform you about the passing away of Father Varghese, a veteran in the field of Christian Communication and the senior most member of our organization,” read a noted from Ignatius Gonsalves, president of ICPA.

Father Varghese was an awarded author in Gujarati with at least 30 books on various topics under his name.

“The contributions of this prolific writer for Gujarati language and literature will be ever cherished,” said Gonsalves.

Father Varghes was actively in the  training of young journalists and facilitated programs of ICPA in collaboration with UCIP, the world body of Catholic journalists.

“Father Varghese was a doyen of the Catholic press, and with his life and works he showed how to serve the Lord and his people,” said Fr. George Plathottam, SDB, executive secretary of the Office of Social Communication of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.

“He traveled extensively, wrote profusely, and set us all an example of persistence and perseverance,” said Father Plathottam.

Father Ashok Vaghela, SJ, former president of Signis India, noted the tremendous contribution that Father Varghese made to Catholic communications in the country. 

"We thank the Lord for his vocation … and for his contribution to Gujarat Church and literature," said the priest. - Frank Krishner