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Jacob Muricken (born 16 June 1963) is an Indian Catholic monk, prelate and theologian, who is the former auxiliary bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Palai (2012-2022). He was ordained as a priest by Joseph Pallikaparampil on 27 December 1993. He served as an assistant vicar, boarding house rector, professor, secretary of Corporate Educational Agency, vicar at Chakkampuzha and Neeloor parishes. He was declared auxiliary bishop of Palai on 24 August 2012 while serving as the diocesan pastoral coordinator. His episcopal ordination was on 1 October 2012 by Joseph Perumthottam at St. Thomas Cathedral, Palai.

In August 2022, Muricken said that "God inspires me to go into solitude" and resigned from his post as auxiliary bishop to continue his life as a hermit, moving to the hermitage following approval from the Syro-Malabar synod.

Early life and career

Jacob Muricken was born at Muttuchira village in Kerala. After his collegiate studies at Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad from where he took a

degree in economics and Masters Degree in Economics from Government College Nattakom Kottayam and  he joined Good Shepherd Minor Seminary, Palai. He did his ecclesiastical studies from St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Kottayam. He was ordained priest by then Bishop Mar Joseph Pallikaparampil on 27 December 1993 at his home parish Muttuchira. After a short period of service as assistant vicar at St. Mary's Forane Church Kuravilangad, he was appointed rector of Savio Home Boarding House, attached to St. Joseph's EMHS, Neeloor. Later he served the diocese in various capacities as professor at the diocesan minor seminary, secretary of Corporate Educational Agency, vicar at Chakkampuzha and Neeloor parishes.

Pastoral ministry

He was declared auxiliary bishop of Diocese of Palai on 24 August 2012 while serving as the pastoral coordinator of the diocese. His episcopal ordination was on 1 October 2012 by Joseph Perumthottam at St. Thomas Cathedral, Palai.

On 19 September 2013, he along with the other newly appointed bishops from around the world, was received in audience by Pope Francis at the Vatican. As the general convenor, he was instrumental in the successful conduct of the 31st Plenary Assembly of Catholic Bishop's Conference of India (CBCI) which was hosted by the eparchy from 5 to 12 February 2014. At present he is serving as the chairman of KCBC Commission for SC/ST/BC. He attended ad limina visit from 2 to 10 October 2019, along with Kallarangatt. He is also the manager of St. Thomas College, Palai, Alphonsa College, Palai and St. Thomas Teacher Training College, Palai.

Living as a hermit

In August 2022, The Synod of Syro-Malabar Bishops approved Muricken's request to relieve himself from his post as auxiliary bishop of Palai to live his life as a hermit and still remain his title as a Bishop.

Services

Muricken donated his kidney to a youth who had a kidney malfunction.

In 2020, he launched an online campaign – Justice for M3 (Maira, Minor, Minority) –— to "collectively take a stand against, and strongly condemn, the contemporary scenario of interminable discrimination against minorities, women, and specifically children around the globe." His campaign was focused on severe injustice towards women in Pakistan.

References

1. "Bishop Jacob Muricken". Catholic-Hierarchy.org.
2. Staff Reporter (24 February 2021). "K.M. Mani gets memorial in Pala". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
3. "Syro Malabar Church Bishop ::Mar Jacob Murickan Auxiliary Bishop ::Palai Eparchy". www.syromalabarchurch.in. Archived from the original on 31 January 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
4. "Indian bishop quits to become a hermit". UCA News. 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
5. "Auxiliary Bishop of Palai Diocese Jacob Muricken | UCA News". www.ucanews.com. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
6. "Kerala must discuss concerns raised by Pala bishop, says KCB ." The Times of India.
7. "Indian bishop quits to become a hermit - UCA News". ucanews.com. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
8. "Act of mercy: Kerala bishop offers his kidney to Hindu man". Hindustan Times.
9. CNA. "This bishop in India is donating his kidney to save a Hindu life". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
10. "This Article is From May 29, 2016 Kerala Bishop Donates Kidney To Hindu Man, Says Religion Not A Concern". NDTV News.
11. ""Do Unto Others": Bishop Muricken donates his kidney..." Mathrubhumi.
12. "Indian bishop carries on fight against Pakistan abductions". UCA News.
13. "A Christian Girl in Pakistan Pleas for Justice". The Tablet. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
14. "Catholic altar girl in hiding in Pakistan after escaping abductor". UCA News.

External links

• Syro-Malabar bishops
• People from Pala, Kerala
• Christian clergy from Kottayam
• 1963 births
• Living people