75th Birthday

Today ,Aug.22, my 75th birthday is  a day when I have to thank the Lord for the life he has given me until this moment to experience the joy of life.This is the time of life when one retires from official positions in the Church

.I am glad that I can still continue working for the Church.I will use the time to double my efforts for the spread of goodness and love through the remaining years of my life. That is what Jesus is asking us to do in life. This is a time when I am totally freed from preoccupations with results and rewards. They have no meaning for me at this time.I have to work freely and move freely. No need of paying  any  attention to the opinions of people. For a person who has reached this age in life, earthly rewards and approvals have no meaning.
Let me thank the Lord with all my heart, with joy and praise.

Pope's Visit to the U.S

Today's news reports that theta there is  a heavy demand for the seats available in the Congress  at the time when the Holy Father addresses the Congress.ManyCongressmen have already given their only guest ticket to their wives or people close to them.The country is slowly getting geared to his visit.The New Jersey transport authorities are encouraging people to arrive at the place of the gathering by walking.
Will gather all the bits of news in connection with the Pope's visit.

New Jersey

Reached NY on Aug.8th,Saturday morning.Came to NJ and am at NJ,staying at my nephew's house. The journey was OK.The Customs check was done at Abu dhabi and hence  could arrive at NY without going through the Customs and Immigration formalities.
It is raining here today--Tuesday,Aug.11.

IFCU National Assembly,July13-17,15

Went to Melbourne to attend the 25th IFCU national assembly held at the Australian Catholic University. The meeting was inaugurated at the Cathedral hall and later the inaugural mass was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Did participate in workshops focused on Multiculturalism, Spirituality and the Ethical formation of the laity.
Attended the first anniversary of the Syro-Malabar diocese of Melbourne. The ceremony was short and impressive.Church  and civil dignitaries of Melbourne wee present.  Was invited to con-celebrate with Bp.Mar Bosco Puthur. Was also present at the celebration of St.Thomas Day  and gave the homily at the mass.
For the IFCU assembly, there were seven delegates from India.Participating in the Assembly revived the memories of my past association with it.

International Students from India

Indian students form around 15% of the International students.
China sends 25.4% of US's International students
India--13.1%
South Korea: 9.5%

Indian Catholics

Total Catholic Population of India:1.55% of the population--19.9 million
Dioceses: 168
Latin: 130
Syro-Malbar :30
Syro-Mlalnkara:8
Catholic Colleges in India: 87
Syro-Malabar  Colleges:60

Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of the Migrants

The Pontifical Council called a meeting of those involved with the Pastoral Care of International students in Rome from Oct.9-12. I am very thankful to the Council for inviting me to attend the Conference.Around 46 delegates were present for the Conference.We had delegates from all continents and nations.
Even though it lasted only for a couple of days, the discussions were intense and all the participants got involved by offering their suggestions. I was present on a panel which dealt with the problems of Asian students who were going out to join foreign Universities.As India was sending the second largest contingent of students to foreign Universities, it is appropriate that  India was represented at the meeting.
The meeting started on Oct.10th with a prayer meeting and the  inaugural speech by Bp.Kalthiparampil.
Right away the group moved into presentations and panel discussions.
I raised the point of making special arrangments for the Catholic students to preserve their faith through the help of parishes surrounding the Universities where the foreign students study.
I had also the opportunity of saying an anniversary mass for Abp.Kavukatt at one of the crypt chapels at St.Peter's Basilica.More than 10 priests from Changnacherry,Kanjirappally,Pala and Thucklay, concelebrated with me.I left immediately after the mass as I had to be present for thePanel discussion at the meeting.I am lucky to have reached the place just five minutes before it was officially beginning to start.
I was very fortunate that I had the help of Santimon Jacob through out my stay in Rome.His presence and assistance made my stay very comfortable and pleasant.
I got also a chance to meet with Cardinal Alencherry  and to have lunchwith him.We took him back to St.Martha's residence where he was staying.