Sadhu Ittiyavirah, an itinerant preacher, a spiritual guide, a renowned writer, and a social reformer who had inspired several generations, died March 14 in Kothamangalam in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
He would have turned 101 on March 18.
The death due to age related illness occurred at his residence in Jeevajyothi in Iramalappadi, Kothamangalam.
The funeral is scheduled at 4 p.m. on March 15 at St George’s Cathedral, Kothamangalam.
A former Jesuit theology student, Ittiyavirah left the seminary nine months before ordination and walked on foot throughout Kerala and other parts of India for 20 years.
Before entering the Society of Jesus, he joined the Army during the Second World War, but soon came out of the regimental framework.
The tall charismatic leader had addressed more than 60,000 venues about God’s love. His talks were on love based on the classics of major religions.
He had also authored 60 books in English and 38 in Malayalam. He had written more than 7,000 articles for various periodicals and magazines.
He had preached in several countries. His journeys in northern India had earned him the title, “Sadhu” (sage).
Ittiyavirah was born on March 18, 1922, in Kollappilly near Pala in Kottayam district to Anna and Mathai Perumattikunnel.
On his hundredth birthday in 2022, the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council hailed him as a prophet of love who spread Christ’s message through an innocent smile. He preached the Gospel with his words and deeds, the council said.
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