Mar Joseph Kundukulam born on 26 September, 1917 at Parappur. He had his ecclesiastical studies at St Mary’s Major Seminary, Trichur and St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. He was ordained priest on the 20 December, 1942. Ever since his ordination he got immersed in the pastoral ministry till he was nominated Bishop. He was the director of St. Anne's Charitable Institute from 1958 to1970.
He started St. Christina's Home, Pullazhy, a rehabilitation center for Unwedded mothers, in the Year 1967. He dedicated his life for the service of the poor and is widely acknowledged as "father of the poor". He was an excellent retreat preacher who emphasizes that Christianity is truly a joining together of earth with heaven. He was an apostle of Christ who is concerned with Man's Heavenly and earthly good.
In a changing world he raised his mind above the changing conditions of earthly existence to the rights of eternal life which will be consummated in unending happiness and peace. Nominated Bishop of Trichur by Pope Paul VI on 4 June 1970 and consecrated on 16 August 1970 by Bishop George Alappatt, he took charge of the Eparchy on the same day.
In 1995 he was nominated the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Trichur by Pope John Paul II. On 18 May 1995 he appointed as Archbishop of Trichur and was installed on 27 August 1995 by His Beatitude Major Archbishop Antony Cardinal Padiyara.
He retired on 15 Feb 1997. He took rest at St. Christina's Home, Pullzhy and died during his visit to Mission stations in Africa on 26 April 1998 at Wamba in Kenya. He was interred in the crypt of Lourde's Metropolitan Cathedral on 29 April 1998.