Prof.K.V.Thomas

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

Mar Raphael Thattil, The New Major Archbishop

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

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

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

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

The Election of the New Major Archbishop

 The Synod to elect the new Major Archbishop will convene tomorrow, Jan.8th.This Synod will be another important phase in the history of the Church .After more than 12 years of the administration of Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, a new person will be elected to the position of the Major Archbishop. The Church needs a new direction and a new focus. Its contribution to the spiritual ambiance of the State as well as of India has to be enhanced and more people have to be brought into the mainstream of the Church. Kerala is seething with violence. Many people get killed and a great number of people have committed suicide. Despair is taking hold of the lives of people.  Despite much material progress, we find more  happenings of criminal acts and murders. Gang-led attacks, domestic violence, and the insecurity that develops from unemployment are destroying the moral fiber of the country. Also, many who are suffering from serious sicknesses  need help, care, and compassion. Surrounding the cities and towns, we find people without shelter, drinking water, and waste disposal. The sides of the streets and roads are kept unclean with collections of waste that are thrown randomly by miscreants. The stray dogs and wild animals straying from the forests into the homesteads of people are creating problems for people. The Church has to intervene to help the people to attain a sense of peace and stability. If the new Major Archbishop has a vision, he can change the nature of society through his inspiring presence and guidance.

Prof.V.S.Joseph

 I offer my prayers for the repose of the soul of Prof.V.S. Joseph. He passed away a couple of days ago and his funeral will take place, tomorrow, Sunday, Dec.31. He was a gentle and respectful teacher who was totally committed to the teaching profession. I was his student in the Postgraduate course. What brought us closer was when we were designated to participate in the Seminar under the auspices of the American Consulate in Trivandrum. It was my first year as a teacher, just a few months after joining the Dept. We came closer through our interactions and presence at the Seminar. I read a paper on "The Moral Vision of D.H. Lawrence."In fact, that paper served as one of my documents for my applications to the Graduate Depts of many US Universities. It was the participation in the Seminar that prompted me to go to the US for my doctoral studies. Many of the teachers who participated in the seminar soon got their Ph. Ds in English Literature. After my return from the US, I worked in the Depat along with Prof. V.S. Joseph. We came to know more about Prof.V.S. from the humorous remarks of Prof.KA George.

Prof.V.S. also worked in a Christian ministry as an evangelist. He was never at rest, always moving around as a preacher or as a teacher. He suffered physically and emotionally in his life. May God grant him eternal rest. He was a teacher, soft and gentle like the morning dew, and was held in great esteem by the students. I won't be able to attend his funeral but I offer my prayers for him .May the angels carry him forward to our Father in heaven amid heavenly glory and joy.

Resignation of Cardinal Mar George Alencherry

  I am writing this after Christmas.

What was very sad and depressing was the acceptance by the Vatican of the resignation of Cardinal Mar George Alencherry from his role as the Head of the Syro-Malabar Church.  It was an unfortunate and heart-breaking piece of news for all those who worked with him and saw his sincerity, self-denying commitment, and simplicity. The opposition against him was vehement as to destroy any weak-hearted man. Still, he withstood all of them because of his great sincerity, humble spirituality, and open-hearted approach to all. It can be truly said he holds no grudge against anyone even against those who opposed him tooth and nail. Some misguided and ill-educated people were prompted to destroy his influence and diminish his role as the Head of the Church. Of course, some have misunderstood the significance of the steps he has taken but they never realized they were done for the Church. Starting a Medical college for the Archdiocese or the updating of the liturgy are noble steps. There could be mistakes in any steps we undertake in life. We correct our mistakes and go forward. But nobody would destroy a person and blow him to smithereens as the disgruntled individuals have done. Even those who have collaborated with him in all successful ventures have not come out to speak for him boldly and confidently. A few columnists in the media had the run of the day because nobody was opposing them. A very confident, forward-moving Church with a large number of people having liberal and progressive Western-educated values has stood empty-handed seeing the display of arrogance on the part of a few media persons or laypeople who were not involved in the progress or development of the Church. The educated and the progressive members of the Church stood watching in dismay at the arrogant and disparaging behavior of a few hoodlums.

The priests who got engaged in public protests, burning the effigies of bishops, calling slanderous invectives against the bishops, offering satyagraha, or staging protests at the Bishop's house are the dregs of the society and have not been affected by any civilized values. They might have gotten some training in theological or philosophical matters but they were not like our gentlemen coming out of the universities.  Of course, some who come out from our present-day colleges and universities are miscreants and political workers and they were paid and supported by political parties. Hundreds and thousands of priests have worked and are working silently in all parts of the State with great vision, values,  respect, and dignity. They foster inter-religious harmony and make prosperous conditions for the people, Catholics, and non-Catholics alike to live decently and peaceably. They were all put to shame by these few who were endowed with the sacraments of priesthood. Their cassocks brought shame to the whole clergy of Kerala. This great robust Church has no lay or clerical leaders or media outlets to stand up for the Church and uphold its moral and religious dignity. Half-baked journalists in some reputed newspapers played havoc with the future and destiny of the Church. They are some rotten apples among the journalists but they hold the day now. But the hard workers are in the field, building up communities, forming the youth in schools and colleges, caring for the orphans and the physically and mentally disabled. Their voice will soon be echoed in the corridors of history thunderously condemning the blatant and blasphemous injury that has been committed against the Church for the benefit of position, glory, and material gains. But there will be no dent in the fortress of the Syro-Malabar Church that has built up the development of Kerala physically and spiritually.

That is what happened in December.

Christmas celebration at the Mount was beautiful but the ceremony was long. After Dec.25, I had a few functions to attend as a memorial mass on the 26 at Thathampally, and an anniversary mass on the 27 at Kumarakom, an anniversary mass and a betrothal at Alleppey on the 28th etc.

One miraculous thing is that Vinod and his family were saved by the grace of God from a car accident in Dallas, Texas, on the day of Christmas.

Laus tibi Deo.

Department of English,S.B.College, Old Teachers Never Fade Away

                                       

The Department of English at St. Berchmans’ College has always been held in high regard among academic institutions in Kerala thanks to its dedicated teachers who had a profound love for English Literature. This illustrious group included Prof. O'Brien, Prof. M.P. Paul, and Prof. C.A. Sheppard. When Prof. Sheppard took the reins of the Department, its prestige began to shine with unparalleled brilliance.

Prof. C.A. Sheppard's presence not only energized the Department of English, but also the entire college. His name was synonymous with St. Berchmans’ College in any discussion. The years he spent at the college were its golden age. He instilled in both students and the faculty a passion for excellence, self-reliance, and industriousness. His classes were not mere lectures on poetry, prose, or drama, but comprehensive studies of English language phrases and idioms. Students vied for spots near the podium to capture every word he spoke. Passages from the Bible and soliloquies from Shakespeare flowed from him like a powerful stream. One could liken the sentiments of students from that time to Wordsworth's description of the French Revolution in the Prelude: "Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive."

I recall his classes on Bernard Shaw’s "Arms and the Man" vividly as I was one of his undergraduate students. His teachings extended beyond the text to a deep exploration of Shaw’s entire body of work. What stood out was his beautiful introduction to the works of Bernard Shaw. He meticulously explained new words and phrases, delving into their meanings and nuances. Sitting in his class was an immersion in the evolution of the English language and literature. When he was invited to inaugurate the Literary Association of the Minor Seminary at Parel, he spoke about the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins who was relatively unknown to the general public at the time. Prof. C.A. Sheppard exuded sophistication, confidence, and eloquence, presenting the image of a truly exceptional teacher. It was often said by students that they could see the light in his room even in the early hours of the morning, reading and typing. With his departure, both students and the staff lost a mentor, a guide, and a wellspring of inspiration.

However, the Department endured, maintaining its glory and renown with a new roster of exceptional teachers such as Prof. V.J. Augustine, Prof. A.E. Augustine, Prof. K.J. Francis, Prof. K.T. Sebastian, Prof. T.P. Madhavan Pilla, Prof. K.V. Joseph, Prof. K.K. Mathew, and Prof. P.C. James. Under the leadership of Prof. V.J. Augustine, the Postgraduate Department was established, propelling the Department to new heights of success, with many students being placed in top ranks in University exams. The discipline that he instilled and the seminar and discussion- methods he introduced helped students excel in interviews and oral exams.

Prof. A.E. Augustine, a close associate of Prof. C.A. Sheppard, electrified not only the classrooms but the entire college with his mastery of the English language. His compelling eloquence made every conference or meeting a memorable occasion. Prof. K.J. Francis, with his majestic demeanour, left a lasting impression with his lectures. There was an air of grandeur about him.

Prof. K.T. Sebastian was an exemplary teacher, both in appearance and speech. He breathed life into Milton's works, delving deep into the poetic brilliance of "Paradise Lost" and drawing connections to the modern world. Prof.  P.J. Devasia deftly navigated the complexities of modern English literature, using his exceptional memory to highlight the beauty of the poetry of Hopkins and Eliot.

Prof. T.P. Madhavan Pilla embodied nobility and dignity. I remember jotting down a note in my composition book, commenting on his insights. He graciously responded on the back of my note, attached to the composition book. Pleasant, gentle, and dignified, he carried the Department's flag high. Another stalwart was Prof. K.V. Joseph, who had a remarkable ability to bring vividly to life all the characters from Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tales". Despite being a skilled stylist and grammarian, he remained humble and approachable, both to his colleagues and to his students. The youngest faculty member at the time was Prof. P.C. James, a bundle of energy and humour. He brought the vibrancy of American Literature to his classrooms, always inspiring, fresh, and innovative. His presence lit up the department, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Spending time with these great teachers endowed with real scholarship and high rectitude was a pleasant experience which will never fade away from my memory. They enabled me to work in tandem with professors of English from foreign universities. Their laughter, their encouragement and inspiring words remain always fresh and memorable in my mind.

“Footfalls echo in the memory

Down the passage which we did not take

Towards the door, we never opened

Into the rose garden.”

Eighty Third Birthday Celebrations

 Yesterday was the celebration of my 83rd birthday. It started with my morning mass at the chapel .The main celebrant was Abp.Pamplany. At the breakfast, the Major Archbishop,Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, offered me greetings and all the bishops sang happy birthday as they were then seated for their breakfast. Later , the family gathered at my brother Bernard's house for lunch.Before lunch, we said a rosary for  all the members of the family, past and present. I did give all the ladies silver rosaries which were made specially for this event.That was the end of the celebration. The day before, at Varghese's new house blessing at Chy, they also offered me greetings for the birthday,

The Lord has blessed me to celebrate this day. I do consider these months an opportunity given by God to praise him , adore him and to offer prayers for all our friends and relatives.My heart is full of thanks to the Lord for giving me this occasion to praise and adore him again.

I would like to repeat the prayer of Thomas Merton again in this note: "My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me.I cannot know for certain where it will end.Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am knowing your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.....I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.I will not fear , for you are ever with me and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."

My heart is like a singing bird
Whose nest is in a water’d shoot;
My heart is like an apple-tree
Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit;
My heart is like a rainbow shell
That paddles in a halcyon sea;
My heart is gladder than all these
Because the Lord is with me.( Adaptation of a poem of Christina Rossetti)

The following words of Henri Nouwen too are apt to be remembered on this occasion:

"We are God's beloved daughters and sons, not because we are worthy but because God freely chose us."