Rev. Fr. George Vadukkut

Rev. Fr. George Vadukkut
Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala

In a world often marked by uncertainty and change, there are figures who quietly anchor communities through faith, compassion, and service. One such guiding light is Rev. Fr. George Vadukkut, a deeply respected spiritual leader and scholar, whose life has been a profound testament to the power of purpose-driven ministry. As the Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala, and the coordinator of all Catholic churches across the Sultanate of Oman, Fr. George has become a central figure in the spiritual life of thousands.

His journey, which began in the lush landscapes of Kerala, India, has taken him across countries—shaping parishes, mentoring clergy, and ministering to diverse congregations with wisdom, humility, and unwavering dedication. Today, he leads one of Oman’s most cherished parishes, the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala, a sanctuary born from the vision of inclusion and interfaith harmony, and sustained by the grace of God.

Born on 18 November 1972 in Parappur, a quaint village in Kerala’s Thrissur district, Fr. George’s early years were rooted in strong Christian values and a profound sense of vocation. After graduating from university, he pursued his ecclesiastical studies at the esteemed Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram Pontifical Athenaeum in Bangalore, where he earned his Licentiate in Philosophy (LPh). This institution, under the Congregation for Catholic Education of the Vatican, is renowned for producing intellectual and spiritual leaders equipped to serve the global Catholic community.

Fr. George was ordained on 18 November 2000—a date that would become doubly significant in his life. His early pastoral journey began at St. Joseph’s Church in Olavakkode, Palakkad, where he served as Assistant Priest. From 2001 to 2003, he assumed the role of Provincial Secretary at St. Thomas Capuchin Provincialate in Aluva, honing his administrative and leadership skills.

In 2004, Fr. George embarked on a new spiritual mission in the Middle East, joining the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Ruwi, Muscat, as Assistant Parish Priest. His compassion, eloquence, and ability to connect with a multicultural congregation quickly made him a beloved figure. In 2009, he was appointed Parish Priest at St. Antony’s Church in Sohar, where he shepherded a small community of just 200 faithful, laying the foundation for a flourishing parish.

Returning briefly to India in 2011, he became the Ashram Superior at Bethlehem Ashram, Elinjipra, and later served in Bangalore before taking on a teaching role as Professor of Philosophy at Calvary Institute of Philosophy and Religion in Thrissur (2016–2018). This academic interlude allowed him to mentor young seminarians while deepening his theological insight.

In 2018, Fr. George returned to Oman—this time as the Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala. Today, he leads not only the Ghala parish but also oversees all Catholic churches in Oman, making him one of the most influential spiritual figures in the region.

The Holy Spirit Catholic Church was born out of necessity and nurtured by faith. With the rapid expansion of Muscat and the growing Catholic population, a second parish was essential. In 1986, in an act of magnanimity and religious tolerance, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said donated land in Ghala. The foundation stone was laid on March 22, 1987, and the church was inaugurated and blessed on November 27, 1987, by His Excellency Luiz Roblez Diaz, Apostolic Delegate from Khartoum.

The first Parish Priest, Fr. Barnabas, took charge in 1988. Under his guidance, the church saw the construction of vital facilities including a recreational centre, classrooms, a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, and a beautiful pipe organ, a royal gift from Sultan Qaboos, and the only one of its kind in the Vicariate of Arabia.

The church weathered storms—both literal and metaphorical. When Cyclone Gonu struck Oman in 2007, causing widespread damage, it was the collective strength and love of the parishioners, led by devoted priests, that restored the church within a month. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fr. George bore the weight of solitude and sacrifice, often performing last rites from a distance or even without the physical presence of the deceased—a somber yet powerful testament to his spiritual dedication.

Beyond prayer and sacrament, the church has been a beacon of charity and hope. Under Fr. George’s stewardship, the parish organizes regular donation drives—sending over 1,000 kg of clothes annually to India, including to Fr. Davis Chiramel’s Cloth Bank in Thrissur. Shoes, toys, and essential goods are also collected, sorted, and shipped with dignity and care. The church supports unemployed individuals, provides medicines and meals to the underprivileged, and helps people in distress find housing or work—quiet acts of grace that reflect the gospel in action.

Today, Holy Spirit Catholic Church continues to flourish under the guidance of Fr. George and his fellow priests—Fr. Sebastian, Fr. Catalino Miranda, and Fr. Kozhaya Karam. The church stands not just as an architectural marvel, but as a living testament to faith, compassion, and community. It is a place where cultures blend, prayers ascend, and hearts find solace.

Fr. George, in his rare moments of leisure, indulges in reading and graphic design, interests that reveal his introspective and creative side. Son of Devassy, a businessman, and Rosely, a homemaker, Fr. George’s journey from Parappur to Ghala is not just a geographical one—it is a spiritual odyssey marked by resilience, leadership, and profound love for his flock. Fr. George had an opportunity to meet Pope Francis during a week-long conference in the Holy State of Vatican in 2024.

Rev. Fr. George Vadukkut’s life is a luminous example of spiritual leadership rooted in humility, wisdom, and compassion. Through his unwavering service, he has touched countless lives across Oman and India, fostering a church community that thrives on faith, generosity, and unity. As Holy Spirit Catholic Church continues to evolve, it does so anchored in the vision of a pastor who believes that the truest form of worship is service, and the greatest measure of faith is love in action.