BIOGRAPHY
Fr. James Thomas Mukalel is a dedicated priest of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), known for his deep spirituality, pastoral zeal, and compassionate service to the Church and society. Guided by the Fransalian charism of “Gentleness and Humility,” he has devoted his life to leading others in faith and love.
As Parish Priest of the Transfiguration of Christ Church in Oy-Mittelberg, Germany, Fr. James has been a source of inspiration and spiritual strength for his community. His pastoral leadership has helped foster unity, deepen faith, and nurture a spirit of service among parishioners. Fr. James has been much more than a leader — he has been a friend, a guide, and a spiritual father to his flock. Through his prayerful presence, compassionate counsel, and tireless dedication and commitment, he has nurtured faith and unity within the community he so lovingly serves.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to both Church and society, Fr. James was awarded the Citizen Silver Medal of Bavaria State by the Mayor of Marktgemeinde Altusried. This honour reflects his enduring commitment to the well-being of the people and his exemplary role in promoting harmony and compassion within the wider community.
Fr. James also served as Spiritual Beirat (Advisor) to the Diocese of Augsburg, where his guidance and pastoral insight have enriched the lives of clergy and faithful alike.
Highly respected for his humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication, Fr. James Thomas Mukalel, MSFS, continues to embody the true spirit of missionary discipleship — living his priestly vocation with joy, integrity, and love for all.
Fr. James Thomas Mukalel, MSFS, has made significant contributions to the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), particularly in establishing and managing the congregation’s presence in Germany. As the first chairman of the registered association “Kongregation der Missionare von Franz von Sales – MSFS e.V.” in Germany, he has been instrumental in coordinating financial transactions to various provinces and addressing the needs of MSFS members. MSFS Nagpur
Beyond administrative duties, Fr. Mukalel is known for his austere lifestyle and meticulous oversight of fund disbursement, ensuring objectivity and benefit to the provinces. MSFS Nagpur
His dedication to the missionary spirit and effective management has significantly contributed to the growth and development of MSFS missions, particularly in Germany and other regions.
In addition to his financial and administrative roles, Fr. Mukalel has been acknowledged for his support and assistance in coordinating finances, transfers, and legal compliances within the congregation. MSFS Southeast
His commitment to the congregation’s mission and his leadership have been recognized and appreciated by his peers and superiors within the MSFS community. The Provincial of South West Province confirms in these words:
“Dear Fr. James, as I write this letter, on behalf of the South-West India Province, I look back with gratitude, respect, and deep appreciation for the long 38 years of your dedicated pastoral service in different parishes of the diocese of Augsburg and the faithful and wonderful support you extended to the province family. You had kept the needs and struggles of the province close to your heart and took every possible effort to find friends and benefactors, thereby playing a key role in the materialization of several of the projects of the province, including your generous contribution to the priests’ home. To be specially mentioned is your initiative to found and get registered a society for our congregation which has tremendously helped in systematizing the financial administration as well as in channelizing the resources properly. Our hearts go out to you in appreciation and gratitude. Your missionary zeal and pastoral commitment that earned you not only fans all around, but also a unique recognition from the diocese itself, your love and concern for the confreres of different provinces, especially those who were just arriving there to be initiated into German way of life, and your heart for the needs of the province will all be remembered and noted down in golden letters in the history of our Province and the congregation. Let me say a Big Thank You to you. Vergelt’s Gott!”
Sacerdotal Ordination
Silver Jubilee celebration of my priesthood, 25 years of priestly ministry in my home parish , St. Sebastian’s Church, Ayarkunnam. With a grateful heart for all graces received from the Lord Jesus Christ, Fr. James celebrates his 25 years of holy Priesthood. The home parish honored him with a beautiful picture of the parish Church with a his photo.
Here is a cross that sympolises the victory of the cross through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross and liberated the whole mankind from the bondage of sin and evil world, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, he destroys the death and gives a new life and victory of life to everlasting life. Jesus says, I live for ever and you shall live with me. Through his resurrection, there is no more death, there is only LIFE that never ends.
For the excellent services as Priester, he receives the silver medal from the state of Bavaria and a certificate as recognition for the committed and dedicated services.
newspaper cuttings
