Birthday Celebrations,Fr.M.C.Joseph

(The picture below was taken ten years ago when on one of my vacations I went to see Fr.M.C.Joseph, my former teacher at Leo XIII High School who was staying at the Old Age Home at Kidnagara.)

The family had a get-together for lunch yesterday.It was a small gathering but it went OK.After the lunch, I came back to Mount St.Thomas.It was tea-time here and the Cardinal introduced me to the bishops and they all sang together " Happy Birthday."

Fr.M.C.Joseph is an unforgettable teacher who was always interested in encouraging the talents and educational aspirations of his students.He was my English teacher at H.S. He conducted spiritual exercises for the students at the School.I remember him coming for my ordination  with his broken arm in sling.I cannot forget my meeting with him after my ordination. I realized the great love he held for me. He used to come to the college office when I was the Principal. How happy I was  in seeing him coming  to the office and spending time with me!He might have felt really proud in seeing his student as the principal of the college.Meeting him at the Old Age home at Kidangara was a great joy for me. At that time, I had already retired from the college and was working in the U.S.

God bless him.

Golden Jubilee Celebration Inauguration by the Cardinal

Roots and Wings

Release of the book,"Classics of Spirituality"

My new book "Classics of Spirituality" was released by the Cardinal by giving a copy of the book to Archbishop Francis Kallarakal.
The book is a collection of the talks that I give on Thomas Merton,Herni Nouwen, St.Augustine etc.In the introduction,I offered my reflections on spirituality as well as my reminiscences about some priests

who have touched me deeply.

Golden Jubilee of Ordination

The Golden jubilee of my ordination was held at St.Michael's Church , Thathampally,Alleppey on Aug.5,17.It was well attended. Although it was a rainy day, the functions were not disturbed.
The mass  was celebrated in the company of the priests from Mt.St.Thomas.Also assisting at the mass were Msgr.Philips Vadekekalam and Fr.Joseph Thommpunkal.
Fr.Kaithaprampil , the Vicar and Fr.Libin , the Asst.Vicar did make all the arrangements and  took care of all the details. All the invited guests were present for the meeting.The Cardinal gave a very beautiful talk which was appreciated by all.Abp.Francis Kallarakal, the former Abp of Verapoly gave reminiscences of his life at the seminary with me. He mentioned that I was their Prefect and guided them.Abp.Perumthottam mentioned my contributions to S.B.College.Bp.Tharayil spoke of his student days at the college when I was the Vice-principal. He mentioned the way I walked to the office from my residence and my talks etc with great appreciation.Dr.Jancy James and Dr.Cyriac Thomas also mentioned the details of their friendship with me.The meeting came to an end around 1.30p.m. and people dispersed for lunch.The priests and sisters were given lunch at my house across the church.
I am full of gratitude to the Lord for having given me the opportunity to celebrate this mass of thanksgiving.but the attention paid to the guests and to the  details connected with the mass took away the joy of silence and a calm praying mode from my mind.