MADATHIPARAMPIL

44th Ordination anniversary,Dec.18,11

2011-12-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

The 44th Anniversary of my ordination was celebrated yesterday at St. Martin's church,Palarivattom at 12 noon.All the members of the family were present. Then we all gathered at the Renaissance Hotel,Cochin.Mathaichan welcomed the family and then Noby,Josy,Thomaskutty,and Cheriankunju shared their feelings and thoughts. A cake was cut and all clapped in joy.So one more anniversary has come and gone, giving me an opportunity to thank the Lord for His great blessings on my life.Every one was given a diary in appreciation.
In the evening, went to participate in the 75th birthday celebration of Dr.K.P.Varghese at the Grand Hotel.

House Boat Trip from Alleppey.

2011-11-19T23:51:00.000-08:00

Had a very relaxing trip through the lakes and backwaters of Kuttanad from Alleppey in company with some of the former Professors from the Dept. of English.Profs. K.T.Sebastian. K.K.Matthew,P.J.Devasia,K.V.Joseph.K.A.George and A.J.Francis were on the trip.
The house boats that were were roaming the lakes were hundreds in number.

House Boat Trip,Nov.17,2011.

2011-11-19T23:41:00.001-08:00

Singapore

2011-11-19T23:36:00.000-08:00

Singapore,Nov.9-14,2011

2011-11-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Staying with Roj and Lisa at Singapore.The flight by Singapore Airlines was very good. Roj was there at the airport when I came down after the immigration check point. After reaching his apartment, we came back to receive his parents,Johnachan and Lelamma who were coming from Bangalore. The four days I spent at Singapore were very relaxing and enjoyable.Singapore is a compact version of any modern city in the West.In planning and organization, it is superb.Visited some of the beautiful malls and restaurants.
Concelebrated mass on Sunday at the Holy Trinity Catholic church at Tampines. It is a very large and beautiful church and it was packed with people at the 9.30a.m. mass. Lisa sang in the choir.Santosh stayed with us for one night before his departure for the States for visits with medical colleges there.
The return journey was also very comfortable.As I got out of the aiport at Cochin, two of my former students in the customs recognized me and came out to introduce themselves. I was happy to see them even though I was seeing them after more than 30 years.It is funny that they still recognize me when they see me in different places.

Cochin,Oct.28,11.

2011-10-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

It is more than a month since I have been here in Cochin.By the grce of God, I have got adjusted to the place and am working on different projects.The coming few months will give me time to write and reflect on things and matters dear to my heart. I am getting plenty of time to visit friends and relatives.
Met with Prof.K.T.Sebastian two days ago at Chy and had a very pleasant chat on the current situation of the Church in the educational front.
Prof.K.T.Sebastian is one who has given his whole life and tme for the good of the Church and striven hard to make the voice of the laity heard and respected in the church.As a former member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity , he was the first lay person from India to represent the laity in the International forum and to act as a spokesperson for the millions of the faithful who give vibrancy and srength to the Church in India.
He has authored a book on the role of the laity in the church. It is a well written book dealing with the theology of the laity. Those who viisit him come away with great admiration for his faith and unwavering attachment to the Church. There is a sparkling sense of joy when he discusses the affairs of the Church. More than many rectors and professors, he has been a great mentor to many preists and bishops of the Church in India. I wish him al the blessings of God as he is entering his eighties.

Return to Kerala,Oct.7,11

2011-10-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

It is more than a week since I returned to Kerala. Taking things quietly.Today --leaving for Changanacherry.
Will be meeting some of the teachers at the college.
It is hot here but manageable.

Cochin,Kerala,India

2011-09-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Sept.26,Monday 6a.m.

At Cochin now.Went to Trichur on Saturday.

By the grace of God, things are OK.God has given me time to pray. Will use the time for prayer and reflections .May the Lord open new doors of evangelization for me.

Address and phone nos of Rev.Dr.George Madathiparmpil in India,2011

2011-09-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Will be in Ernakulam,Cochin from Sept.20th,2011 onwards.
Address:
Rev.George Madathiparampil
Old Railway Station Rd
Ernakulam
Cochin-18
Kerala, INDIA.
Tel.No.(H):0484-2394525
Cell: 9744576243
:630-559-7122.
Email:georgemparampil@yahoo.com.
georgemadathiparampil@gmail.com
www.madathiparampil.com
Blog:
http://syro-malabarhomilies.blogspot.com
http://madathiparampil.blogspot.com
http://catholicsermonsmadathil.blogspot.com
http://catholichomilies.blogspot.com
http://reflectionsgm.blogspot.com
http:classicsofspirituality.blogspot.com
http://talksandpresentationsgm.blogspot.com
www.catholicfaithandlife.org
http://memoirsgmadathiparampil.blogspot.com

Dallas,Texas,Sept1-10

2011-09-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

At Noby's house. Today is the Feast of the Bl.Virgin Mary. Went to Tomy Chennamkara's house yesterday.

The day before Antony Kurialacherry and Annie came over here supper. We could share some laughs.

Dallas was very hot when I reached here but it is a bit cooling off.

Taking time to do some notes on Business Ethics.

New York,Aug.25,11

2011-08-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

At Jogy's house.Came here on Aug.14th.Said mass at St.Joachim church,Beacon at 4p.m. on Aug.21. Fr.Azhakath offered greetings on behalf of the community at the meeting.Afterwards, there was a reception in the hall downstairs.They offered me birthday greetings and there was a slicing of the cake.A few of the alumni were there.

On the saturday before, went to Sartoga Springs and watched the horse race for a couple of hours. On the way back stopped at the place of Josh and Joby at Albany.

On Aug.24th, went to the Best Buy and bought a new small apple computer--Mac Air.

Canterbury,2011

2011-07-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

England,Scotland,2011

2011-07-12T14:50:00.001-07:00

2011-07-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Scotland,London,Oxford,2011

2011-07-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

Oxford,Scotland,Lake District,,july4-10,11

2011-07-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

Retirement and Pastoral Ministry in the U.S.

2011-07-12T02:46:00.000-07:00

Pastoral Ministry in the U.S.

I retired from the college on March 31^st,1996.

I stayed at my room in the campus for a week and then thought of leaving for the States for a few months as I found that I had nothing really serious to do in Changnacherry . As I could not see myself doing anything there I thought of working in a parish in the US as it would give me an opportunity for more reading and speaking.

I was given the job of the Director of Higher Education but that job was a non-starter as it gave me no real opportunity to work in the field of Higher Education.

After spending a few weeks in Changanacherry and Ernakulam, I left for the Sates in 1996.I had no intention of remaining in the US for a longer period but God gave me a long life to live here for more than a decade.

I spent a couple of months in New York and then left for Florida and there stayed at St.Coleman’s church,Pompano beach, for a couple of months. Fr.Jose Kottayil was gracious enough to arrange my stay there. I enjoyed working there during the summer months. I also did enjoy preaching the homilies and I found that there was a great appreciation of my sermons. One of the priests once mentioned that I preach with great conviction.He used he expression: “There is fire in the belly.”

He was referring to the passion with which I preached.

After being there for a few months , I went to Dallas for a short visit and spent a few days with Achankunju and Laiju.

Fr.Maroor durting that time talked with the Pastor of the Visitation parish which led my stay there for more than a year. I became a North Miami resident thus.While there, I happened to meet the President of St.Thomas University and he invited me to teach at St.Thomas University. I joined the Dept. of English as an adjunct Professor and taught there for two semesters.

During that time, I got a call from the Archdiocese of Washington D.C and they invited me to work in the Archdiocese.That was another big change in my life. Although initially, I was reluctant to leave Miami, I was blessed by God to make the right decision to join the Archdiocese.

I met the Director of the Priests’ Personnel during one of my visits to D.C. and that sealed my decision to work there. I would also be able to meet so many of my former friends if I would begin my ministry there.

My stay at the Visitation church , North Miami was thus very short.It was a small parish and the rectory was also a small house .But I enjoyed my stay there even though the Pastor was not a very cordial person.

After the mass in the morning, two old ladies from the parish would wait for me to take me for the breakfast. The Pastor would also join us. It was our daily routine.

On Sundays, Mr.George Vadaparampil would take me to his house and would prepare a nice lunch for me. Later Fr.Matthew Pathalany would also join me for lunch at the house of Mr.George.

I have to mention very specially my friendship with Neil Monteiro.Neil once came to the church for the Sunday mass and wanted me to bless his new car.That started our long friendship. On holidays , he would invite me to his apartment and would prepare very lovely dinners. He would also invite his friends on such evenings.I cannot forget the love and friendship of the those dear friends from Goa.

On July 4^th , Neil ,Francis and myself went on a long ride to Jacksonville. We stayed at the rectory of Fr.Victor Narivelly. On the way back , we visited the city of St. Augustine and Cape Canarval. It was an enjoyable trip.

On free days, I would invite Francis and we would go for long rides.

In August 1997, I went to India and while I was in India, Neil and Francis drove my car to Washington D.C. and dropped my things at St .Patrick’s church, Washington D.C.

St.Patrick’s Church,Washington D.C.

Although I was a bit reluctant to accept my assignment at St.Patrick’s, later , it turned out to be one of the best rectories and places of stay. I was told by Msgr.English, that the Pastor at St.Patrick’s was Msgr.Peter Vaghi. Msgr.Vaghi was a young attorney when I was an associate pastor at St.Matthew’s Cathedral.He used to lector at my masses.

But then he gave up his job as an attorney and joined the seminary. By the time, I came to St.Patrick’s he was working as a very successful Pastor there.

Msgr.Farina who passed away recently and Fr. Paul Liston were the other priests. They were some of the great priests whom I loved and admired.I enjoyed the warmth of their love and hospitality. There were so many times when we went out for dinner. Msgr.Farina was the Director of the Pope Paul Institute of Arts.

I did work under him for a couple of months when I came to stay at St.Patrick’s while teaching a summer course at the Catholic University.

I cannot also forget Msgr.Maurice Fox who became the Pastor while I was staying there earlier. We used to call him Marty while we were all staying at St.Matthew’s. We had such fun and laughter while we were at St.Matthew’s.

Even though I thought at the time I joined St.Patrick’s that it would be a quiet parish, in fact , it turned out otherwise.

One of the attractive things at St.Patrick’s was the series of lectures that were held at noon .By the graceof God, I gave a lot of lectures on different topics, including a few on Catholic authors. It gave me the perfect occasion to do what I always wanted: to do some serious reading, writing and speaking.

Even before I left Miami for Washington, Msgr.Vaghi had asked me to give a synopsis of the lectures I would give after my arrival at St.Patrick’s.

My first series of lectures was on Catholic novelists like Graham Greene,Flannery O’Connor and Walker Percy. I also gave a talk on the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins.

Later I gave a series of talks on the Classics of Spirituality where I spoke on the works of St.Augustine,St.Teresa of Avila, St.John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux,St.Ignatius of Loyola etc. I did also speak on the works of Thomas Merton,Henri Nouwen and Fr.De Mello.

I had to prepare heavily for those classes but I found the work of teaching very exhilarating. This was something I always wanted to do and St.Patrick;s gave me the right opportunity.I have also to admit the encouragement, support and the prompting of Msgr.Vaghi. As I spent my whole life time teaching English Literature, I never got much time to read books of great spiritual masters. This series of lectures helped me to read up on great spiritual writers.

The classes were attend by a great number of people.These were people who would come out from their offices for their lunch breaks. Some of the talks were given publicity by the Washington Post.

St. Patrick’s also offered me chances of meeting some of the great people of Washington. The Shrivers,Senator Moynihan,F.B.I.Director etc were some of them. Also Supreme Court Justice Scallia too came there for some functions.

St.Patrick’s also held masses for the John Carrol society as Msgr.Peter Vaghi was their chaplain. Hence those masses brought some of the politicians and lawyers to the church.

In a way my stay in Washington was a time of great internal joy and peace. I really enjoyed the beauty of priestly ministry while I was there at St. Patrick’s.

Cardinal Hickey and Cardinal McCarik were very good to me and acknowledged my ministry there with great satisfaction.

While I was at St. Patrick’s, I also did say masses for the Catholic Malayalee community of Washington D.C. Being part of both the communities was very exciting.

Scotland,July5,11

2011-07-11T04:23:00.000-07:00

We took the train from Oxford to Edinburgh--It was a 6 hours' drive.Since the train was late , we reached Edinburgh around midnight.The stay at the Euro hostel was comfortable as we had an apartment with independent rooms for all.
From there the next day morning we took a one day's tour of the highlands of Scotland.It was a spectacular journey giving magnificent views of the countryside---mountains and lakes.One can never forget the beauty of the highlands of Scotland.Also took a boat trip along the lake.
The next day,visited the Edinburgh Castle and the rooms of Mary of Scotland.
From there Jose K.John(Roj) hired a van and took us to the Lake District.Lake District too is another beautiful place whose beauty one can never forget.The hills and the slopes where the sheep were grazing will never disappear from one's mind.The lake district is another unforgettable place for its natural beauty.Visited the house of Wordsworth and other places associated with him at Grasmere.
Stayed at a farm in the Lake District.The next day , we drove to Stratford-upon-Avon and saw the places associated with Shakespeare.
Went to Essex,London to visit Liju and Sajayan. Leelamma, Johnachan, Santosh,Roj and Lisa then left for Oxford.
Next day,went to see the Canterbury Cathedral.It is a very beautiful and lovely church , packed with a lot of history.It was the first Cathedral, the seat of the first Archbishop, in England.Henry Vlll destroyed the tomb and shrine of St.Thomas Becket that was in the sanctuary of the Cathedral.

Oxford,July4th,2011

2011-07-11T04:11:00.000-07:00

Went to Oxford University to meet George K.John who was finishing up his Master's degree in public health.His parents as well as his brother Jose K.John and his wife, Lisa were there at Oxford.
Stayed for the first few days with Dr.Joshy John and Thankamony at London before leaving for Oxford.They were good hosts and they took me to meet their friends in London.Went also with them to visit Westminster Catholic Cathedral.Also visited St.Paul's bookstore nearby and its Director Fr.Sebastian Karamvely.Also visited the Harrods in London.
Dr.Joshy drove me to Oxford University.
I stayed at Rhodes' house as a guest of Santosh.Next day , said mass at the Catholic Church near the University.It was St.Ignatius Church belonging to the Augustinian Oratory.Said mass there and after the mass ,invested Santosh with the Pope Paul Vl Gold Medal awarded to him by St.John's Medical College for being their Outstanding student in 2010.
Visited St.Edmund's college, its library and the dining room where Santosh is registered for his graduate studies.

Principal,S.B.College,1991-96

2011-06-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Principal (1991-96)

Let me mention my participation in some of the major organizations in which I worked while I was working as the principal of the college.

IFCU

At the IFCU meeting in Toulouse, France, in 1991, I was elected a member of the Executive Council as a representative from Asia. It was decided at the first meeting of the Executive that their next meeting should be held in India. As I had no experience of their previous meetings, I thought that I would get the help of Fr.Kottaram, the former Principal of Mar Ivanios and a former member of the Executive. But his sudden passing away put all the responsibility of holding the International Conference on my shoulders.

Even though Bangalore and Cochin were considered as sites for the meeting, in the end I favored to have the meeting in Changnacherry itself as it would then give the participants an idea of the vibrancy of the Catholic faith in Kerala.

I had the meeting arranged on the third floor of the newly completed Research building. Our staff helped a lot in getting the place ready for the meeting.

The inaugural session was held at the Kavukattu Hall and a lot of the principals, managers and teachers from Kerala were present at the meeting. His Eminence Cardinal Padiyara, Abp.Gregorios, the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly, Abp.Powthil along with president of the IFCU, Fr.Duttari(who has been later appointed the Bishop of Quito,Equador) addressed the gathering.

The front of the Hall was decked with flag posts carrying the flags of the participant countries. The president of Notre Dame, Fr.Malloy, the Presidents of various Catholic Universities in South America, Japan , Indonesia, the USA were present at the Conference. Some of them were put up in hotels in Changanacherry and the rest were put up at Kottayam.

The Deepika was kind enough to publish a supplement for the Conference.

The delegates were taken for a boat ride though Kuttanand lakes and later they were taken to Kurisumala Asharam. On the way back, they visited St.Alphonsa’s tomb at Bharanaganam.

The municipality of Chanaganacherry and the Bishop’s house, Palai arranged a special reception for the participants. The Assumption college arranged an open dinner reception for the guests. Fr.Malloy addressed the students of the Assumption college.

It was a good gathering and all left with great feelings of appreciation. Later, addressing the presidents of Catholic universities in the U.S, Fr.Malloy remarked that the going to Kerala was like going to Ireland as the visit revealed to him the depth and strength of the Catholic faith in Kerala.

I am very grateful to many members of the staff for their help in coordinating many events of the meetings. I have to mention specially Mr.Jose, a member of the non-teaching staff, Prof.Ruble Raj,Prof.George Thomas,Prof.Raju Kuttickal,Prof.George Sebastian , the priests on the faculty etc for their great help in organizing a meeting of this kind.

As a member of the Executive Council of the IFCU, I was invited to attend their meetings in Lisbon,Quito and at Notre Dame.

While at Quito, we could visit many of the old churches in Quito whose ceilings were decked with gold which were built in the 16^th C. When I was looking at the marvelous gold ceiling of one of the churches in Quito, Fr.Malloy, the President of the Notre Dame University remarked to me : “ Father George: you have churches going back to early Christian centuries.” That was an acknowledgment of the Apostolic origin of the Christian faith in Kerala which he came to understand during his visit to Kerala.

While in Quito, we did visit some of the Indian villages and the small churches around which the houses of the villagers were built. One of the surprising things at one of the fairs in the villages was that when we asked for the prices of some of the village made clothes, one of the girls took out a calculator form her pocket and told us the price in dollars. That showed how technology had entered the lives in very remote villages.

While in Lisbon, we were able to make a pilgrimage to Fatima which was one of my unfulfilled dreams. I wanted to visit Fatima during my European tour while on my vacation to Europe during the days when I was pursuing my doctoral studies in the US in the late 70s.I could not do it because I was prevented from passing through Spain at the border from France as I did have not have the transit visa to pass through Spain. Hence , I felt really happy during my stay in Lisbon.

We stayed in a beautiful hotel from where we went to the Catholic University every day for the meetings. We also visited some of the old churches in Lisbon like Fort St.George monastery etc. We were invited for a reception at the family home of of the Aux.Bishopp of Lisbon who was the Rector of the Catholic University of Lisbon. It was in a village but the dinner was very lavish. His whole family was there to greet us.

The General Assembly of the IFCU at Notre Dame was a great success .In fact it was at the meeting at Changanacherry that the venue of the Assembly was changed from Lebanon to Notre Dame. I was in a way responsible in helping Notre Dame University becoming the venue of the meeting.At the conclusion of the meeting, Fr.Malloy, the President of the Notre Dame praised the conciliatory skills that I employed during the sessions.

Fr.Malloy showed his appreciation of my interventions later by asking me to be the main celebrant of the Eucharistic celebrations in one of the main days .I did not realize then that I was going to be a main celebrant along with Cardinals ,Bishops and rectors. I was not prepared before hand for a great sermon. Only after reaching there and looking at the program , did I realize that that it was going to be a great celebration. God gave the confidence to do everything perfectly. I started my homily with a few lines from Shakespeare’s Macbeth: “Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased…”I knew then with my literature background that it would prove to be a great introduction! It really helped me to gather my thoughts on the passage from the Gospel. I also mentioned the inquiry I received from the young man whom I met in one of my train trips. He was an MIT product .He told me that he was searching for spiritual meanings in life and wanted to know what the distinctive feature of Christianity was.

After all these trips I would stop in Washington D.C. to teach a summer course in Comparative literature at the Catholic University of America.

I kept my contact with the US and the Catholic University because of the advice and help of Dr.Nemionau ,one of my Professors at C.U who did not want me to lose my Green Card status.

What a beautiful piece of advice he gave me. Otherwise, I would have to go for visa for every trip I made to the U.S.

My participation In IFCU got me a lot of friends internationally. I used the occasion to plead for more active collaboration between the Catholic Universities in the developed world and those in the under developed countries.

AIACHE

At the triennial meeting of the AIACHE at Bangalore in 1993, I was elected the President of the Association. Non-Catholic and Catholics were elected presidents alternatively. I was elected at a time when it was the turn of the Catholics. Working as the President of AIACHE gave me a great opportunity to interact with the principals of the Christian colleges in India and also enabled me to be part of the team to implement various policies that would improve the academic standards of our colleges .It was during that time that we were able to meet the President of India ,Dr.Shankar Dayal Sharma and apprise him of the various dangers involved in some of the bills before the parliament of India concerning the minorities.

The executive meetings of the AIIACHE were held in different parts of India which helped us to come into close contact with the working of the best colleges in India.

Principal’s Council of Kerala

In 19993 , I was elected the President of the Principals' Council of the Private colleges of Kerala. As the President of the Principals' Council, I was able to work in close collaboration with the Principals of Kerala in pleading for changes for the improvement of higher education in Kerala.

Secretary of the Inter-Church Council of Kerala and KCBC

As the Secretary of the KCBC Education commission , working with Abp.Powathil, I was able to formulate the educational policies of the Catholic Church in Kerala in the area of education. We had to oppose several times the policies of the Govt. when they were infringing on the Constitutional rights of the minorities.

The Inter-Church council was a wider body incorporating all the Christina denominations, formulating the policies in the area of education in Kerala. Under the auspices of the Inter-Church Council several large gatherings of the public were held to highlight the importance of protecting the rights of the minorities in the field of education.

I was also working as a research guide for doctrinal candidates in English Literature.Fr.Joseph Vattakalam and Prof.C.E.Thomas worked towards their Ph.D. under my guidance.

I was very determined to improve the academic standards of our students. S.B. college, being one of the top colleges in the country attracted a large number of very bright students from all across the state of Kerala.One of my immediate tasks was keeping the students academically high while they were at college.

After discussions with the staff, we organized an Academic Excellence Program where all the students coming with more than 90% of marks were invited to join to improve their knowledge in science subjects. The teachers who volunteered to teach came early in the morning for special classes for the students. I could see the change in the academic atmosphere right away.In the Pre-degree exam that came after the introduction of the course, our college was declared the first in the colleges under Mahatma Gandhi University for having got the highest number of first classes.

One of the memorable events in the first years of my Principalship was the organizing of a science exhibition and an arts festival in order to collect funds for the construction of a new building to accommodate new courses that would be forthcoming in the coming years.

I knew then that with the changes happening in the country, this would be most probably the last science exhibition that would be organized under the auspices of the college. I was very intimately involved in the organization of a previous Science Exhibition when Fr.Maroor was the Principal. I did not want to lose that experience.

The Science Exhibition turned out to be a huge success. With thousands of high school and college students visiting the campus, the days became very busy. It continued for two weeks. A lot of students and the faculty were involved in the organization of the Exhibition. Within those two weeks thousands of visitors came to the campus. The media too gave enough publicity.

The inauguration of the Exhibition was done by Sri. Patil, the Honorable speaker of the Lok Sabha. He praised the students for their sense of discipline and decorum.

The campus was a beehive of activity in those days.

The Arts Festival was also a great success. Prof.Scaria Zacharia took the initiative of organizing all the cultural events and meetings. Many writers and authors were invited for different functions.

With the money collected through the science exhibition, we were able to garner the seed money for the construction of a new building. My intention was also to start hotel management courses in the new building.

Along with the improvements of the academic atmosphere of the college, I was also interested in encouraging the artistic and athletic talents of our students.

I encouraged the Director of the Athletics Department to scout talented students to build up our athletic teams. Within no time we were able to become the first in all the athletic competitions of the University. Our students thus did well in athletics, games as well as in studies.

We supported the activities of the Arts club and they were able to compete well in the artistic and cultural competitions conducted under the auspices of the University.

So when the Government decided to award a prize for the best college in the state, it came to St. Berchmans’ college. Thus, the prestigious Shankar Award was given twice to the college.

The college did also start many study centers like the Durrell Centere, Kamala Das Study Centre etc and encouraged the interactions with literary authors and scholars.

It was during this time that the foundation stone for Prof.Ulahannan Mappila Center for research was established. Dr. Joshy was responsible in starting the center and developing it.

The granting of MBA to the college was one of the crowning moments in this saga of academic improvements of the college.Raja Giri college and S.B.college were the only two colleges in Kerala that were allowed to start MBA first in the state. The newly constructed building was immediately put to use for the M.B. A and thus was born the Bechmans’ Institute of Management. It was during this time that the Berchmans’ Institute of computer studies was established.

All the Post Graduate students were encouraged to take a course in computer applications.

Even before the starting of the M.B.A, the college did start a diploma course in management.

Another important development during this period was the publication of a research journal known as the SB Academic Review. The starting of the Review helped the teachers to publish their research articles. It also helped to bring in more UGC grants to the college. The Review was also supported initially by the AIACHE.

It was also possible to start the publication of the college bulletins and to establish a language lab for the development of the communication of our students in English language.

Our students were also placed in the first ranks in many subjects at the University exams.

The completion of the Research Center which was started during the Principalship of Rev.Dr.Joseph Maroor was another major event.The research Center was one of its kind in the history of the affiliated colleges in India.

We were able to start research programs in many science and arts subjects.

In short during the five years of my work as the Principal of the college, I was able to accomplish a lot in the academic and extra curricular well-being of the college with the grace of God.

The Christian atmosphere of the college was also maintained well at the college There was always a greater sensitivity to the needs of the poor and needy. The college took care of the housing for the poor hostel employees of the college. It gave free noon lunches for poor students. It was also happy to help poor students who could not afford to pay the fees.

The needs of those who worked for the college were always attended to. Even now after more than 15 years after I left the college, some of the poor workers write to me for help.

We had also regular faith and morals classes for the students of the college. When many of our Catholic colleges dropped such courses, I was very particular to retain them as it sustained our Catholic identity. There were also daily masses at the college chapel which was attended by students staying at the hostels.

We had an annual Adoration day for which students and the staff would come batch by batch.

Every year the academic year started with a mass of the Holy Spirit.

During the five years, I was the Principal, annual retreats for the staff as well as the students were held regularly.

I am really thankful to God for having given me the opportunity to function so well as the Principal of the college.

The 25^th anniversary of my ordination was also held at the college. The anniversary meeting was presided over by Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan.

I bade farewell to the college on March 31^st,1996.It was at the peak of my career that I left the college at the retirement age of 55.

St.Matthew's Cathedral and Return to India

2011-05-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

American Experience(1981)-2

St .Matthew’s Cathedral arranged a farewell party for me as I was leaving for India in December 1981.My leave from the college would be over by the end of December and hence I had to join the college before the end of Dec.81.They asked me to invite those who would I like to come for the dinner. The University President Dr.Pellegrino, the members of the Dissertation committee, Dr.Sendry, the Chairman of the Dept. Of English, Mrs.Anne Fuselli and Donna Fuselli ,Barbara Murphy and a few families from the Indian community were invited. It was a great dinner. The President of the University offered to hold a special convocation for me but later it was found out that it could not be held.

While I was in D.C. I went on a European tour, traveling through many of the major countries of Europe. Using a Eurail pass, I crisscrossed Europe for two weeks. Paris,Lourdes,Lisieux,Geneva, Munich etc were covered during this trip. For a week , I stayed with my cousin,Sr.Lillis at their convent near Munich.

On a vacation to India, I visited Rome and Assissi. During the trip to Rome, I had the chance to visit with Cardinal Baum who was the former Archbishop of Washington D.C. at his office in the Vatican. All the priests from Changanacherry who were studying in Rome at that time helped me during this trip and accompanied me on different days.

While in D.C. I did organize the Syro-Malabar community and began to celebrate masses for them at St.Matthew’s Cathedral.What was started then in an incipient form later grew into the Greater Washington Catholic community.

My years at St.Matthew’s Cathedral were some of the best years in my priestly life.There were none of us priests living at the rectory.There was a great sense of fraternity and lovre among the preists. There was great fun and laughter when we met.No frayed tempers and no gossips.Every one was sensitive to the needs of others.I can not forget the laughter and funny remarks of Msgr.Gerhardt and Fr Marty.He w as the PRO of the Diocese and was in charge of the communications at the time of the visit of the holy Father.

S.B.College(1981)

Immediately after my return from the States, I joined the college and started teaching in the Dept.of English. In the first few months after my return , the teaching assignments were very light.I had to forget my days in Washington and resume life as if nothing had happened .I got a small room with bare furniture as my living space and I started my new life from there.

After a few months, I was appointed the Warden of Sahrudaya(Sacred Heart) Hostel which was the largest hostel with more than 200 students. The hostel atmosphere had vastly changed from the time I was there five years ago. Students had become very unruly. It was hard in the first few months to keep them under control. I had to give up my nice and gentle ways of behavior that I acquired in the Sates and had to go back to rigid disciplinary methods would that involve suspensions, dismissals, and scolding etc.

That kind of life based on the enforcement of disciplinary regulations was a great drag on some one who came back after years of study in the U.S.

The wardenship at the hostel put a stop to any attempt in writing articles or doing research. I took it as my duty assigned by the Lord through my superiors.

I was appointed the Chaplain to the AICUF (All India Catholic University Federation) unit of the college. It was not something that I liked at that period in my life. I took it up as there was no one else interested in that ministry. Before going to the States, I would have preferred that ministry because I was young and I could easily move with the students. Still, after taking it up, I worked with the students and were actively involved in organizing different programs for the AICUF.

When I returned from the States, I had to work under a new administration with Fr.Mathew Pulikaparampil as the Principal. He was gracious to me and we went for walks together in the evenings. There were only a few more years for his retirement.

He was a generous and kind-hearted person.

Vice Principal(1985):

It was in March, 1985 that Fr. Mathew Pulikaprampil retired as the Principal. Rev.Dr.Jospeh Maroor was appointed the Principal and I was appointed the Vice-Principal.I was given the appointment a couple of months earlier even before it was made officially public by Fr.Joseph Karimpallil who was the Vicar General at that time. He was very good to me and told me privately that he was going to appoint me the Vice-Principal. That single decision on the part of Fr. Joseph Karimpalil changed a lot in my life and made me worthy of several other great assignments in my life.

I am deeply grateful to him for the love and regard he had shown towards me as well as to Fr.Maroor. I can never forget my debt to him.Fr.Maroor and myself later visited him when he was working as the Vicar of St.George’s Church, Edathua.

My years as the Vice principal, working along with Fr.Maroor were some of the happiest years spent on the Campus. Many showed great appreciation and regards for both of us as both of us received our doctoral education outside India.

One of the great moments in our administration was the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of many of the post graduate courses at S.B. We wanted to celebrate it with real gusto and publicity as S.B.College deserved such a recognition.

An Arts Festival and a Science Exhibition were planned. We decided to invite the President of India to inaugurate the Jubilee. Both of us went by train to New Delhi to invite the President Mr.Zail Singh.Prof.P.J.Kurian M.P and Mr.M.M.Jacob ,the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sbha helped us in this matter. Prof.P.J.Kurian came with us to the Rashtra Pathy Bhavan.We met the President and he readily consented to do the inauguration. Immediately after coming from the Rashtrapathy Bahavn, we called Dr.K.C.Joseph M.L.A. to get the Sate Government’s sanction .Mr. Joseph right away met the Chief Minister and got the concurrence of the State Government for the visit of the President.The news was given to the papers and before we reached Changnacherry and the news of the visit of the President ‘s visit became known to all before we reached the college.

From that time onwards, things began to take a very swift and busy turn. A lot of committees were formed for the exhibition as well as for the visit of the President.

The visit of the President was a historic moment in Changancherry. The whole town was filled with people because of their interest in seeing the President arriving at the town.

We had our small problems in arranging the reception as some teachers somehow did not fee well honored in the reception line.

As a whole, it went well and a lot of teachers worked hard to make the visit as well as the Exhibition and the Arts Festival a success.

To commemorate the Jubilee, we decided to construct a research center which was the first of its kind in a college in Kerala.We also got many of our Departments recognized as research centers for the Gandhiji Univversity. We tried to appoint teachers with Ph.D.qualifications in our various departments.

I was also simultaneously holding the posts of the bursar and the warden of the hostel along with my work as the vice Principal and Professor of English.

Those were the years when I was fully occupied with my work in the college campus.

When I reached room, after the day’s work in the college, it was another full time job again because of my work as the Warden of the hostel.

As there were many students belonging to different lasses, there were always occasions of conflicts, disputes,disciplinary problems etc.

When I look back, I am totally surprised to find how it was possible to do all these things together.

I had with me first Fr.Matthew Punchayil and later Fr.Jose Kottayil to help me as associate wardens of the hostel. We managed to hold the students under our control and offer them guidance.

The Evening Prayer time with the students was an important moment in the daily life of the hostel.

When I was appointed the Vice Principal, the students held a congratulatory meeting in the dining hall at which the Principal was also present.

Fr.Matthew Punchayil left for higher studies in the U.S. and Fr.Jose Kottayil came in his place.Later,Fr. Jose Kottayil too would leave for the States for studies.

It was when I was the Bursar that we had the college campus fully secured by walls and fences.More watchmen were appointed at the entry gates of the college.

The Research Center was the crowning achievement of the period.

At this time , I was also functioning as the Secretary of the Kerala Bishops’ Commission for Education as per the request of Abp.Powathil.

While working as the Secretary of this commission, I was instrumental in helping the Archbishop to form the Inter-Church Council for Education.

As the Secretary of the Inter-Church Council for Education, I got very much involved in the fight for protecting the rights of the Minorities in discussions with the State Govt. of Kerala.

The Inter-Church Council for Education as the official representative body of all the Christian denominations in the field of education became a powerful force in Kerala in unifying the voice of the Church in the formulation of the educational policies of the Church.

Principal(1991-96)

I was appointed the Principal on 1991 .I was in Alleppey and Fr. Maroor called me to say that the Archbishop wanted to see me. I went straight to the Abp’s house and there after a brief conversation, the Abp. handed me the appointment order as the Principal of the college.

It was a big turning point in my life as it opened so many avenues for me to work and enabled me to develop my administrative skills.

The first year was spent in consolidating all the different achievements of the college in various areas.My dream was to make the college the best in every respect in the academic as well as in the athletic and artistic fields.

A Science improvement program was initiated to help the top students to achieve better and remedial courses were started for the low achievers.The result was seen immediately in the University examinations as the College began to be mentioned as the topmost college which has placed the highest number of the students in the first place among the colleges under the University.

It was during this time that the college was made a full member of the Federation of the Catholic Universities(IFCU). I went with Fr.Kottaram of the Ivanios college to attend the annual meeting of the IFCU at Toulous in France.

Traveling with Kottaram was an enjoyable experience.We stayed in the House of the Parish Foreign Mission Society in Parish for a few days and then spent a few days at the house of Mr.Kattoor and his family.It was while staying with them that we went to Lourdes.It was my second visit.It was a one day trip by train.When we came back we gave rosaries and devotional medals to the children of Kattoor.As the family was not practicing their faith in a formal way, it was a first experience for the children with the symbols of the faith.Fr.Kottaram then blessed the house.

The Conference of the IFCU was held at a church where St.Thomas Aquinas was buried.All the delegates were accommodated at the University hostels nearby.At the meeting, I was elected as an Asian representative to the Executive Council of the IFCU.At the first Executive Council of the IFCU after the election, they wanted the next Executive Council to be held in India.The responsibility for holding the meting fell on me.I thought then that with the help of Fr.Kottaram since he retired from the Principalship, it would be easier for me to make all arrangements for the meeting.

Sad to say, Dr.Kottaram passed away soon after that in a tragic car accident.I went to the Kottayam medical college to accompany his body to Kottarakara where he was working as the Vicar.

Easter,April24,11

2011-04-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

East Millstone, NJ.
Spent the Holy Week from Wednesday onwards at St. Thomas Church, East Millstone. My stay there was made very comfortable by the care and attention given by Fr.Thomas. The people were very warm and friendly. They also made nice references to my work in their farewell remarks at the end of the Easter services. I am deeply grateful to Fr.Thomas and the people for making my stay very comfortable. Visited the homes of Mercy Nedumpuram, Joshy and Philippachan.
Tom Perumpayil received me at the airport and I spent the first night at his home.He was very loving and caring and has shown always great affection.
Later, on Easter Sunday evening, all of them gathered at Babu Perumpayil's house and made very touching references to my work and ministry.

New York--CCD Teachers' Conference

2010-11-15T04:15:00.000-08:00

Visited the Hempstead parish.Talked to the teachers about the methodology of teaching.Gave a power point presentation on Syro-Malabar Liturgy.
My voice also improved.Had a severe cold last week when visting the Atlanta parish.
On Sunday evening, said the mass at the Hempstead parish with Fr.Ligori.Spoke to the 11th and the 12th grade students.Met the Parish council.Spoke to them about the need to buy a new church.They have formed a committee to decide on looking into the pros and cons of buying a new property---the Bethpage synagogue.

More pictures from the Reception

2010-09-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Thomas and the family,Sr.Lizzy,Sisters, and Mr.M.P.Varghese speaking at the Reception.

More pictures from the Reception

2010-09-02T18:05:00.001-07:00

Greetings from Dr.Neena Joseph ,Papal Blessing,Prayers before the cutting of the cake,Sr.Regina and Sr.Lizzy and Betty singing at the meeting.

Singing by the sisters Regina ,Lizy, and Betty

2010-09-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

70th Birthday-mass,2

2010-09-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Johann writing the first letter of the alphabet,In front of the Altar,Offertory Procession.

Reception at Avenue Regent

2010-09-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Anu and Riya singing greetings,Cutting of the Cake with Johaan around,Allen givinga bouquet and Sr.Lizy , leading the prayer.

70th Birthday-mass

2010-09-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

The mass ,being celebrated at St.Martin's Church.

70th Birthday

2010-09-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

The family after the mass ;speaking at the reception at the Hotel Avenue Regent; the lighting of the lamp at the beginning of the mass.The mass was celebrated at St.Martin's Church,Palarivettom.

Teaching at S.B.College: Lecturer

2010-08-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

Lecturer:

As per the direction of Msgr.L.J.Chittoor who was the administrator of the Diocese, I was appointed a lecturer in the Dept.of English. Rev.Dr.Antony Kurialacherry took charge as the Principal of the college in 1970.He is the one who appointed me to the college.

Prof.V.J.Augustine was very gracious to me and gave me the opportunity to teach in M.A.classes right away which he did not give to many of the other lecturers who were senior to me in the Dept.

In my first year as a lecturer, I was sent as a delegate along with Prof.V.S.Joseph to participate in a National Conference on American Literature organized by the American Embassy.I presented a paper on D.H.Lawrence.The participation in the conference made me enthusiastic to go for research in the U.S.

Another memorable thing is that we formed a Brains Trust under the auspices of the Dept. of English for faculty improvement. I presented a paper on "The Impersonal Theory of T.S.Eliot."

After a couple of years of teaching, in 1973, I was appointed the warden of St. Joseph’s hostel which increased my public role in the life of the college.The role as the warden gave me more opportunities to work with the students on various levels .Most of the students in the hostel were were very studious .I was happy that I got a chance to get involved in their lives and to help them to get motivated not only in their studies but in other extracurricular activities.

An unforgettable incident that happened in 1976 was the sudden and accidental death of Fr.James Valiaparampil.We were ordained together and did our postgraduate studies at the same time at S.B. . We also joined the college in the same year.He was one of my close friends as well as a great mentor.Even though we were classmates,he was two years older .We were wardens of neighboring hostels.While I was at St.Joseph’s, he was at St.Thomas’.On March 13,1976,Fr.James Valiaparampil went with his colleagues in the Dept.of Chemistry on a boat tour.I saw him waving his hand towards me in the morning as he was leaving for the tour .It was in March 1976 that Fr.James passed away.The funeral was attended by a large crowd.He was loved by all.H always was ready to help any one who asked him for assistance. He was a good friend of mine and I miss him sorely in my life.

In 1976, I got permission from the Archbishop to go for higher studies in the U.S.I applied to several Universities.Indiana State University offered me teaching assistance. I did then apply for a visa . I went to Madras for the visa after the Christmas celebrations in the hostel.I was able to get the visa and when I came back, I told my students after the night prayer about my decision to leave them and proceed to the States.I saw most of them crying . I was also sad in the sense that I won’t be able to see many of them in my life. They would all drift into different walks of life. Life’s journey would take them to different places. I got a shadow of that experience while I was returning from Madras after securing the visa and met some of our students at the Ernakulam bus station on my way to Changanacherry. They were the members of the Basket Ball team leaving for some college for the match. A good number of the players in the team was from my hostel.When I told them that I was returning form Madras with a visa for the States, they too broke down.

Everything moved fast and I was leaving India immediately after Christmas.I had to join the course at the Indiana State in the first week of Jan.

The hostel honored me with a farewell meeting at the Archbishop Kavykattu Hall.The parents were also there and some of them spoke at the meeting.My mother , brothers and all the students came to the airport.The students came in a bus.Fr.Maroor took pictures of the departures at the college as well as at the airport .

The fathers who were teaching in the college were very warm and friendly to me.The Principal,Rev.Dr.Antony Kurialacherry had written several reference letters for me to different Universities.

I also remember a trip that I had with him when he invited me to accompany him on a trip to Madras by car from Changancherry.He had tremendous confidence and courage.He decided on constructing some new buildings on the college campus—a new library ,a big Auditorium honoring the late Archbishop Mar Matthew Kavukatt and a staff hostel.The problem was the shortage of cement.Fr.Kurialacherry wanted to go to the office of the cement controller in Madras.That is why he wanted to go to Madras.I was just a fresh appointee at the college.But he wanted someone to go with him.We went to the office and I was waiting outside as he went in.But after an hour he came out beaming with joy.During the conversation, it happened that they found out that they were both students of the Loyola college, Madras. Permit for the needed bags of cement was granted immediately Fr.Kurialacherry got what he had asked for.Wagon loads of cement bags came to Changanacherry at a low price.

I enjoyed teaching.I was staying at the Staff Quarters with other bachelor lecturers as companions.After the class, we used to play badminton.It was a very fun time.We were back again in the court like young college students.Those who would like to play would wait for their chance.Those who came first after the evening tea break were the first to enter the court.Fr.Enas who later became the Principal of St.Thomas College,Palai was a very good player.In one of the annual competitions , my team with prof.T.J.Kurian won the prize.

In my first year of teaching, I received the Proficiency prize and the special award for my MA.Final Exams at the college Day celebrations.All my students clapped very heartily and cheerfully when I got on to the stage to receive the prize.

It was said by Fr.Mutttath who was then in Malayalam B.A class that Prof.Ulahannan Mappila remarked very positively about my teaching in his remarks to them as he got a chance to observe one of my first classes.

Prof.Ulahanna Mappila was my teacher while I was an undergraduate student at S.B.He had always treated me with great fondness.

Another remarkable thing was that I was appointed the Managing Editor of the college magazine and that gave me a lot of interaction with the teachers and students.I was also appointed the Managing Editor of the college souvenir published in 1973.The editing and the publishing of the souvenir gave me ample opportunity to work with the senior Professors in the various departments of the college.Prof.Ulahanna Mappila wrote a superb history of the college.That history is still a land mark.At that time many said that it was more on Prof. Mappila than on the college.But I did realize the importance of his writing and allowed it for publication without making any changes in it.

For the funds for the publication , I went with Profs.K.V.Joseph and A.E.Augustine to several firms in Cochin.We were successful in garnering some amount through advertisements.

It was Fr.Kurialacherry who changed the academic map of the college by erecting a big auditorium known as the Kavukattu Hall,the four storied Library and a Staff Quarters with chapel and a dining hall.He was a visionary and an inspiring presence on the campus.I was privileged to work with him and it gave me a lot of confidence.

My Life at the College as an M.A.Student

2010-08-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

I stayed at the Staff Quarters.Prof.V.J.Augustine was the Head of the Dept. He took a special interest in me and encouraged me to do my best in studies. it was his encouragement that enabled me to do well in exams. i was placed in the fourth Rank at the Kerala University exam.

It was while I was in the first year of M.A. that Archbishop Kavukatt passed away. While I was about to finish the mass in the private chapel I was told about the demise of the Archbishop.Myself and Fr.James Valiaparampil went to to the Archbishop’s house right away after the mass. In those days , fans were very few at the Bishop’s house.Our two table fans were given to be used there at the hall where the body was lying in state.

The demise of the Archbishop was a sad moment in my life. Even though I never had any close interaction with him except on formal occasions, I knew that he cared about me and that he knew me well. He allowed me to go for graduate studies and told me even before I started the course that I would be appointed in the Dept. of English. He changed the whole course of my life. What a gifted and saintly person he was. All through my stay in the United States for my doctoral studies, I kept his picture in the Bible I was using for daily reading and reflections.
His voice and his words are still unforgettably stamped in my mind. At one of the meetings after the Liberation struggle, he said the following words: " Hate communism but don't hate communists." It was the ideology that should be resisted and not the people. He was the one who gave very strong leadership for the historic Liberation struggle against the communists in Kerala.When the communists were determined to pass their notorious Education Bill, the Archbishop ordered all the schools to be closed and not to be reopened after the summer vacation.

At another meeting in the Kallarakal hall, quoting from Tennyson and said: " It is better to have loved and lost and never to have loved at all."

I was one of the coffin-bearers in the funeral procession when his body was taken for the funeral.I feel privileged and happy that he was the one who ordained me and sent me for higher studies. All that I did as a preist was because of the initial start he gave me in my life.

Tour:

After the viva for the M.A., some of us priests went on an All India trip.Fr.James Valiaparampil,Fr.Antony Kadavil and Fr.Thomas Mattappally were in the group.We went straight away to Calcutta and stayed at St.Xavier's college.From there, we proceeded to Mother Teresa’s convent .We visited the places in Kalighat where the old and sick were nursed by the sisters as well as to the place where the abandoned children were taken care of.Mother Teresa was not there.We talked with some of the sisters .Some were from Changnacherry.We met a young foreign-born sister.We asked her how it came about that she joined the convent.She told us her story of meeting Mother Teresa at the Eucharistic congress in Bombay when she came to attend it a tourist from Germany.At a lunch hosted by the Archbishop of Bombay, she was sitting opposite Mother Teresa.During the lunch, the Mother was looking at her.After the lunch, she asked her why she was looking at her.Mother Teresa then told her that if she would join her convent , she would give her a sari.She left for Germany after the Eucharistic Congress but then came back and joined the convent.She was the first non-Indian to join the Congregation of Mother Teresa.

During that trip, we visited Darjeeling, Kurseong etc.The visit to some place in Darjeeling to see the Sun rise early in the morning around 3a.m. was unforgettable. We did also travel to Kalinpong in Sikkim.

From there ,we returned to Kerala through Nagpur.At Nagpur, we stayed at St.Charles' Seminary and also visited Raipur.At Raipur, the German Bishop himself came to the railway station with his jeep to pick us up.We stayed at the Bishop’s house.At night, we slept outside as it was very hot inside.We visited Fr.Mattappally’s brother who was a pastor in a nearby parish.

When I came back from the trip, I heard that one of my friends,Mr.Joe Tharakan had passed away.Jose was supposed to leave for the States the week before.It was a tragic piece of news.It was conveyed to me by Mr.Cherian who was a gardener then.Later Cherian worked at the college office.

Major Seminary and Ordination

2010-08-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

St.Joseph's Pontifical Seminary

Going to Carmelgiri, the philosophy section of the St.Joseph's Pontifical Seminary was a new experience.The seminary almost looked like a college. The building looked fresh and new. The cold winds blowing through the windows at night made us feel cold and shivering.Long corridors, big library, big class rooms, more facilities, courts etc were the new conveniences available for us.

The professors were Spanish Carmelite priests.Fr.Firmin who passed away at a very early age—a year after our ordination- was very much loved by us. I felt saddened at his passing away.Fr.Aurelian was the Superior at Carmelgiri. Before our arrival , he was the Rector of seminary. He was the quintessence of humility, simplicity and gentleness.His bent figure, walking along the corridors of the seminary and greeting the students with a gentle smile , will never be forgotten.

Since some of us came with undergraduate degrees, the study in the seminary was very easy. I secured “stella”(star) ,in most of the subjects all through the seminary years.It was great hearing Fr.Michael Angel announcing the grades on the Schola Brevis Day. I enjoyed hearing him announcing my name with Stella in most of the subjects. All the students who secured more than 90% at the annual exams were given" stellas"(stars).

When I was a third year student in Philosophy at the Carmelgiri seminary, I was appointed the Prefect of the second year students. Some of the students were very artistically talented. In one of the exhibitions organized by the batch, the model of the Taj Mahal created by them won the admiration of many. I have to thank specially the Father Prefect,Fr. Alex Chettiath who was very supportive and encouraging.When he left for visits abroad, Fr.Parampath became the Fr.Prefect. I worked with both of them very cordially .I have actually enjoyed the year when I was the Br.Prefect of the second year students. Some of the students in the batch have become Archbishops. Abp.Chennoth and Abp.Kallarackal belong to that batch. It was also a time that I could interact with with Fr.Aurelian more persoanlly.I remember him patting on my back when I cracked some jokes with him.

It was while I was in the third year that we received the sad news of his demise. It was a great shock. We participated in the funeral services .A lot of priests came for his funeral. He taught us ascetic theology. It was all taught in Latin. he was loved and respected by all the students.He washed his own clothes and hence his cassocks always looked a pale yellow color.

One of the teachers I remember from the Carmelgiri days was Fr. Firmin O.C.D. He was a good teacher and he was our Fr.Prefect in the first year. I think he gave me rides in his car a few times. He died very young .He died in the first year after my ordination. I did attend his funeral. Fr.Raymond taught us philosophy .Of course,we cannot forget the four Indian professors teaching at Carmelgiri at that time: Fr.Mankuzhikary(later Bishop),Fr.Parampath, Fr.Chettiath and Fr.Thurthel.All were loved by the students and had a very good influence on the lives of the students.Fr.Mankuzhikary’s ontology classes were very famous as he used to teach in peals of laughter because of the many jokes he cracked during the classes.He was also very eloquent and sharp in his comments.

I also remember the time when I had the chance to participate in the first Shakespearean drama enacted at the Seminary. I got the role of Iago and I think, from the comments after the play, that I did my role very well. We had to memorize all the passages and it was a Herculean task. We did well. The staff from the U.C.college were also there to watch our performance .It was for the first time that the roles of ladies were played at the seminary.Two seminarians took the roles of Desdemona and Ophelia. Fr.Aurelian who watched the play walked out when he saw the ladies appearing on the stage.Fr. Mankuzhikary had to do some explanation for allowing the roles of the ladies.

I was also invited to do a role in a Malayalam play later. But I don’t think it was a great success.I was also not interested in doing any roles in Malayalam plays.But later at the theology section(Mngalapuzha),Fr.Senan Buckley invited us all to act in T.S.Eliot’s “The Murder in the Cathedral.”I think I got one of the roles of the Tempters.But it was not as exciting as the role of Iago that I did in Othello.

After the three years of philosophy,we moved to Mangalapuzha.While I was in Mangalapuzha, I was put in charge of the Shop in my first year.That was not my forte. My aptitude was for something connected with writing or reading.While at Mangalapuzha, Fr. Alex Chettiath informed me that Archbishop Kavukatt wanted to see me .So I went to Changancherry to meet him. He asked me whether I could meet the expenses for going to Rome.I told him about my brothers studying in colleges at that time .But then, nothing was heard about it. But I was happy pursuing my studies at Alwaye.

One of the incidents that remains in my memory was the time when I was in charge of the shop.During one of the vacations, we had to remain there to take the inventory of the things at the shop.One night one of the seminarians wanted me to teach him how to play cards.He and his friends came to my room in the Deacon’s block.Fr.Michael Angel somehow saw them entering my room.The next day, in the morning, as we were working in the shop we saw the Rector pacing back and forth before the door of the shop.I asked my friends to open the door of the shop more widely.He then came to us and asked me to accompany him to his room.He asked who were in my room that night.I told him the facts.He asked me to tell them to leave the seminary right away .I thought he was dismissing them.Later ,we found out that he was asking them not to stay during the vacation days at the seminary.But they had to leave that day itself.It was hard for them.

Later,when I visited Rome in 1979,he was the Rector of the Damascene college.I told him all about these past incidents.He laughed and laughed very heartily.It was the first time I heard him laughing so much.Of course, the burden of being the Rector was not there.He could enjoy all the stories from the past life.

It was decided that we would be ordained in December and not in March as was the usual practice. .I think we presented some memorandum to the Bishops for the early ordination.Things were moving very fast hence for us.After the Ordination, we were expected to come back and continue our studies for three months more.The authorities never expected that the newly ordained priests would really use the occasion to free themselves from the strict observance of the seminary rules.Some began to come late after they went out.Others went for shopping and outings.It was becoming difficult for the Fr.Prefect to control the newly ordained priests from enjoying their new found freedom.They discontinued the custom of ordaining the Deacons in the middle of the year after that.

But one thing that happened during my deacon year devastated me.That was my father’s death.Unthinkable that such a tragedy would happen to me.

In fact all through my seminary years, I was praying for the health of my parents and was asking God to keep them alive to see my ordination day.It was not to happen in that way.

For some reason, when I went to Cochin, I went to see my eldest brother Mr.M.J.Pailo who was working in the Foreign Exchange Dept. of the Bank of Cochin.He told me that the father was taking rest after a heart attack.It was not even mentioned that my father had an heart attack.The only thing that was mentioned was that he sweated profusely and that the mother took him to see the doctor.The doctor after treatment advised him a month's rest.In those days, there was no strict observance of the rest.

When I returned to the seminary, I asked the Rector permission to go home and to see my father.I never thought I would get the permission.It was unusual in those days to get permission to visit the parents even when they fell sick.He granted me the permission right away.

He had always a soft corner for me.He never denied my requests. Maybe because, I was getting good grades in the exams.

I went home and spent the few days with my family.I wrote some letters for my father and he signed those letters.One of the letters was for my brother Joychan who was in Ethiopia with his family.The letter was a letter of congratulations on the birth of Jojo.

I told him that I would be leaving the next day .He told me to go the day after that.So I changed the date.That day, one of our priests and father’s friend,Fr.Pulickal came to visit him and they had a very long conversation together. After the evening prayer and supper we all went to sleep.But early in the morning, we heard a sound , and waking up , we saw mother weeping.The lights in the house all on and I heard mother saying that she had hard some sound from father and found immediately that he was not moving. One of my brothers, Josy, ran to bring the priest and he came to give anointing of the sick The doctor was called in.It was all too late.Father said goodbye to the world.It was sudden and all happened within a flash of a second.

I remember going for the mass on that morning and all through the mass tears were rolling down my cheeks.He was such a permanent presence in our life and we could not imagine that he would depart from us so fast.The funeral was held in the evening.It was a rainy day but the rain stopped for a while at the time of the funeral.Since our house was just across the road from the church, it did not take much time for the procession to reach the church.

A lot of people and many priests were present at the funeral. My youngest brother,Bernard, was in the Pallotine seminary at that time and hence the German fathers who were his teachers came for the funeral.No one from the Major seminary came for the funeral.My friends did not get the permission to come for the funeral as it was not the custom for the seminarians in those days to attend the funeral.But Fr.Joy Palakunnel and Fr.Chemmazham somehow came the next day to see me.It was a great consolation.My brother Joychan and his family were in Ethipoia at that time and hence they were not present.

After a week, I went back to the seminary and I remember myself weeping silently during the classes for weeks as the thoughts about my father's sudden demise came into my mind often.

The time came for our ordination on 18th of December.We went to the Cathedral at Changanacherry for the ordination.Archbishop Mar Kavukatt ordained all of us in one ceremony at the Cathedral.I said the first mass in the evening of Dec.18th.My brothers did all the arrangements.Fr.Reynod Purackal, the director of St.Antony's orphanage, gave the homily at the first mass.

The reception was held in front of our house and I remember Fr.Ithiparampil speaking at the reception.When I spoke in reply, I had to mention my father’s absence and the reference to my father filled my eyes with tears again. I wrote a poem about my father on the back of the picture cards that I distributed.

After a few days of vacation, we were back at the seminary.

Then , when the holidays came, we were sent home.

All of us together met the Archbishop and while we were taking leave of him gave us each Rs.150 as stipends for 30 masses . It was a lot of money then.We went on a trip together to Kanyakumary and then went on our different ways for the Easter duties.

I was waiting for my assignment.I was sure that I would not get a chance to go for higher studies although I was one of the top students in the seminary.

The Archbishop at our ordination emphasized that we should not look for opportunities for higher education but should get interested in any assignment that would be given to us.May be because three of us in that batch were graduates.

Since I did not get any assignment, I went to the Archbishop’s house one day as I heard that others were given parish assignments.Fr.Paul Urumpackal who was the secretary of the Archbishop told me not to wait there but to go home.Later word was sent to me through Fr.James Valiaparampil to meet the Archbishop.When I went there, Kavukattu Pithavu told me to go to the college and meet the Principal,Msgr.Kalacherry.He told me also to take English for my M.A. as there would arise a vacancy in that Dept.How thoughtful he was!I can never forget him.He even praised me once when I made a visit to the Bishop’s house.He mentioned to the fathers when I left that I had secured a triple class in my B.Sc.

I am deeply grateful to Archbishop Mar Matthew Kavukatt for giving me this opportunity in the academic world and also turning the direction of my life. His decision also made me much more attached to the diocese .It made me resolve deeply to do my utmost to work for the college, for the diocese and for the Church with all my heart.

Years at the Minor Seminary and S.B.ollege

2010-08-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

Minor Seminary

When I got the result of the S.S.L.C exam , I told my parents about my decision to join the seminary to study for the priesthood. They did not place any objection although I was the first one in the family to be placed in the first class in the S.S.L.C exam. Before I told my parents, I had already looked into the rule book of the seminary by getting it from one of the seminarians from our parish. At that time Br. Kaithanthara, Br.Joseph Alummoottil and Br.Mathew Mepreth were the ones from our parish studying at the seminary.Bro. Mathe Mepreth took me to see the Minor seminary and meet with Abp.Mar Matthew Kavukatt.The Archbishop was very much impressed by the marks and asked me how I got such good marks in English.I also met Fr.Andumalil, the Manager of the Press and also Fr.Ithiparmapil who was at that time the Vicar of Nedumkunnam church. It was Fr. Zacharias Kaithara who prayed and blessed us at the church before I went to Changancherry to see the Rector and the Bishop .Later, I went with my Father to Changanacherry for admission to the seminary.

The first few days in the seminary were very hard. I used to spend the nights in tears. That was the first time I was away from home. At night we used to hear the tuk-tuk sounds made by the wheels of ox carts moving along the road in front of the seminary on market days. The sounds kept us awake at nights.

The first year students had no cots to sleep on .We slept on the coir carpeted hall .We had to carry our own beds to the hall for our sleep and later in the morning after waking up we had to roll them and put them back on the second floor. When the bell rang at 5.30a.m., we had to rise up and say the prayer aloud. Looking back now, it looked very surprising how we did all these in those days. But we were young and we had all the desire to study for priesthood. Any sacrifice for the pursuit of our ideal was worth taking. It was a time of total giving . We had nothing as our own and everything was shared.

Fr.Olassayil was the rector and he was very gentle and kind. We had only heard stories of the imperious nature of the previous rector, Fr.Thomas Porookara. I did not get a chance to see him but all the seniors had stories about his serious nature. He was very draconian and the students lived always in fear of him. He would ask the students, the story goes, to plant small mango seedling upside down to test their obedience. No questions could be raised with regard to correctness of the planting . Implicit obedience was required of the students!

The one thing that frightened us was the custom of clipping our hair short by the barber. By sheer good luck , all those who were going to college for higher studies were given the privilege of retaining their hair styles.

I had to spend five years in the Minor seminary as I went to college from the seminary. It was when we joined the college that the Pre-Unversity course was introduced. There was no choice with regard to science or arts major. It was after the Pre-University that one joined the three-year degree course where one could choose the courses in the science or arts stream.

The highlight in the Pre-University course was that I was awarded the Proficiency prize at the college Day. The Governor of Kerala, Mr. Ramkrihna Rao was the chief Guest at the college day program.It was a great honor to receive the prize from him. Being a seminarian , I did not take it a as very prestigious honor as I did not want to show any feelings of excitement . Hence I did not even tell the rector about the award.

Fr.P.C. Mathew was the Principal and his strict administration helped the college to keep a very high academic standard. Fr.Kattady was the Syriac teacher and he was very friendly with us. On the first day of the college, I slipped on the front porch of the college as it was wet and slippery because of the rain and sullied my clothes. It was to Fr.Kattady’s room that I went and got my clothes tidied.
In the final of the year degree course, I participated in the Science Competition held by the Dept. of Physics and was awarded the first prize in the Science Test. This time, I received the prize from the first Cardinal of India, Cardinal Valerian Gracias who presided over the college celebrations.It was at this meeting that the Cardinal made the remark of Fr.A.C. Eapen who was not present at the college day celebrations, referring to Fr.A.C. Eapen's low profile in public events: "Speech is silvery; silence is golden."
I was really fortunate in getting great teachers like Prof.C.A.Sheppard for English, Prof.Ulahanna Mappila for Malayalam and Prof.S.L.Thomas for Physics. Prof.Ulahannan Mappila was endowed with an unmatchable eloquence in Malayalam. His boisterous laughter and powerful voice do still sound in my ears.

I did participate in the speech and essay writing competitions held at the seminary and was awarded prizes in these competitions

Archbishop. Mar Matthew Kavukatt used to visit us once in a while at the seminary and would address us during these visits. His quote from Wordsworth about Bl.Virgin Mary that she is the tainted nature's solitary boast is fresh even now in my mind.

After finishing up our studies at the college, we had to spend a year for the study of Latin and Syriac before joining the major seminary.

I was appointed the Asst. Prefect . Joseph Thuruthmaly and Joy Palakunnel were the other office-bearers. We were a friendly group. Another important friend at that time was James Valiaprampil We were the four graduates in the batch of nine students pursuing the final year of studies at the minor seminary.

One priest I have to mention as a close adviser was our spiritual father, Fr.Thaiparampil. His affection and guidance were always there in my life. He had a very good collection of books and he used to spend his money for buying books on literature and religion. It was from his collection that I came across the works of Thomas Merton. I got the autobiography of Thomas Merton “ The Seven Storey Mountain " from him and I remember reading the whole big book within a week He was a source great encouragement while I was studying in the minor seminary. All of us enjoyed his company. I remember spending the whole night in his room with my other friends listening to the news of the election of John F.Kennedy.

After the final exam in Latin for the entrance to the Major Seminary , we went home for the holidays. The rector was Fr.Gregory Thycherril. He was very rigid and strict. He was a former Headmaster of S.B. High school.

Another memorable thing in our minor seminary life was our attendance at the graduation ceremony. We , four of us, Palakunnel, Joseph Thuruthmally, James Valiaparampil and myself, borrowed the suits of our teachers and left for Trivandrum for the graduation ceremony at the Senate Hall. We stayed at the Lourdes church. Fr.P.C. Matthew gave us a ride to the senate Hall for the graduation ceremony. The day before, we had to go for the rehearsal. After the graduation, we went to the studio and had our pictures taken with the gown and hood .We got pictures in different sizes. I remember carrying the pictures home with great excitement and my family, including my father , all looked at the pictures with great joy.

I have to say that our minor seminary life was happy one. I thank the fathers for having given us such a beautiful time. Our evening prayers were always said at the Parel Chapel. I was leading the prayers in English and Latin.

We had so many moments of pure happiness and joy while in the seminary. Fr.Thaiparampil kept us in very good spirits. His friendship and love continued until the end of his life. I miss his presence in our life even now. He was well read and educated and hence we could feel very comfortable in our dealings with him.

Theology of the Body

2010-07-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

Attended the Theology of the Body Congress held in Philadelphia from July 28-30.It was a well-organized Congress .The Congress revealed the great enthusiasm and leadership of a new generation of young Catholics in living their Catholic life with great fervor and devotion.It also revealed that the lay theologians have come of age and they are very loyal to the Church.Pope John 11 was everywhere in the Congress in the thoughts and speeches of the participants.The spirtual vision of John Paul ll on marriage and sexuality was well articulated by many of the participants.The thirst for new evangelization using the ideas of John Paul ll in his Theology of the body talks was very much evident.
I was very much impressed by the enthusiasm and love of so many young Catholics.There was group of Stubenville students who were spending their time in adoration all through the duration of the Congress.These students are on a walk of 2500 miles to Washington DC wearing blazers with the words of the Eucharist on them.Their plan is to talk to people if they are asked about it.
Syro-Malabar Catholics will have to learn much from what is going on in the American Church.Many of the Syro-Malabar Catholics spend their time in negative criticism and are not doing much for the faith-development in the community.
Fr.Landry from Mass. was a good speaker.He got a standing ovation from the audience.He was also a fervent admirer of John Paul ll.

High School

2010-07-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Leo-Xlll High School(1953-56)

It was with great joy and excitement that I joined Leo Xlll high school in 1953 to continue my studies. We had to walk for an hour at least to reach the school from Thathampally. I don’t have a great recollection of my various class mates at school. But we were a few from Thathampally at the School. Three of my close friends are V.T. Joseph Jacob and K.A. Matthew. I was very often walking along with Chandy from my home to school. Chandy would come by my house and I would go with him. We were good friends at that time. Sometimes I used to go with Pious as Pious too would come by our house. We would also return together from school to our house.

We had a habit of stopping at the Latin Cathedral just across the road form the school to pray before we joined the classes. I had only loving memories of my teachers at school especially the Jesuit Fathers. The headmaster was Fr.Paul Kunnumkal who was very serious in his demeanor but also very considerate. Fr.M.C. Joseph ,Br.Scaria and Br. John were the others who did have a great influence on my life as a student at the school. Sometimes after our terminal exams, they would ask me to meet them personally and then, would correct my papers before me. What a a great way of teaching ! When I came out top in the class in my first year at the School, I was given a special medal known as"Top Boy",presented personally by the Headmaster in front of the whole class. I remember walking home proudly wearing the medal. These awards were great sources of motivation and enabled me to keep the high grade always.

Once I remember passing through the corridor before the class of Mr. John Kattoor and he called me and my friend Chandy into the class. We were really frightened as he was very strict and used to give severe spanking . He asked who my father was. My father was at the time the Manager of the State Aided Bank of Travancore. He immediately recognized my father’s name and said right away that my father was one of his students. But poor Chandy got all the spanking.

The other teachers who come to my mind are Mr.T.X.Lawrence and Mr.John Sebastian. They were brothers. Mr. Lawrence would teach Mathematics like a novel, making it very interesting. He would sit on the table and explain in a very lucid manner the theories he was teaching. Mr. John Sebastian was not only a good teacher but also a great social worker.H was also a great activist for the Vincent De Paul Society. There were two young teachers, T.L. Isaac and Mr. Jacob Joseph Kattezham.Mr. Jacob Joseph was very inspiring as a science teacher and was involved in many extra curricular activities at the school.

On First Fridays , we had to go to the school very early in the morning for the mass. We also took part in the Stations of the cross in Lent. Fr.M.C. Joseph who led the prayers would burst into tears when he came to the the stations on the fall of Jesus. .

The religious instruction class was engaged by the Fathers and I remember the class taught by Fr.Purakal.He would explain very lucidly and beautifully the ten commandments.

I was appointed the secretary of the literary society while at the school. Working as the secretary offered me several opportunities for making short speeches as well as for making reports.Participation in literary activities developed our leadership skills.

I remember once going for the movie Macbeth screened on our campus one evening. My younger brother wanted to come with me. First I was reluctant but then after my father’s intervention, I had to take him with me. Looking back, I feel fortunate in having got an opportunity to get exposed to classic works at such an early age.

I remember the day I went to find out the result of my S.S.L.C exam results. I went to the office of the Deepika at Alleppey and there was a big crowd of students waiting to know the results. Mr. Babu Manjooran who was my senior at school spotted me from the crowd and immediately blurted out that I was placed in the first class. It was a very happy day as there were only four first classes at the S.S.L.C examination from the four batches at our school. It was with great joy that I went home to announce the results to my family.

The learning we got at our High school run by the Jesuit fathers was excellent. Every one was known by the teachers and they paid special attention to our studies and behavior. Even though in those days , we had to walk miles to reach the school, the effort was never felt as a burden. The Jesuit fathers kept a very high standard for the school. It was also a time when we had been involved in very many activities. The football team of the school was well known. The annual match between the Leo Xlll and the S.D.V High schools was a great event in the town.

It was when I was studying in the High school that Pandit Jawarhal Nehru came to town to speak at the beach .I remember going for the meeting. It was the scouts at our school that gave him the guard of honor. One of my classmates was the Captain of the scouts and he gave the guard of honor. Nehru lifted him up from where he stood and showed his appreciation for the honor.

I was asked by the Headmaster to be a delegate for the regional M.C.S.L meeting. With Mr.T.V.Abraham, I went to Kottayam by boat and took part int he discussions. it was there that I met Fr.William who was then working as the Chief Editor of the Deepika.His inspiring words, long beard and the brown Carmelite habit still remain vividly in my mind.

I kept in touch with some of my teachers after I left school. I used to write to Fr.John and I remember receiving his picture and letter after his ordination as a priest. Later, when I was the Warden of St. Joseph’s hostel, I took my students on our way to Madras by the church where he was working as Pastor in Theni.

M.nityce.

2010-07-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

1.Washington D.C.(1980)
2.On the boat in Luzern in Switzerland(1980)

Benedictine Monastery in Virginia,1980

2010-07-24T18:40:00.001-07:00

Visit with Benedictine monks in the Blue Mountains, Virginia in 1980

2010-07-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

With Senator Birch Bayh from Indiana,With Frs.Antony Kurialacherry and Fr.Aenekatt,With Mother Teresa at St.Matthew's Cathedral and at St.Peter's Basilica.

Diocesan Spirituality-A Reflection

2010-07-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

The following is a reflection on the Priestly Year

Holy Father Pope Benedict XV1 proclaimed on Friday 19, June 2009, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus , in celebration of the 150^th birth anniversary of St. John Mary Vianney ,2009-10 as the Year of Priests to highlight the meaning and the importance of Priesthood. Declaring the celebration, he said: “ I think of all those priests who quietly present Christ’s words and actions each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord in their thoughts and labors.” Without any note of triumphalism, the Holy Father pointed out the greatness and awesomeness of the priestly gift, acknowledging at the same time that this gift is given to weak and fragile human beings.

Because of the various scandals associated with a few priests in the U.S. and Europe, there was a widespread diminution of the image of the priesthood in the secular media. All the good that was accomplished by the sacrificial lives of thousands of priests all across the world was misrepresented. The consolation and comfort offered by the clergy to millions of people in their spiritual struggles have been very callously ignored. Who can give a satisfactory account of the millions of hours the priests have spent in consoling and comforting the bereaved, in offering spiritual support to the millions who have come to the confessionals, in administering the sacraments, in offering the Eucharist from day-break to sunset in all the continents of the world, and in engaging in the development of the rural areas of the world?

Hence it is right and fitting that a year should be chosen to highlight the spiritual magnificence of the Catholic priesthood. The late Holy Father in his Apostolic exhortation, Pastores Da Vobis has pointed out:

“ Priests are called to prolong the presence of Christ, the one high priest, embodying his way of life and making him visible in the midst of the flock entrusted to their care….Priests exist and act in order to proclaim the Gospel and to build up the Church in the name and person of Christ , the head and the shepherd.”

Cataclysmic changes have taken place in the world of Catholic priesthood in the US. According to a research study of modern Catholic priesthood in the U.S., done by Dean Hoge, published under the title “Evolving Vision of Priesthood”, the number of priests and vocations to the priesthood has come sharply down. “In 2001 there were 30,223 diocesan priests and 14,968 religious priests…..for a total of 45,191.This compares with 57,317 in 1985, or a decline of about 12% to 14% per decade.” The study adds further: “This number has been thinning down through the years in the U.S….The number of Catholics in the U.S. has risen continually over the past century. In 1970, the estimated number was 47 million and in 2000, it was about 61 million.” A similar change was happening at the educational level of Catholics. According to this study, “in the mid 1920s , about 6% of all American Catholics had college degrees, and in 1980, it was 28%.”.What is shown by this study is that as the religious landscape in the U.S. is changing, a lot more stresses, burdens and expectations fall on the shoulders of the clergy. The study also points out the shifting of the emphasis in ecclesiology. “The essence of the priesthood has undergone two shifts. The first occurred at the time of Vatican ll---from the older model of priest as administrator of the sacraments and teacher of the faith, to a new model of priest as a spiritual and social leader of the community. This change was accompanied by the Council’s new theology of the Church as the “People of God.” The young priests in 1970 were strongly in favor of this model. The second shift which began in the early 1980s, continues today and seems to be reversing the first.”

The changing understanding of ecclesiology also causes great tension in the lives of the priests. The old and the young have different visions and different approaches to their ministry.

Of course all these changes at the sociological and at the ecclesiological levels will not affect the essential function of the priests in their role as prophets, teachers and shepherds. The burden is much greater now as the present world, with its instant forms of communication and great technological advancements, puts great stress on the lives of priests. As communicators, administrators and as shepherd they have to remold their ministries to conform to these changing demands of the age.

It is only when one’s life is deeply anchored in the life of Our Lord that one can withstand the shifting sands of tastes and aptitudes of the faithful and hold aloft the torch of faith. Priests have to re-commit themselves to preaching the Word in the best way possible and to administering the sacraments in the most spiritual way possible. The words of the Holy Father should resound in the ears of all priests: “Lest we experience existential emptiness and the effectiveness of our ministry may be compromised, we need to ask ourselves ever anew: are we truly pervaded by the word of God? Is that word truly the nourishment we live by, even more than bread and the things of this world? Do we really know that word? Do we love it.?”

The late Holy Father John Paul II has called his memoir of his priestly life “A Gift and a Mystery.” It is a gift because priesthood transcends the merits of the individual and it is a mystery because the call comes from God at a time and place unknown to the individual: “ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you(John 15:16).Of course, every priest is aware of his unworthiness for such a call and knows that the ministry entrusted to him is beyond his qualifications. Who can say he is worthy enough to stand in the place of Christ and pronounce over the bread and wine that “This is my body and this is my blood.”? Who has the holiness to stand in the person of Christ to forgive the sins of others? As the late Holy Father John Paul II points out, “At its deepest level, every vocation to the priesthood is a great mystery; it is a gift which infinitely transcends the individual.”

Hence,what are the special tasks of priests? Is there a special spirituality for him as a diocesan priest? As one who works in the world, constantly interacting with people, preaching, offering the Eucharist, administering the sacraments, and running institutions and organizations on behalf of the Church, how can he be a living witness to Christ? Should he get away from the world to develop his spirituality? No, it is not in getting away that the diocesan priest finds his spiritual self but in immersing himself in the lives of his people. In celebrating the sacraments, offering the Eucharist, preaching the Word of God, and running the institutions of the Church, he grows closer to Christ. In all the things he does, he sees the presence of Christ. “Holiness is not something a priest can practice by himself or apart from the community of faith. The priest becomes holy within the community by ministering to it and leading it” (The Spirituality of the Diocesan Priest, Donald B.Cozzens,p.2).

The priest unlocks the doors of holiness when he is working in close collaboration with the laity. He is the one who brings Christ to them in all the different spheres of their activity. As the Holy Father Pope Benedict XV1 points out in the Proclamation: “Priests should be willing to listen to lay people, give brotherly consideration to their wishes, and acknowledge their experience and competence in the different fields of human activity.”

Cardinal Kasper in his book “Leadership in the Church” deals with the role of priests as leaders of the community. Referring to the distinction between “production “and “representation”, he points out that for priests what is more important is representation and not production. “ There is nothing for us to make…all we can do is to offer ourselves for the purpose of representation.” The center-stage is not for priests. They must be hearers and doers of the Word. “Priestly existence”, he points out,” is existence as a witness and as a sign, not only with our lips, but with the whole of our existence.” These words of the Cardinal do explain the essence of priestly ministry which is to be a sign for Christ .

The priests know deep in their hearts that the Lord who chose them will always be with them.His walk towards Emmaus continues with them at every breaking of the bread for the people. They would hear, day after day: “ I came not to call the righteous but the sinners.”

May this Year of Priests give all of us a renewed understanding of the gift of the sacrament of the priesthood.

Early Life and Education

2010-07-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Even though I was born in Eadthua, Kerala and was baptized at St.George’s Church because of which I got the name George, I have no memory of spending my early days in Edathua. My aunt has mentioned later that it was Fr.Gregory Karikampally who baptized me at St.George when he was an associate vicar there. It was funny that Fr.Karikampally would mention the fact of baptizing me to my friends when he came to visit me in the office when I was the Principal .

I was the third in the family of eight, six boys and two girls. My early memory was that of living in our family home in Thathampally, Alleppey with my parents , brothers and grandmother. I have memories of seeing huge mangoes , almost the size of coconuts,hanging in small branches of the mango tree which I think is not there any more. We don’t see such mango trees any more. They are called Njetukuzhiyans(because there was a big dip where it attaches itself to the trunk). We used to visit Edathua occasionally, but more regularly at the time of the feast of St.George at the church. All of our relatives from the mother’s side would be there and our maternal grand parents were then living. We used to sleep on big “pa”s (mats) made beautifully of grass leaves. In fact pas were the ones people used to sleep on before the modern beds came into the market. It was a happy and playful time. The older children in the family would take baths in the river nearby, although I did not.

My Father was a serious person in our eyes in those early days, with strict rules for us to observe. His greatness would become revealed to us when we grew older. We would see him always dressed impeccably in the standards of those days, with his suit coat and mundu with a neriathu folded beautifully around his shoulder.He was the manger of a bank and whenever he came at night, he would have something for us in the pockets of his coat. He would bring either a ball or oranges and sweets which would know about only the next morning. We rarely have seen him on weekday nights as he would come from his office very late, stopping on the way to do errands for the family or talk to the priests.

He had his own personal assistant called Raphael and Raphael was the rikshawallh.He would pull his rikshaw through the streets of Alleppey to any place he wanted to go just as a car would take one nowadays. O f course we can never imagine allowing any one to do that now for us. In those times, that was a sign of convenient travel, and a show of ones’ status in life.

But somehow since I did my studies well in the classes given by a teacher from the school at home, I was given a promotion to the second standard. By this time we moved to our new house at Thathampally which was at that time one of its kind. We can still hear the echoes of our sounds as we opened the different rooms. It had a terrace and we could sleep on the terrace at nights. No house in that area did have a terrace in those days. We were lucky in that sense and the house was across the street from our parish church. We used to go with our father for the masses and people would always speak appreciatively of our being with the father at the masses, most of the time, may be on our knees. In the evening, when we were in our house, we could hear the loud laughter that would come from the friendly chat between our father and the vicar of the church, Fr.Sebastian Cherussery. They became good friends and they enjoyed the company of each other.

Fr.Cherusserry was a talented priest with enormous potentials-- bringing all people together, erecting necessary buildings for the church , inspiring congregation etc. It was told that he himself carried bricks and stones for the construction of the church.He was the one who extended the church by building an additional wing, built additional buildings for the school and founded the Adoration convent. He may be considered the modern architect of the vibrant St.Michael’s parish and his contribution to the parish can in no way be minimized. In vision, planning and the cohesiveness that he brought to the community, he can in no way be rivaled by any of his successors. He was also the unquestioned leader of the Catholics of the area at that time. No voice would be raised against him. It was a sad day for the parish when he was transferred to Palai to oversee the various construction projects of the newly established diocese of Palai. He was from Palai and hence the Bishop wanted him to be there. I have never seen him after that. My father was the Convener of the farewell meeting held to bid adieu to him on the Thathampally maidan(grounds) which was packed with people. He is the first vicar of my parish about whom I have good memories.

Another priest I remember well was Fr.Joseph Valiaveettil who was the associate with Fr.Cherusseril. Fr. Valiaveetil was in charge of the altar boys and he did a marvelous job if organizing them. He was a good writer andtransalted many good works from Englsih inot Malayalam for the Book a Month club which was in existence then. He created in us a sense of pride and elegance. He got new robes made for altar servers and also enrolled us into the Tarcisian league. We saw our group picture published in one American religious weekly. When I was studying in the fifth standard I gave my name for a speech competition. I hadn't made any speech before that. I approached Fr.Joseph for help and he wrote out a speech in Malayalam for me .I delivered that speech and I got the first prize along with a friend of mine C.P.Joseph who became a priest later. I don’t know whether the sisters knew that the speech was written by the associate pastor. That prize gave me a tremendous sense of satisfaction and pride . I think I got a book in English as the prize which I could not read or understand at that time.

Fr.Joseph took us on several trips and only those who could afford the fare joined those trips. We remember one memorable trip that we took to Changanacherry when the two new bishops Mar Matthew Kavukattu and Mar Vayalil who were consecrated for Changanacherry and Palai were staying at the time at the Bishop’s House in Changancherry. We met the bishops and the Bishops gave all of us pictures as a memento of our visit. When we came down we met Msgr.Kallarackal, who was the Apostolic Administrator during the interim period after the death of Mar James Kalacherry. Msgr. Kallarackal was in his old age , looking almost like a Christmas Pappa. He played a trick on us. He stretched out his hand asked all of us to give back the pictures given by the Bishops. He scared us by saying that if we didn’t give the pictures the boat by which we came to Changancherry from Alleppey would capsize. All of us gave our pictures to him. Now we realize that he was senile and out of his senses at that time. Otherwise who would ask kids to give back some thing that they cared for deeply?

Fr.Joseph Valiaveetil later went from the parish for higher studies in Malayalam Literature at the University college. It was while he was there that he was given a prestigious award in Malayalam debates. He took his M.A. through private study. He joined the Dept. of Malayalam at St. Berchmans’ college. Then he thought of a monastic vocation and joined the Franciscan order. He didn’t remain there long. He returned to the diocese and to the college. He was lovingly called “Ouseppachan “ in the college campus. Surpsingly when I joined the college as a member of the Dept. Of English, Fr. Joseph was there. He always kept a fatherly affection for me. I was there for all the important events in his life: to speak when he was given a farewell by the Adoration Convent, Vazahappally, at the celebration of his birthday at the convent etc. He was acting as their chaplain after his retirement from the college. He wanted to see me before he died. But the message did not reach me in time. I didn’t know he was hospitalized. When I went to see him, he was in coma. Somehow it happened, I was designated to speak at his funeral and I felt really blessed in my heart to speak at his funeral. That is only the funeral of a priest that I had preached in my life.

I completed my primary and middle school education at St. Michael’s school, Thathampally . Some of the teachers that stand out in my mind are Mr.George who taught us Hindi, Sr.Espirit, Sr.Mary Kuracherry and Sr.Antonisaamma Kattampally. I had the happiness of taking communion to Sr.Antonissammma when she was admitted in the Medical college Hospital , Alleppey.

Antonissamma was my primary school teacher. In those days since the convent didn’t have any newspapers,she would ask me to bring the paper from our house for her to read as our house was just a couple of yards away from the school. She would then write in my book all the meanings of words that I missed in my note book in her own beautiful handwriting.I had some good friends in the primary school in Mr. V.T. Joseph, K.M. Mathew, Jacob etc. We moved from St.Michael's to Leo Xlll for our high school studies. We have to walk four or five miles every day back and forth to go to school. Very few had bicycles and hence most of us walked all the way. All of us coming from Thathampally had a good habit. Before entering the school compound, we would stop at the nearby Church (now it is the Cathedral of Alleppey diocese) and spent a few minutes in prayers. All of us did, even those who were mischievous and undunruly. It was an unwritten rule to visit the Blessed Sacrament , passed from generation to generation.

The atmosphere at Leo X111 was very different. The atmosphere was more mature and there was a mixing of students and teachers from different parts of the town. This is the same school where my father and my elder brothers studied. In fact there was a teacher Mr. John from Kattoor who taught my father. There was an interesting incident. When my friend Chandy and myself were passing by his class room, he called us both inside and asked more details about us. When he found that I was Mr. M.P. Joseph’s son, he let me go by saying that he had taught my father, Mr.Joseph. He gave Chandy a good spanking with the cane in his hand. I still feel sad for Chandy!

The teachers who stand out in my memory are: Fr.Paul Kunnumkal , our headmaster, Fr.John Meemepellikavil S.J. Fr. M.C.Joseph and Fr.Scaria ( who left priesthood later), Mr.C.X. John, C.X. Lawrence,T.L.Issac, Mr. Jacob Kattezham, and Mr. Kuncheria. The three years we spent there were some of the best years of formation. Fr.Scaria would invite us personally from our holidays to show us the corrections in our English papers. Fr. M.C. Joseph was a source of great inspiration in the spiritual formation of the students. On First Fridays, we would come to the school chapel early in the morning . Fr. M.C. Joseph would lead the stations of the cross for us and we could hear his sobbing words as he would come to the sections dealing with the fall and crucifixion of Jesus. He was also instrumental in starting a very good basket ball team for the school.

My journey to the Minor Seminary,1956

2010-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

I was going by boat from Alleppey to Changanacherry on a sunny day in 1956.I was happy in making the journey because even though the boat ride was more than four hours , it was worth making as it gave a spectacular view of the lakes, rivers and paddy fields stretching for miles .It was if a green carpet was spread on the banks of the vast lakes. The boat made a few stops in between for the passengers to get in and get out at their designated jetties. The ride gave an inkling into the life in Kuttanad as the boat slowly chugged through the winding lakes and rivers.

As I was enjoying this magnificent vision of the scenes around the lakes, a Hindu gentleman who identified himself as a lawyer, sitting beside me, asked in English : “Where are you going?”. He saw the S.S.L.C book in my hand and wanted to know about my plans. As he saw that I had been placed in the first class, he asked again:” What are you going to do?” I told him that I was going to join the seminary to become a priest. It jolted him to think that one who was placed in the first class was going to join the seminary. In those days, students placed in the first class were very few. The Jesuit-run LeoXlll School,Alleppey, where I studied had only four students who were placed in the first class in that year. He asked again: “Why do you want to become a priest?” That question still rings in my years. Then and now, my answer has been the same: “ I want to serve My Lord.”

I was not drawn by any priest or any special event to priesthood other than by the love I had for Jesus. It was a strong desire in my heart to work for Jesus. I have to mention specially Fr.Joseph Valiaveettil, an associate priest at the Thathampally church who started the association for the altar servers and made us all join the group. He taught us how to serve at the mass and took us on trips.

The role of my parents in nurturing and fostering my faith was immense, beyond words to describe. The love, kindness and the compassion of my mother and the ardent and intense attachment of my Father to the Eucharist are to be mentioned as great formative influences. Nobody ever mentioned at any time in my life about the vocation to priesthood nor have I attended any special camps or retreats for vocations. Those were not in existence in those days. It was the Christian life lived at home that made my relationship with Jesus very intense and warm. I am sure the same is true of other seminarians too in those days.

I have to mention specially the role of my father when I have to speak about my vocation to priesthood. My father was the manager of a bank in Alleppey which was known as the State-aided Bank of Travancore, the only bank under the control of the State of Travancore. He was one of the very few in Alleppey at that time with a college degree. He went to the American College in Madurai, staffed by American missionary professors. It was a Protestant college as at that time no Catholic college was in existence in Travancore. It was a custom for him to take us always to the Sunday masses along with him. He would attend masses daily before he went to the office. If there were two masses, he would participate in both .Eucharist was every thing for him. The participation in the daily masses by an educated man like him and a manager of the Bank, a rare job in those days, was a source of inspiration not only to us, his children, but also to many in the parish.

In those days when nobody in our place had heard about the works of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, he would buy the works of Sheen and read them in his spare time at home, especially on Sundays He had a collection of all the works of Sheen. He would ask me sometimes to read the books while he was relaxing in his reclining chair. I remember reading the “Peace of Soul”, a great work of Sheen of which I could not make head or tail in those days. The matter and the language of the book were beyond the comprehension of a high school student. Sheen was refuting all the current theories of Psychology and Psycho-analysis in that book. I still feel aghast at the fact that I could read aloud such books.

He would also read the Bible when all of us children are together and explain to us how the words of Jesus were guiding his life. When priests and other prominent visitors visit our house, there would be long discussions on matters of faith with them by my father.

Some of the rules he made us practice are still vivid in my mind. He would remind us to keep a respectable distance from priests as too much familiarity would make us lose reverence for priests. We could hear from our house which was across the road from the church his boisterous and friendly laughter and conversations with the parish priest of that time, Fr.Sebastian Cherussery ,on his return from the office at night.

That faith-filed atmosphere at home has definitely created in all of us a great attachment to our faith. Six of us ,boys , were growing up together but no discussion of priesthood ever came in our family life.

I was fortunate to get good teachers at Primary and High School levels. The Jesuit fathers at the High School and the sisters and the lay teachers at the Primary School were also responsible in molding our Christian faith .I have to mention my headmaster, Fr.Paul Kunnumkal, Fr.Joh Meempallikavil, Fr.M.C. Joseph etc as some of the great teachers at our High Scool. I remember very fondly the love and affection of Sr.Anonissamma and Sr.Espirit of the Adoration convent. Sr. Espirit taught a prayer that I have never forgotten. She told me to say a prayer :”Blessed Virgin Mary , pray for me”, whenever I passed before the grotto in front of the school play grounds.. In my life, thousands of times, I had to pass by the grotto and in all those occasions and even now if I pass by it, I say that prayer. Another prayer, also taught by one of my teachers at the Primary School, remains fresh in my mind even now. He told me and my friends that, before writing the answers in exams, to say a prayer to the Little Flower: “ Little Flower in this hour, show thy power.” I have said that prayer years later at my doctoral exams (Comprehensives) here in the U.S.

So, there in a nutshell is the story of my vocation. All those good and dedicated teachers and my parents were responsible in creating in me an ardent love for Jesus. It is that love that took me to the portals of a seminary.

After my results were known, I told my parents the desire to join the seminary. Even the parish priests had no idea that I would be joining the seminary. I had to make another decision whether to join the diocesan seminary or to the Society of Jesus to which all my priest- teachers belonged. I got the Rule Book of the Minor Seminary of Changanacherry and read everything in it. It was a small hard bound book, written in English. I got it from one of the seminarians in our parish. I decided after carefully reading the Rule book to join the diocesan seminary and went with one of the seminarians, now a priest(Fr.Matthew Mepreth) to meet the Bishop of Changancherry , Mar Mathew Kavukatt. He was surprised to see that I got very good marks in English and the congratulatory remarks that he made at that time still echo in my years.

I am thankful to the Lord for calling me to serve him and I am very happy to say that He was always present in my life. At every decisive moment in my academic and administrative life, he was there holding my hands and guiding me. What a joy it is to know the Lord and to feel His presence in one’s life. All the sacrifices and burdens of life appear nothing before the overwhelming mercy and compassion of the Lord. What prompted St. Paul to say : “ When Christ is with us, who can be against us”, is my feeling and I am sure the feelings of every one who commits himself to Christ.

The human dimension of love and companionship that one misses in priestly life is compensated by the love and affection of the people that they serve. In my life, because I was a teacher and an administrator, I was compensated by the love and affection of my students and colleagues.

The words of Thomas Merton, who is one of my very favorite authors and whose seminal work “The Seven Storey Mountain” that I read before joining the Major Seminary, are my own words at this fag end , when I see before me the evening sky splashed with the crimson radiance of the fading sun of my career and life:

“Let this be my only consolation, that wherever I am, You ,my Lord, are loved and praised. The trees indeed love you without knowing you. The tiger lilies and corn flowers are there, proclaiming that they love You, without being aware of Your presence. The beautiful dark clouds ride slowly across the sky musing on you like children who do not know what they are dreaming of, as they play. But in the midst of them all, I know You, and I know Your presence…..Only one thing I ask: that the memory of them should not make me afraid to receive into my heart the gift of love which you have placed in me.”

To those who aspire to follow Jesus , I have this message to convey: Fall in love with him and He will lead you to make the right step.

70th Birthday

2010-07-24T11:02:00.001-07:00

What I can remember

When I look back over the past years of my life in this 70^th year , I have only feelings of gratitude to my Lord who has led me so peacefully and beautifully through the various phases of my life in joy and peace. I am very happy that I could spend my whole life for Jesus. I have no regrets. Although I worked full time in teaching, I am glad that there was never any moment in my life that I had lost sight of the Person to whom I dedicated my life. It was my passionate attachment to Him that helped me to meet all the hurdles and challenges in my life.

What a joy it was to spend my time in studies and teaching! I had such good friends in my life as teachers and colleagues. I had a great galaxy of teachers and friends on my side as I walked through the different walks of life. The only words that come to my mind at this time are: “Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord, I am not worthy of the blessings you have showered upon me.”

I am not a pious person in the traditional sense nor did I behave like one in my life. I like to associate with people with who read and who have ideas to share. I feel happy in their company. I like to read a lot and share thoughts with people of that nature. It was difficult at times to meet people of such mind-sets. I never found myself happy in the company of people who gossip and indulge in derisive comments about others. In fact one of the promises I made to myself while I joined the seminary was never to use any abusive or contemptuous word to comment on others. I am glad that I kept that promise until now even though I had to deal with several people who were real trouble makers.

But I enjoyed my time with people who are poor and dispossessed.. The mess servants, the menial workers at the college, and the daily wage earners who worked on the campus were my good friends. I am happy that I could be of help to them at different times in their lives.

I have enjoyed my time with my students whose lives in some way I have been fortunate to mould. I wanted them to grow up and develop as the best ones in the country. Now I realize that the time I spent for my students were worth the effort when I see them occupying very important positions in different parts of the country. Often, when I was the warden of the hostels of the college, I thought to myself why I was wasting my time for them as it always involved a lot of stress and tension. Most of the days, my time was spent in enforcing the discipline and dealing with those who violated the rules of the hostel. But it all turned out for the good from what I had seen in the lives of the students. I saw that my efforts had borne fruit from the positive reactions and responses from the former students. On one Christmas day, I received a card from one of my former students who is now working as a doctor thanking me for the care and consideration I had given him while he was a student at the hostel and making me aware that my sympathetic dealings with him has made him a better doctor.

The teachers of S. B. College were some of my closest friends in my life. They were very gracious and inspiring in their dealings with me. Whenever I get time during my vacation, I made it a point to meet with them. The teachers of the English Department from Prof. K.T..Seabstian on wards were persons of great benevolence and goodness. I have no words to describe the joy that I get when I spend time with them. I could regain the happiness of the former times whenever I was with them.

I was also fortunate to get very good teachers at the Catholic University, Washington D.C. Also the priests at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, and at St.Patrick’s church in Washington D.C. were great friends and sources of inspiration and encouragement. Recently some of those great priests of the Archdiocese of Washington passed away. I feel very sad at their demise as they were very close to me and always would be at my disposal whenever I needed their help. Msgr. Farina of St.Patrick’s Church, Msgr. Bernard Gerhardt and Msgr. Louis Quinn are some of those priests whom I can never forget. The years I spent with them were the greatest years of priestly joy and serenity. I have found in their company a lot of encouragement and support.

I can also never forget the some of the former principals of the college who were very good to me. Fr.P.C. Mathew and Rev.Dr.Anotny Kurialchery are some of the great Principals I hold in great esteem.

Archbishop Kavukatt who admitted me to the seminary with great words of encouragement and who later ordained me and sent me for higher studies is a person whose memeory will always be cherished in the depths of my heart. It was he who sent me to the college for teaching and even suggested the subject I should select for my Master’s degree. Abp. Antony Padiyara who sent me for higher studies in the US. and Abp. Joseph Powathil who appointed me the Principal of the college and who appointed me to various leadership roles are the archbishops I can never forget in my life .I am also deeply grateful to Fr.Joseph Karimpalil, the Vicar General who put great confidence in me when decided to appoint me as the Vice Principal at a very critical time of the development of the college. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to work along with Fr. Maroor who was a great friend of mine for starting new ventures for the college .It was that daring and strong move on the part of Fr.Karimpalil that made my career burst forth in full bloom in the academic world.

I have so many people to mention in my life who were kind and gracious to me. I know it is not possible to mention all of them.

But let me mention a few priests, teachers and friends. If I have left any, it is not because I love them less but because of the shortness of space.

Fr.Joseph Valiaveetil, Fr.Joseph Olassa, Fr.Seabstian Cherussery, Fr. Joseph Ithiparampil, Fr.Joseph Thaiparampil, Fr..Thevary, Fr.Geregory Karikampally,Fr.James Valiaparmapil, Fr.Mathew Mepreth , Fr.Joseph Alummootil are some of the priests who have left us for their eternal reward but who are remembered with great love in my heart.

Some of the teachers who are alive are Sr.Espirit,Fr.M.C. joseph S.J. Prof.K.T.Sebastian, Prof.K.K.Matthew,Prof.P.J.Devasia, Prof.K.V.Joseph.Prof.P.C.James.Prof.A.J.Francis,Dr.Joseph Sendry etc.are rememebered with great gratitude.

I know it has been sometimes difficult to live with priests in a community as some have different traits and attitudes. But I was happy in our college community. In many years of my life at the college, I lived in a community of more than 14 priests and the time I spent with them from the moment I joined the college as a young priest were happy and enjoyable. One touching moment in my life was when I received a tape from the college a few months after my arrival in the U.S. for higher studies in 1976 where all the priests right from Rev. Dr.Antony Kurialacherry giving their advice and fond recollections of my time at the college. That tape left tears in my eyes.

Now I live with a few priests at the Bishop’s residence of Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago. Bishop Jacob Angadiath who never knew me personally before I came to live with him offered the post of the Vicar General of the diocese when I was working in Washington D.C. I accepted it because of the fact that I could do some input in the formation of this new diocese. Abp. Powathil also asked me to accept the offer. I am very thankful to Mar Jacob Angadiath for the graciousness he has shown towards me.

I have always felt confident and happy in my life as a priest. I have accepted my vocation as a priest consciously and it was my strong feeling that whatever might be my personal failures I would never fail the Lord and Savior of my life, Jesus Christ. In His presence I have always felt the greatest happiness in my life.

Prime Minister V.P.Singh

2010-07-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Meeting Prime Minister V.P. Singh at the Ernakulam guest house with Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil when I was the Principal as well as the Secretary of the Inter-Church Council for Education in 1993.

Pope John Paul ll in 1979 in Washington D.C.

2010-07-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Greeting the Holy Father Pope John Paul ll in 1979 on his first visit to the United States. I am standing on the steps of the rectory and the Holy Father is seen in white cassock on his way to the White House.

Pentecost,Detroit,May 22,10

2010-05-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am here in Detroit today. Have been coming here in the past several weekends to say mass at the Syro-Malabar church here.
Yesterday watched the webcast of the graduation ceremony of Jogy from the Marist college.
Tomorrow is the feast of the Pentecost. Have to pray to the Holy Spirit for hope and confidence in life.

Detroit,May 22,10

2010-05-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am in Detroit today to say mass tomorrow here at St.Thomas Syro-Malabar church,Detroit.As the Pastor here has been transferred to Texas,I have been coming here on weekends to say masses here at the Church.I am alone in the rectory.A few from the community were here during the day first for the morning mass and alter for cleaning the church and its surroundings. Some dedicated young men and women are the strength of the church.
Yesterday ,watched Jogy's graduation on the Marist College webcast.The whole program was webcast very clearly and beautifully.
Tomorrow is the Feast of the Pentecost.We have to pray to the Holy Spirit for the gifts of confidence and hope.

India, Febr.2-March4,10

2010-03-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

Went to India for a month-long vacation. Had a meeting with the former teachers at the new restaurant at Kidangara. Prof.KTS,PJD,KKM,PCJ,KAG and AJF were there. A good time for sharing the memories of the past.
Also there was an alumni meeting at Yuva Rani Hotel in EKM.Justice Ravindra Kumar was present at the gathering. Some shared their old memories of their time at the college. Dr.Philip Augustine, Madhavan nair and E.T.Lukose were honored there.
Spent time with the family most of the days.
Visited Trichur,Alleppey,Chy etc. Had a meeting of the priest-classmates at Champakulam.
Went to the retired Priests' home at Ithithanm.Met Fr.Kattady,Fr.Thumpayil etc. Fr.Thumpa mentioned a line from my speech given at the inauguration of the Sahrudaya clinic at Alleppey in 1968.
Anniversary of Mr.P.J.Francis was celebrated at Edathua.
Praise and thanks to God Almighty for the peace and joy given during these days of rest and travel.

Florida,Jan.3,10

2010-01-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

The Course was well attended and appreciated. Seen in the picture are the participants at the course offered at the Coral Springs Chruch,Florida.

Today , went to West Palm Beach to meet Laly and family.

Redwood,California

2009-12-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

Went with Sovi Philip to see the Redwood trees in San Jose area.Trees as old as 2000 years are there.

Christmas,Louisville, Kentucky

2009-12-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas celebration at Louisville Kentucky. The mass was said at 10 a.m. at the Assumption Cathedral, Louisville, Kentucky .There was a cutting of the cake after the mass. Later, every one went to a nearby Indian restaurant and had a Christmas Dinner.
The children enjoyed the gathering .Returned by the evening flight with a stop over in St.Louis.A couple of hours of waiting at St.Louis airport. Reached Chicago by 9p.m. It was snowing in Chicago.

Christmas Celebration,Indian Embassy,Dec.13,09

2009-12-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas Message,Indian Embassy,D.C.

2009-12-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

Gave the Christmas message at the Indian embassy,Washington D.C.The new Ambassador Ms.Meera Shankar was present.Also the Deputy Ambassador.Mr.Siby George,Counsellor,Commerce, was the M.C.The Ambassador in her welcome speech mentioned the origin of the Christian faith in India through the Apostle .Siby gave the welcome speech.He mentioned the arrival of Christian faith in India through the preaching of St.Thomas the Apostle.The function was beautiful.Carols were sung by the Members of the Miso group,the Goan choir and the German Music School.Before the Carols , the message was given.It was well appreciated.Congratulations came from a lot of people.Benoy Thomas gave the vote fo thanks.Met a lot of people

December,09

2009-12-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

The picture is that of Cardinal Baum of Washington D.C. at St.Matthew's Cathedral on Christmas night ,1979.
Present at the first Friday Adoration at the Church at Bellwood. Very few people were there. Also was a very cold night. In the evening the members of the Elmhurst Ward came here to begin their Christmas Carol.The crowd was small.
Now Christmas songs--http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifngs are played in my room.

Thanksgiving,09

2009-11-29T19:33:00.000-08:00

After spending four days in Philadelphia, left for Fishkill, Ny to spend the Thanksgiving Day with Jogy. It was a relaxing day with no trips or visits.
At Philadelphia Syro-Malabar church, said the two Sunday masses on Nov.22. and in the afternoon , went to Hershy to say the mass there at 4p.m. Returning from Hershy late at night. On Nov.23, Monday, visited with Anna and blessed her house.
On 24th morning, took the US Air Regional flight to Newburgh and Jogy was there to pick me up.

Atlanta,Nov.2,09

2009-11-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

Visited Atlanta Syro-Malabar church. Spent three days at the new rectory.A very spacious building.
Met the CCD teachers on Saturday at 12 noon. Gave them power-point presentations on Safe Environment and Methods of Teaching.Well-attended.
John Koikara and Tessy were in charge of the organization of the meeting along with the Vicar,Fr.Johny Puthiaparampil.
Visited Tomy and Mini , Robert and Angel and John and Tessy at their houses.
The stay went OK.

Regional meeting,Dallas,oct.17,09

2009-10-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Regional meeting of the parishes in Texas went off on a good start.It was well attended.Bishop Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhi gave a nice talk on the integral constituve elements of the church based on the Acts of the Apostles.Bishop MarJ.Angadiath inaugurated the meeting and celebrated the mass.The afternoon workshop sessions were organized well.I had to wrap up the session.
Fr.Joji and Josey and Salichan along with Prof.Mathew etc did a good job in making preparations for the meeting as well as preparing the material of the Conference.

Friends and alumni,LA,Aug.09

2009-09-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

San Diego,Aquarium,Aug.20,09

2009-09-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Visit to the Aquarium was enjoyable. It was raining on and off on that day. Seeing the Red flamingos, sea lions,etc was very interesting.
Dayalu and Justin were there for the visit.

Bobby Elapunkal,Aug.21,09

2009-09-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

It was great meeting Boby Elapunkal and thefamily. It was a reunion of classmates after our graduation in 1960.Did celebrate our birthdays too there in the house of Boby.
Shared memories of the college days.

Freemont,Au.30,09

2009-09-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

Went to Oakland and stayed with Fr.Kurian at Freemont. Met the CCD teachers and the members of the new Parish Council. Addressed the parents and teachers before the Sunday mas. Talked to the CCD teahers on the Safe environment and Internet Security. Spoke about the Concept of servant leadership to the memebrs of the new parish council.
Very much impressed by the large presenc eof Software engineers who are actively involved in the different parish programs.

Santa Anna,Aug,22,09

2009-09-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Went to Santa Anna in connection with the Baptism of Dan, son of Dayalu and Nimmy.It was also an occasion of meeting some of the former students of SB. Had a chance to go to San Diego.Visited the Aquarium there. Went to the house of Mathew Vachaparampil, Jose Padupurackal etc in the company of Dayalu and Justin.
Met the CCD teachers of St.Thomas Church , Santa Anna.
George Yohannan,Jomy Joseph,Dr.Thomas Thannikal etc gathered at the house of Jomy and threw a birthday party.it was very kind of them to have done that. May the Lord bless them.
In a way, felt fortunate to have the birthday celebration in such an intimate setting of former students and their families.

Donna Kurtz,July21,09

2009-07-21T01:46:00.000-07:00

It was an unbelievable visit.Visiting Donna and the family for the first time after 1981.Cannot describe the joy and the excitement that came from visiting with the family.What a wonderful experience of Christian family life!The joy,love and faith experienced there are beyond words to describe.Also visited the school which follows a very Catholic curriculum.Who else has followed the Church life so perfectly as this family?Anne took me to the ranch where there are guest houses for visitors too.

Visiting Donna andJohnKurtz,July21,09

2009-07-21T01:34:00.000-07:00

Calgary,Canada.SB alumni

2009-06-24T08:13:00.001-07:00

A gathering of the former students of S.B. living at Calgary at the house of Ciby.

Calgary,Canada.SB alumni

2009-06-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Calgary,Clara's House,09

2009-06-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Community mass at Calgary St.Mary's Cathedral.

the Reception at Clara's house.

Fr.Sajo , Dr.Clara Joseph etc are seen here.

Calgary,Canada.

2009-06-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Went to Calgary on June 3rd .A three hour flight.Dr.Clara , one of my students,was at the airport.Stayed at the Cathedral.Fr.Sajo made all the arrangements.Met the Bishop Most Rev.Henry the next day at the Pastoral Centre. Very cordial and supportive. He offered all assistance for Sunday masses in one of the Catholic churches in Calgary. On Friday evening , said mass in the Syro-Malabar rite.Frs.Sajo, George and Nellisserry concelebrated for the mass. The faithful received with great joy the news of the permission given by the Bishop for Sunday masses.
The visit to Banff was very enjoyable.Deepak, Joby,Tomy etc were in the group.The Cable car ride was very lovely.The mountainous landscape was breathtakingly beautiful.
Had a lovely dinner at Clara's residence.On Trinity Sunday,concelebrated mass at the Cathedral. Gave the homily at the mass.
Alumni meeting at Ciby's house.. Met a lot of former students. Had dinner at the house of Joe Sebastian.

San Jose,May 16

2009-05-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Went to San Jose for a meeting of the Asia Pacific Catholic leaders' meeting. Meeting Sovi,Rekha,Neeba at Sovi's house.

The Leaders' meeting lasted for two days.

Atlanta,09

2009-05-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Went to Atlanta on May 8th for the First communion of the children of the parish.Tomy Kizhekethalackal was at the airport to pick me up. Stayed with Tomy and Mini.

12 children were there for the First communion.After the mass, went with Jewel and stayed at his house.

Said mass at the church on Sunday. After the mass, there was a meeting of the SB&Assumption Alumni.A new chapter of the Association was inaugurated.Tomy and Jewel were nominated the President and the Secretary of the Association respectively.

On sunday, stayed with Fr.Johny at the Rectory.Met Fr.Jose Mullakara for lunch.

Returned to Chicago on Monday.

Phoenix,09

2009-04-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

Went to Phoenix.Stayed with Robert and Betzy.The stay was very good. Said mass for the community.
Met the VG at the chancery--Fr.David. He offered to finda part-time position for Fr.Mathew.Returned on Monday.
Also vsited Cheriankunju's brother's daughter and her family.
Had dinner with Chackochen Kundera&Preethi.Met there Francis Mathew, Tom,CCD coordinator,and Vinu.Told them to forget the past and to get involved in the new parish.

Holy Week,Florida.

2009-04-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

Went to the Coral Springs Church,Florida for the holy week. Was there from Monday affter the Pslam sunday to the Monday after Easter. Had some free days before the hOly thursday and hence could go for walking.From Thursday onwards, the days were busy.
went ot Nadayil's house on the Easter day. met George Vadaparmapil,Davis Pulikal, Joe Kurivial etc. Particiapted in two prayer meetings.
Sr.Jerome who worked in Africa was there.The sisters were very helpful.My voice was very fragile and froggy.Hence difficulty in saying the prayers in a clear voice.

Nimish and Diana--with the Priests

2009-02-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Nimish and Diana-Wedding Pictures

2009-02-16T22:31:00.000-08:00

Nimish and Diana

Marriage of Nimish and Diana

2009-02-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

Went to Trichur to bless the marriage of Nimish and Diana.The marriage was blessed at the Our Lady of Dolors--Puthen pally.the day before , visited some of the old churches in Trichur--like the Surayi churches etc.Saw that the their prayers at the mass almost similar to the Syro-Malabar Catholic mass prayers.

Leaving for India,09

2009-02-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Today , leaving for India and will return on March 9th.
Chicago is still reeling under cold but within a couple of days the weather will change for the better.
Expecting to meet family and friends during the stay at Cochin.
The contact no. at Ekm is 0484-2394525.

Christmas Tree,Lancaster,08

2009-01-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

Standing in front of the giant Christmas tree in the vestibule of the theater.

The Miracle of Christmas,08

2009-01-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Lancaster,Philadelphia,08.

Before the Sound and Lght theater in Lancaster for the show " The Miracle of Christmas".The story of Christmas was well protrayed.The portrayal of Mary was excellent.

Christmas,Staten Island,08

2008-12-28T21:25:00.000-08:00

The Christmas gathering at the Blessed Kunjachan Mission at Staten Island was beautiful.The singing in Malaylam during the mass consisting of the young girls in the choir was very remarkable.They sang very beautifully all the songs for the mass.The Christmas pageant, dances and group songs put up under the direction of the youth leaders were very remarkable.Joy Kachappally did a very fine videographic presentation of the songs composed by Fr.Joy Alappat.On the whole, the Christmas celebration was excellent.

Christmas gathering in the evening on Dec.25

2008-12-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

In the evening all gathered at the Basment of Dr.Stephen's house for a Christmas party.Just before the gathering, a committee was selected to run the affairs of the mission.It was decided to have a website for the mission.Differnt coordinators were appointed for liturgy,communication,music,finance etc.
The gathering went very well.Singing and dances by the children were organized well.
The next day,Karen came to give a ride to the airport.
Reached NJ in the evening.Joy Chakappan and George were there at the airport.
Went to George and Mary's house for dinner.Their daughter Soniya was home from the college.
Came to the rectory around 6.45p.m. and concelebrated mass for the prayer group.

Christmas,Louisville,08-Cake Cutting

2008-12-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

Gathering after the mass.Cutting of the cake to celebrate Christmas at 11.30a.m. at the Louisville Cathedral

Christmas,Louisville,08

2008-12-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

Cleveland

2008-12-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

The mass at Cleveland on Dec.21. A very cold day.The temp in Chicago was -3.
Cleveland was also cold and windy. Lunch with Chris (Kavilaveettil)and Seema. Mass attended by around 40 people.Went with Joseph Pudusserry and Rosy.Had dinner with them .Their children,George and Gita were present at the mass. came to the airport around 7.40pm. But the flight was delayed for three hours. Reached here around 11.30.Very tiring but felt very relieved when reaching the room.

Vatican,08

2008-12-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

Grand Canyon,08

2008-12-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

Different views of the Grand Canyon.

Ordination Anniversary

2008-12-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

Dec.18th.Today is the 41 st anniversary of my ordination.Said mass at the chapel and then went to a Cafe for brekfast with the fathers of the house. Feel extremely thankful to the Lord for his great love and mercy shown through all these 41 years of my priestly life.How beautiful the Lord is. It means that one has to work for the Lord and carry His message of love and forgiveness to all whom one meets in life.
Within a few days,Christmas will be upon us.It should be a time of new beginnings--of a life given over to Jesus, to His mercy and love.
Words are not enough to praise and thank the Lord.How great is the Lord in His mercy.
Spent a little time poring over some of the beautiful Christmas stories.
Louis Cassel's--A Christmas Parable--how a man got a proper understanding of Christmas when he tried to draw the birds that came hitting at his window on a snowy night.
The Gift of the Magi by O'Henry.
The Little Match-Seller by Hans Christian Anderson--how a little girl died of cold on New yer's Eve--lighting her matches and seeing her grandmother in her dream.

Los Angeles,Nov.08

2008-12-17T14:29:00.000-08:00

Grand Canyon,08

2008-12-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

New Jersey,Dec.14,08

2008-12-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

The visit to our Syro-Malabar parish in East Millford .The evening on Dec.13, spent with some of the alumni of S.B. Mr.Thomas Karimattathil came to the airport to receive.Spent the evening with Thomas,James and Rosamma Mukkadan and Aniyan Georger, his wife Cicily and son Kevin.Tom Perumpayil came in the evning and spent the night at his house. Sunday morning, spoke to the CCD students, said the 10 a.m. mass, met with the CML and later in the afternoon spoke to the CCD teachers. The teachers are really very much involved and dedicated in their ministry. Fr.Thomas also did a superb job in bringing all the age groups into a cohesive community.Later Joshi came and spent the time with his family.Went to Lawrenceville school to be present at the school concert where Jamie sang in the group. Monday morning, Sunil Jacob, a former student of mine came to Joshy's place and took me to his house and later to the airport.
Yesterday, Dec.16, was very cold in the morning and later in the afternoon , we received a lot of snow.

Winter,08

2008-12-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Dec.3,08
Returning from the trip to Phoenix and Los Angeles--- greeted with a great blanket of snow on the ground.
The beginning of the 2008 Winter. For the next few days , the temp. will be very low.
The waiting at the aiport at LA was very tiring as the flight was delayed for three hours.
the ride from Phoenix to LA via Grand Canyon was almost thirteen hours with a few stops in between.

Venice

2008-12-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

The pilgrim group from Chicago.

The courtyard of St.Mark's cathedral is behind us.

joe

2008-12-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

gondola

2008-12-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

Picnic

2008-12-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Assisi

2008-12-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

Venice

2008-12-01T16:19:00.000-08:00

Orange County,Nov.30

2008-12-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

Said mass at the Orange county church.Frs.Kattackal and Thurthiyi were concelebrants.The church was packed with people.There was a great sense of fellowship among the parishioners.Later, after their Thanksgiving dinner, got a chance to speak to the CCD teachers.Gave also information about the Safe Environment policy of the diocese. After the mass, returned with Bose and Geena.In the evening George,Tina and Tomy and his family joined for the dinner. Later Johny and Maria from LA came to visit.

Phoenix

2008-12-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Spent Thanksgiving Day with Dayalu and the family in Phoenix. The next day , left for Grand Canyon. It was cold out there.But got a nice view of the rock formation and gorge .The red color of the rocks was seen very vividly.A magnifient view of the Rocks.Dayalu and Justin were there to get the view of the place.

Quiet Day,Nov.24,08

2008-11-21T17:49:00.000-08:00

Today all the remaining participants of the Eparchial Assembly have left for their home parishes.The Assembly was a great gathering of priests and lay representatives. All the discussions went smoothly.There was a great sense of cooperation among the participants.This whole week has been very cold and hence there was no way of getting out of the building for walks.
Uniformity in the practice of the liturgy,more involvement in the Youth Ministry , strengthening of family values etc were some of the major topics touched by the participants during the discussions.

New York

2008-11-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

Went for the blessing of the house of Mariyamma and Roni on Nov.15th..Jogy ,Anita and the children were there. Sajan came to the O'Hare airport.Had dinner with him. On the way ,felt the fall of the first snow flurries.