Record-making moral theologian honored

The Limca Book of Records recognized Father Podimattam as the author who has written the most number of books on morality and ethics in English.

Trichur:  Theologians, academics and Church leaders have hailed the contributions of moral theologian Doctor Felix Podimattam at a function that also witnessed releasing of his 10-volume work on bio-medical ethics.

The Capuchin author was felicitated for his contributions at the seminar that discussed bio-medical ethics. Jubilee Mission Medical College in Trichur, Kerala hosted the program last week.

The Limca Book of Records recognized Father Podimattam as the author who has written the most number of books on morality and ethics in English--120--in over 43 years since 1970.

The 80-year-old priest is a "towering elephantine figure in the domain of Moral Theology," Bishop Raphael Thattil of Syro-Malabar Church told the seminar.

"His contributions are unparalleled; and books really scientific," said the Bishop felicitating the scholar, who taught three generations of priests in different seminaries in Kerala and throughout India.

Cyriac Thomas, member of the National Minority Commission, lauded the priest for his contributions to understand social dilemmas in an ethical perspective.

"Fr. Podimattam was always a pioneer in the proper sense of the term and was never shy of controversies," said Thomas, who retired as vice-chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam.

Father Hormise Mainatty, who teaches Moral Theology at St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Aluva said he and his generation of priests are "indebted" Father Podimattam. His "works were the only ones available in India in filed of Moral theology" when they were under formation, the theology professor said.

Father David Francis, Rector of Calvary Philosophical College in Trissur, said his confrere was a person "who took positions, challenged society to change, but always moved with the ultimate teachings of the Catholic Church."

During the seminar a 10-volume book on bio-medical ethics by Dr Podimatam was released.

Published by Delhi-based Media House, the work deals with all ethical aspects of decision-making in medical issues and health care in the light of Catholic faith and doctrines.

Source: press release