Formation & Studies :
Novitiate: XTTI, Digha Ghat, Patna, 1964-1966
Juniorate: XTTI, Patna, 1966-1968
Regency: Catholic Churh, Chuharhi 1968-1969, Basauni 1969-1971
Tertianship: Mt. St. Joseph, Bangalore 1975
Apostolic Assignments:
Basauni:1971-75
Farm: XTTI- 1976-1977
Minister/Farm: C.H.S, Ara - 1977-1980
Farm: K.R Bettiah - 1980-1988
Farm: Chakni - 1988-1991
Farm: Chuharhi -1991-1994
Minister/Farm: Ara - 1994-1996
Farm: XTTI- 1996-1999
Barbigha: 1999-2006
Itarhi: 2006-2009
Asha Deep, Muzafarpur -2009-2019
Rest, Xavier Bhavan- 2020
Br. Joseph Ullattil was born on 10 April 1941, the second eldest among 12 children. His elder brother who
was a religious priest went to his eternal reward before Br. Joseph. He has two sisters who are nuns. After
completing his schooling, Br. Ullattil joined Patna province to become a Jesuit brother. He had his novitiate
and juniorate in XTTI, Patna, from 1964-1968. After his Juniorate, he was assigned various ministries in the
province. He was a good farmer, administrator and hostel superintendent. Bro. Joe was an outstanding
example of the Jesuit spirit of availability. He accepted all the tasks given to him cheerfully, without grumbling.
He was ready to do any work in the best way possible given his capacity and availability. Hardly have I come
across a situation where he refused any responsibility that was given to him.
According to a member of Xavier Bhavan community, the words of Jesus about Nathanael, “Here is truly an
Israelite in whom there is no deceit” is very well applicable to Br. Joe Ullattil. Like Nathanael, Br. Joe was a
man in whom there was no deceit or duplicity. He did not pretend to be what he was not. He did not put on
masks to hide his real personality. He was a fully transparent person. He was authentic and genuine. He was
happy with what he was and was able to share that with others in his dealings. Br. Ullattil was known for his
simple living and hard work. He had no big needs. He was happy with what he had. His simplicity was reflected
in his dealing with the needy and the suffering. He lived his life with enthusiasm and zeal. Joe Ullattil kept
himself up-to-date with what was happening in Bihar. Every morning, without fail, he would read the Hindi
newspaper, which gave all important local news before turning to English newspapers.
Hospitality was his hallmark. People always felt welcomed and Br. Ullattil made sure that whoever came to
the community was well taken care of. Indeed, he was a very good cook and prepared food items with lot of
interest and love. Joe was a real community man. He liked to make people happy. He was happy to provide
the community with an endless supply of pickles of all kinds.
As he was not feeling well due to heart-related ailments, he was brought to the province infirmary (Xavier
Bhavan) in 2020. He enjoyed his life. He was not worried about his death. He used to say ‘let me enjoy my
life as long as I live’. Perhaps this was one of the reasons why he was not willing to go through costly
treatments and took to traditional treatment (Cheletion therapy) in Kerala.
He went to his eternal reward on 29 June 2022 after being in the hospital just for a day. He will be missed by
all his friends in and outside the province and especially those in Xavier Bhavan. May his soul rest in peace.
(Jose Thayil, SJ)
[All the Patna Jesuits are requested to offer one mass for the repose of the soul of Br. Joseph Ullattil and all the members of Xavier Bhavan Community are requested to offer two masses for the same intention ]
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