Fr.Ettoli

 I felt despondent when I received the news of the passing away of Fr. Ettolil. I felt really shocked because it was a few months ago that I met him at Ponkunnam church where he was staying as a resident. I had no idea that he would be there but seeing him there made me very happy. We spent some time regaling ourselves with the stories of our past seminary life. We were together in the Minor Seminary at Parel when we were doing our studies at SB. He was a year senior to me and his degree was in economics. After his ordination and after a few stints at some of the parishes in Changanacherry, he was selected for studies at Louvain University. After spending a couple of years there he moved to NY. When I arrived in NY on Dec.29,1976, he was there at JFK to receive me along with Fr. Jose Alencherry and Fr. Mathew Muthuplakal. Then, I went to his place in Nyack, NY, and spent the New Year with him, taking part in the dance party of the parish. I saw his parishioners' love for him as many were calling him, Tom, Tom, and found joy in speaking to him. Then, he took me to the airport on my continued flight to Indianapolis. In fact, I spent my first days in the US with him. We maintained contact with each other during the time I was in Indiana. Once when he was going on vacation in Canada, he called me and asked whether he should try for my admission to a Ph.D. program at a Canadian university. He was always smiling and cordial. His pleasant manners drew a lot of people to him. Even though I didn't have any contact with him after my return from the US, there was always a warm-hearted feeling for him.

God bless him and give him eternal rest. He is in heaven enjoying the unbounded happiness that Our Lord is giving him. He was a faithful servant and he gets all the benefits of his good service for the Lord in heaven.

Fr.Thuruthel

 The funeral of Fr .Thuruthel is taking place today, Feb.12,24.Many bishops who were his students are celebrating the mass in the presence of Cardinal Mar George Alencherry.I went there yesterday to say the office for the dead when his body was brought to the auditorium.Fr.Siju Azhakathil guided me when I reached the Deepti House.Frs. Joby and Joseph Pulively too joined us in  the prayers. We left the place after coffee and snacks. They were very courteous and full of warm and cordial feelings. 

I felt honored and respected by their cordial and warm hospitality. Fr.Siju was with me all the time I was there and I felt very happy because of the way he received me and introduced me to the priests there.

Fr. Thurthel was one of our teachers at the seminary. He taught us English at Carmelgiri. The classes were superfluous for us who came as graduates. We were sitting in a class where the majority of the students did not have the chance to receive a college education. After having had so many years of instruction under Prof.Sheppard and Prof. A.E. Augustine with lots of classes in  English poetry and drama, we didn't need to sit through the classes in English at the Seminary. But Fr. Thuruthel was very gentlemanly and courteous.  His sense of humor, acts of courtesy, etc were unforgettable. May God bless him and give him eternal peace. He led a long life of retirement and had enough time to spend with God. His life should be a  model for every priest. I too should spend my time with the Lord. I don't have to worry about acquiring more knowledge. What is needed is the purification of my life, fasting, and almsgiving.

Thanks 47

 Thank you-47

Dec.7,23

Lord, I thank you for this day. You kept me safe and healthy and preserved me from negativity and despairing thoughts. I thank you and praise you for your help and blessings. You gave me everything I needed and desired: Teaching, higher studies, a long stay in the US, helping other people, helping me to overcome my failings. Lord, you have blessed me abundantly.

Today is an important day. The MABP  will announce the news of his resignation in a press meeting today.

It is sad to see how his ministry has run short. He came with a great promise.  God bless him. May God give him the strength to handle the crisis. He is at peace and has reconciled with the decision. It is a time for a new beginning in the Church.  New hands will take over the responsibility. Ekm diocese also gets a new person.

He has been very kind and sensitive.Has always referred to me with great sensitivity and understanding. He has been very loving and compassionate. God bless him.

The new decisions will be announced at the press conference at 4.30 pm. I remember especially these days the help given to me by my friends in the USA, especially by the Fuselli family.

I have no words to thank them for their love and kindness. God had given me enough time to enjoy that friendship. 

Dec.8, Friday

We had a concelebrated mass this morning. The Cardinal took part in it as an ordinary priest.

Yesterday evening was the announcement of the Resignation. All the press and the TV people were present there. He read a short message in Malayalam of his resignation. He appeared weak and fragile. Responded to a few questions from the press. Bp. Vaniapurakal would be the new administrator of the Church. He gave some responses to the questions from the press. Until that moment, he was the Face of the Church. He made the Church present in all situations. Now the picture has changed. Today’s papers carried the news of his resignation. Mathrubhoomi  paper gave a nice presentation inside about the Cardinal and the SM Church. Wrote a nice editorial, praising the role of the SM Church.

I feel sorry for him as he almost got shrunk and has grown less firm in his appearance. May God bless him. He was a tower of strength for me personally.

May Mary our Mother protect him.

Jogy just now called. All got the news of the resignation.

Dec.20Wednesday

A lot of time has passed.

After announcing the decision, he gave up all the privileges he had enjoyed as the MABP.

I did translate some documents for the Chancery. 

Dec.18th—my ordination anniversary –concelebration with the Cardinal. As he was going out immediately after that, there was no celebration. The family had lunch at the BTH. Johnachan and Leelamma  made the arrangement.

Yesterday, I went to the Priests’ home. Met all the priests. Sponsored lunch for them. Returning from Chy, we had a car accident. It hit on the back of another car stopped suddenly at Irimpanam.Biju was just behind that car. We left the scene. Today , gave the car to the Chembumuku mechanical shop. I have to be without the car for a few days.

Thank God, no serious damage or personal injury did happen. I thank the Lord for the blessings.Johnachan was informed and he talked with me at the scene of the accident.

I have a persistent cough.

Liju and Linu are at home. Yesterday, I stopped at Chembumukku and spent some time with them.

Today is a silent day for me. I will spend some time reading and praying.

Jan 4,Thursday

A lot of things have happened. We had the Christmas celebration on 25^th. I bought a shirt as a gift for the Cardinal. We had the family dinner at Kochumon’s house. Returned in the evening. From that time onwards, a lot of trips took place. Went to Thathampally for Kunjamma chechi anniversary, on 27^th, Kumarakom the anniversary of Vavachan and Thankamma’s  marriage. Also a houseboat trip with Santosh. Anniversary of  Prof.KK Mathew, lunch with Santosh at Marriot on 29^th. Went to Pala for Tholanikal Jubilee on Jan.2. Went to Chy on Jan 2 evening to say prayers at the house of M.J.James for his wife who passed away.

I wrote a blog on the resignation of MABP explaining some of the facts.

All are getting ready for the Synod to elect the new MABP.

Lord, thank you for your blessings. Help me to spend my life in prayers and devotions focusing  on you.

Jan.10,Wednesday

The election of the Major Archbishop was done yesterday. The name is supposed to be announced this evening if the confirmation from the Vatican comes today.It has not come yet. Three names are in the air, Bps.Vadkel(uj),Bp.Kallarnagatt and Bp. Thattil. But no public announcement has yet been made.

What makes the whole thing surprising is the way Abp was deprived of his post through the acceptance of his resignation. What was in his hands was handed over to Rome. He was told so many times to resolve the issue. He depended on other bps and thought that they would help him.

It is now 3pm and I am also waiting for the announcement. They planned to have the installation tomorrow. Hope it will be announced today.

The Synod is continuing. They are discussing other matters.

These days , I have not been doing much.I am not reading nor writing.I have to get back into a learning mode

Jesudas is celebrating his 84^th birthday,Sathabishekam. I am also moving to my 84^th with the new year.

I may have to publish a book on my reflections on priestly life. Just a few copies, to be done nicely. A farewell book.

I have to begin reading and using my time to praise the Lord.He has given this time to praise and adore him.Varghese’s wife is still in the hospital. They are suffering much. Lord, have mercy on them. I pray to you to do a miracle for them. Let her be healed. You have mercifully healed so many .Lord, come and bless them.

Ja.26,Friday

So many things have happened in between.

I went to the house of Joseph Varghese with Georgekutty to offer prayers. He was a gentle and quiet person. He had a lot of admirers. He passed away quietly.Georgekutty gave a short introduction.

Went to the house of K.V. Thomas.He passed away quietly.I did not know that he was sick. I spoke a few words after the office for the dead. It was at Edappally.

Sunnykutty Kurian too passed away. I couldn’t go to his house.

I went to the priest’s home to view the body of Fr.Mancherikalam.Said the office for the dead.Spent a little time with Jose P and Fr. Joy.

Two days ago George Vacha invited me for supper at Roastown. Dony came to pick me up. It was a lovely dinner. The food was excellent.

Today is the Republic day.I said mass privately.I find it more relaxing and convenient. I have enough time for Bible reading and meditation. I don’t have to rush. My old Mac doesn't open the BofA account as I think it’s outdated according to them. Tonight I have to call Jogy and get the new computer recognized by the bank.

 

thanks-46

 Thank you -46,

Aug.20,Sunday

 

Today is the day the Apostolic Delegate has asked the priests of Ekm to offer the mass in the Synodal way. Most of them refused except a few. There was opposition from the laity at the Basilica when Fr. Antony started saying the mass. He also stopped saying the mass. In some other parishes too there was opposition. During these days of resistance, most of the people were wrongly guided and they have become a force.

The Church and the Eucharistic celebration have been mocked and vilified. A great shame has been brought on to the Church. The secular media and those who are against the Church are having a field day showing the division and dissension among the Catholics.

  If some flexibility and sensitivity were shown, things could have been much more smooth. People need time to undergo changes in their mindset. A new pastor with wisdom and pastoral sensitivity could work with these people. It may take years for the change to happen. What is the use of imposing the decision suddenly on the people who are unprepared for this?

The majority of the priests have taken it as a matter of pride and prestige to stick to their stand. We have to yield first and allow the time to repair the damage.

The apostolic delegate is not very aware of the feelings of the people and their ways of resistance. He thinks an order can change the situation.

Tomorrow is the beginning of the Synod.

The blessing of Varghese’s house will take place tomorrow.

Aug 21, Monday

Went to Chy for the blessings of the house of Varghese. It is a beautiful and compact house.  I went to the priests’ home and took Palakunnel achan with me.I did the blessing. Gave Varghese a cheque for Rs.5000. They had arranged a cake for my birthday celebration.

The trip went OK.  Returned and on the way stopped at Leelamma’s house for coffee.

Aug.22, Tuesday

My birthday celebration began with a bouquet given by the Cardinal in front of the Bishops gathered for their breakfast. Later saw Fr. Mundadan making shouts and loud verbal outbursts in the parlor. They were removed by the police. Then, went to Mathaichan’s house for lunch . The family was gathered there and said a rosary before the lunch.I gave the ladies the newly made silver rosaries. Joy Kurian,  Thommachan  etc called to give their greetings.

Thank you, Lord, for another birthday. I have to spend the year thanking the Lord. Lord, keep me in your love.

Sept.19

I had the blood test a few days ago. Hibac was very high—8. The doctor changed the medications. Now taking insulin 19 and a new pill was added to be taken along with the food in the morning.

Yesterday

Yesterday, went to Chy to attend the funeral of Prof.Jose Joseph. Said the office at his house. Prof.K.A. Goergekutty was also with me and after that went to A.V. Thomas’ house. He is bedridden. Had lunch at the college . The rincipal was there and he joined me for lunch.

The classes for junior priests are going on and will be over by tomorrow.

Last Saturday, went to the theatre to see the movie on the life of Sr.Rani Maria called The Face of the Faceless. It was well done and all of them were realistic in their presentation.

Went to Alleppey last week to say an office for the dead for Joy Mannooparampil, the husband of Gracykutty’s sister.

I am using an App called Essentials which takes BP. But it is not correct when checked with the Bp by the manual BP monitor.

It was deleted and canceled.

Sept.25,

On 23 and 24, went to Thathamaplly for the Patronal Feast. The  Feast was on 24^th and I was the main celebrant.On 23^rd evening, I met the brothers and sisters of Ouseppachan.The celebration of the feast went very well.

Today, the newly elected MLA Chandy Oommen would be coming to the house to meet the Cardinal in the morning at 9.30 am. But he is getting late. He came just at 10 am and I met him.

Oct 10

We had a retreat from Oct 2-6. The retreat was good. I made some changes to  my schedule.Would spend some time after 10.30 pm for personal prayer. One of the main messages he said in passing was that one should not be worried about one’s past sins once it is confessed. We have to accept that we are forgiven.

Tomorow,Oct.11. Ammachi’s memorial mass. Will be going to Thathampally.

Sajan came a few days ago and I took him to the airport yesterday.

 

The Cardinal has gone for the Synod and hence things are quiet around here.

Oct.13.

Went to Ammachi’s mass at Thathampally. Kochayan, Gracykutty Johnachan and Cheriankunju were there for the mass. Biriyani was ordered from the restaurant.

Today, there is not much to do. Will read the Bible and take notes.

Thank you, Lord, for this time. I am now cutting watching TV at night  and spending more time on personal prayer. Thank you Lord for the health given to me. I have to be thankful to you for ,every moment in my life.

Oct27,Friday

Today is a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world according to the appeal of the Pope. Today is the The world- Peace Day.

Yesterday,  went to Alleppey together with Fr. Adoppally and  Fr.Melvettom.Went to Ramada for lunch, and proceeded to Champakulam.

Two days before, on Monday and Tuesday, the priests went on a tour to Tamilnadu and I stayed here. 

Yesterday’s trip to Alleppey was very pleasant. Spent time with Subash,Sajan and Kunjappan.

I have been trying to rewrite my matter for the new book through chat GPT and they are coming out good.

Oct.28, Saturday.

Joined the 6.30 am mass and it was OK.

Nov.2,Thursday

Yesterday,Joshy was here and took him to the houses of Mathichan,Kochayan and Leelamma. Had lunch at Leelamma’s house.

Was tired.

Cardinal’s sister passed away. The funeral is tomorrow. Will be going there in the evening to say an office for the dead.

So also, will be going to Koottummel’s house to pray for Jigy’s mother. Her funeral is tomorrow. Lord, thank you for giving me the blessing to visit and pray for them.

Nov.3, Friday

Yesterday, Nov.2, went to Vazhappally to say the prayers for Cardinal’s sister. Said a few words. Then went to Koottummel house, said prayers for the mother of Jijy.Spoke a few words mentioning that Jijy and Rekha are the pride of SBC. Also spoke about the service of Sri Koottummel.

Today at the Dining hall, the Cardinal thanked all the fathers for their presence and mentioned my name specially too. He gave me a good rosary from the Holy Father.

Today I gave the retreat talk to the sisters at the request of Fr.Kavil as he had to leave with the Cardinal for Gorakpur. But then the Cardinal changed plans because of the funeral.

Thank God for the time given to me to experience peace and joy.

Today, I placed the order for a new printer.Rs.13888. Through my Fincore card. I extended the limit from 10000 to 15000 by opening the website of Fincore as per the direction of Lijo.

Thank you,Lord, for giving me the direction. Why should I be concerned about the amount when I am spending on other things freely?

I have no words to thank the Lord for His blessings. The trip to Chy also went beautifully well because of the company of Frs Adopally and Melvettath. 

Today , went to Ekm for lunch.

Nov. 25. I went to Edappally church for the betrothal of the daughter of Francis’ brother. It was over within 15 minutes. The brother came to my room a few days ago and he presented me with a new iPhone. Francis brought me some cash gift at the Sacristy after the ceremony.I did not take meals at Edappally as it was not brought there then.Went to ekm and had  lunch there although Jogy and all had gone to Vallarpadom.

Returned to Kakkanad after 2pm.

Dec.5, Tuesday

Concelebration this morning at 6.30 am at the chapel. I will spend the whole day reading the Bible.

These past days, we had several celebrations.Jogy’s visit ,Celebration of Kochayan’s brithday at the hotel near Padma etc

On Dec.3,  I offered mass at Xime on St.Francis Xavier’s day.

Today is a free day.

Thank you, Lord for your blessings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you-45

 Thank You ,45

 

June 22,Thursday

I begin a new chapter after my return trip from the US.

June 23,Friday

I came to the Mount around 6p.m. Attended the Ramsa and met the fathers at supper. Came to know from Fathers that the Cardinal had developed a fever and was admitted to the hospital. I was also told that Bishop Vaniapurakal has got a new job as the one in charge of the Procura. Everything was calm and quiet here but the TV began to carry the news of the letter of Abp.Andrews to Fr. Narikulam telling him about serious consequences if he did not follow the directions of the Synod. The TV tonight mentioned a letter to the Synod accusing the rebels of being in cohorts with some terrorist groups like SDP etc. Again, the pot is boiling and murkier things are happening.

 

Lord, help me to spend my time with you. I have nothing else to do except to spend my time in prayer.

June 29, The Feast of Peter and Paul, Thursday

Yesterday, went to Thathampally in connection with the planning for the Feast of the church at the request of Ouseppachan. Then, went for lunch at Lizikutty's house. She does not prepare meals anymore. It  is prepared by the aid. On the way back , visited Mathaichan. Went also to the Ekm house and got a copy of the insurance. Now, the tiredness of the trip is disappearing and I can use the time for reading. Nothing else is being done. Just use the time to thank the Lord for blessing me in making the trip.

I don’t know where I placed the old small phone(Airtel). (It was found in my drawer at home.)

July 15, Saturday

Today going to Mathaichan’s house for lunch. Leelamma and Johnachan will join me.

The sad event that has happened this month is the passing away of Vakachan on July 7^th. The funeral was held on Sunday, July 9^th. The day before on July 8^th was the wedding of Sunil, the son of Jessy at the Elamkulam Church. A lot of American youngsters were present at the wedding.

It was sad that Vakachan departed from us very suddenly. Went to his house a few times. Around six priests came from the Mt for the funeral. Fr.Kavilpurayidathil gave a very nice homily which was appreciated by the children. Yesterday was the 7^{th day} of the demise and I said mass at the Karanakodam church.

Johnachan and Leelamma called just now to say that they reached here last night.

Yesterday I had breathing problems and sneezing but they subsided by the time I got ready for the 10 am mass.

The small I phone was in my drawer at Ekm. So that problem was solved. Thank you, Lord.Thank you, St.Antony.

Yesterday, wrote a short message on the successful launching of the Chandrayaan at the advice of the Cardinal, based on the ideas given by him. The newspapers carried the news the day after.

July 16,Sunday

I said the mass in the common chapel for Fr.Thuruthipally and he would take my mass on the 28^th as he felt not well today. The ladies from the Moosariparampil family with Felix and his family were present for the mass. Later Felix came to pick me up and I went to his villa to bless the house and spend sometime with them.

Yesterday , went to Mathaichan’s house for lunch with Johnachan and Leelamma who returned the night before. Now, they are here and I have someone to talk with.

On Friday, went to the Karanakodam church to say the 7^th day mass for Vakachan and then went to their house for prayers and lunch. My cold and sneezing that were bothering me ceased that morning and hence I could say the mass. I just told the choir that my singing would be minimal and they followed my directions. Hence, the mass did not take much time. The last few days were hectic with the passing away of Vakachan.

Lord,  thank you for your love and mercy. I know I have wandered far from you. . Lord, have mercy on me.

July 21, Friday

The last three days were days of mourning for Kerala with the demise of Sri Ooommen Chandy. It is as if the whole of Kerala turned out for his funeral. His body was taken from Trivandrum to Puthuppally and the body was accompanied by large crowds of people along the way and at different junctions. People were moving with the bus carrying the body in large numbers, sobbing and crying. Watching the TV had a cathartic effect. People who watched were also crying seeing the reactions of the people. All have stories of kindness about him. His life was a true living out of a Christian way of life. Unbelievable that he could touch the lives of thousands of people all across the country.

Kochayan developed a breathing problem and was taken to the Astor Hospital. He was discharged yesterday evening. Today he is at Kochumon’s house and I went there for lunch. Kochayan and Gracykutty were there. Their maid was also there. He is OK now.

 

I have also a cough problem and gas trouble. I am using ginger and also try to inhale the puff.

Things are going OK by the grace of God. I have to find my source of joy and peace in the Lord.

I don’t have any more good friends with whom I can share my feelings and thoughts.

August 1, I phone.

Another important thing is that yesterday I paid the Income tax amounting to more than one lakh 43000.Johnachan paid and I have to transfer the amount to him today.

A couple of days ago, I took the Mac Air for a change of its battery costing Rs.8000.Now it is working well.

By the grace of God, I am OK.

On Saturday, I went to Thathampally to inaugurate the Golden Jubilee for Fr. Michael Peedikayil.

Aug.8,  Tuesday

Today  went to the Priests’ home to offer my regards to Fr. Vayalil who celebrated his 90^th on Sunday.  I thought it was proper to show my respect to him.He was very much touched that I went all the way from Ekm to Chy just for him. I gave him a shawl and gave cakes to Kariachan. But he did not mention the matter of the cakes to the priests while at lunch. But he was very courteous and took the effort to serve me lunch. I had a chance to meet some of the priests while at lunch and could talk about the past in our life in their new drawing room.

The night before last , had a long sitting with the MABP and he shared some of the confabulations that were taking place in the higher-ups.We realize then how chimerical were these offices. I am happy that with my small roles to play, I can lead a quiet and happy life, spending my time in total devotion to Our Lord.

I have been suffering from a cough and my use of onion with jaggery is helping to feel some relief.

Thank you. Lord. Bless and protect me.

August 18, Friday

The Apostolic delegate issued an ultimatum to the Ekm clergy to start celebrating the Synodally prescribed form of the celebration of the mass from August 20. They have rejected it. It is going to create more commotion.

I was asked to hoist the flag on Independence Day as the Bishops were out. Gave a two-minute speech.

Will spend today reading the Bible.

 

 

Prof.K.V.Thomas

  The funeral of Prof.K.V.thomas who passed away yesterday did take place today at Edappally Church at 12 noon. I went to the house of Prof.Thomas around 11.30 am after getting the location from Dr. Isaac Paul. Without any difficulty, I could reach the house of Prof. Thomas. A few of the teachers of SB were there. I said the Office for the Dead and spoke a few words of appreciation for his service at the college. He was very gentle, and soft-spoken and was greatly respected by his colleagues. 

Mar Raphael Thattil, The New Major Archbishop

 Mar Raphael Thattil was elected the new Major Archbishop on Jan. 11 and was installed as the Major Archbishop at Mt.St.Thomas on Jan. 12. His election was greeted with great joy and enthusiasm as his name was a surprise and was not mentioned in the media as a possible candidate. His pleasant nature, affability, availability, and ever-present smile have evoked a great response among the Catholic faithful. It was with great enthusiasm and happiness that people received him. There is a natural spontaneity and warmth in his interactions. He gives a new face to The Church. It is like fresh air being blown into the halls of the Church.

 His retreat talks were warmly and prayerfully received by the people at the Cathedral of Chicago. I was there on the last day to give him the vote of thanks on behalf of the diocese. I called him the crown of the Syro-Malabar Church because of the tremendous impression he has created in the minds of the people. 

We hope and pray that he will open a new chapter in the history of the Church especially because of the estrangement of the Ernakulam diocese from the mainstream of the Church. A new approach, more conciliatory and compromising has to be adopted to bring them into the fold.  It would be presumptuous to think that they would accept all the matters demanded of them within a few weeks. It may require many years for such a  transformation. What is important is the unity of the church and keeping the faithful close to Jesus. Insisting blind obedience and total submission is impractical. It may need more conciliatory approaches and years of walking together with them. At a time when it is difficult for us to bring another person into the Faith, we have to be careful not to alienate those who are in the Church. It is not a canonical approach that is needed but one that is charitable and magnanimous.

So many divisions in the church have happened because of the intransigence and narrow vision of a few people in the leadership. History tells us to go slowly. "Festina lente" should be the nature of our approach.