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."

Prof.John Philip

 It was with real shock and great sorrow that I received the news of the passing away of Sri John Philip.It was Prof.Sunny Mathews who informed me from the US about the demise of John Philip. He was our classmate in MA class at S.B.college. For the two years of our course  , he was a constant companion.Everyday before the beginning of the class , he would come to my room and we would walk together to the class room. We discussed all the topics and shared them with our friends. He was very respectful and caring.  He had a positive  attitude and was always cheerful.Even though after we left the college, we have not met each other but knew in my mind and heart that he was doing well and was successful as a teacher at Bishop More college.We had a chance to meet at the celebration of the  50th anniversary of the PG Department. We had a picture taken after the meeting . I was very happy to see him at the meeting. He looked the same with no changes. He briefed me about the developments in his life. I never got a chance to visit him at his house nor to see his family. His face and smile are before me and I wish him eternal rest with the Lord.  I am sure  he is resting peacefully with  the Lord. he was a good Christian with great moral principles. May the Lord protect  and bless him in the eternal abode where there is no weeping or sorrow. What Tennyson said in In Memoriam about his friend, Hallam,  is very appropriate here: "It is better to have loved and lost than never to  have loved at all."

Do not stand at my grave and weep 
I am not there. I do not sleep. 
I am a thousand winds that blow. 
I am the diamond glints on snow. 
 
I am the sunlight on ripened grain. 
I am the gentle autumn rain. 
When you awaken in the morning’s hush 
I am the swift uplifting rush 
 
Of quiet birds in circled flight. 
I am the soft stars that shine at night. 
Do not stand at my grave and cry; (Elizabeth Frye)

Return from the US

 I returned to India on June 20th after a stay of a month and a half in the US. It was for the wedding of Ittyrachans' daughter ,Melissa and for the First Communions of Jonathan, Michael and Isabel that I left for the States.While there, I did participate in the baptism of Theres's child at St.Philomena's church. I was asked to give a talk to the Men's Club at St.Philomena's church. The talk went OK , with more than 30 people participating.The pastor was waiting at the door to receive me and he was present throughout the talk. It was a cold and rainy morning but it went OK without affecting my voice or the tone of the  presentation.I was also successful in renewing my passport while staying in NJ.Had to go to NY for an expedited issue of passport. Jogy prepared the application and I had go to the passport office with all the necessary documents. Jogy waited there until my return after an hour with the submission of the documents to the Office. The passport was ready the next day evening. I got it at 4p.m.If I had not renewed it, I would have to go through a heck of troubles to get it before the expiry.

Some sad events happened in the month of June with the passing away of my first cousin, Vakachan(M.P.Varghese).I was thinking of giving a call to him but within a few days after my return I got the news that he had passed away suddenly by a heart-attack. He was very gentle and kind,  religious and well versed in the knowledge of the Bible. He was leading a quiet life after his retirement from the Union Bank of India.The passing of the Former Chief Minister, Sri Oommen Chandy was another sad moment as Kerala witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of love and grief at his demise.

Trip to New York,June 8th

 For the last few says I was suffering from severe coughing and cold. Today, Santosh sent an antibiotic to be collected from the CVS.Jogy brought the medication in the morning.I feel immensely better.I hope I will get over it tomorrow as we go to  the Passport Office for an expedite issue of the passport.Today ,I got the new driver's license.By the grace of God,I feel better and the coughing is becoming lighter.All my official functions will be over by my trip to NY for the passport. The Lord has been good to me. I was blessed to make this trip and do the marriage blessing of Melissa, the daughter of Ittyrachan.It has been a long while since I did the blessing in the US.

My trip to the States

 On May 3rd, I left for the States by Emirates .My flight reached NY airport by 3pm on the sane day.The flight was OK but only things that there was no facility for lounges on this ticket although it was business class.As the flights had only a short lay over, there was no need of any lounge facility.At Kochi airport, on account of the Essaf card, I could use the lounge facility.As Jogy  was waiting at the NY airport, my arrival was smooth.I rested for a few days and then left with Jogy for Santosh's house for the First Communion of Jonathan.Everything went smoothly and I was able to concelebrate at the First Communion mass and give first communion to Jonathan.

The original plan was to leave Clarksville  for Seattle along with Johnachan.But the news came that Michael had contracted Covid from his teacher and my flight to Seattle was postponed.Since I have to be be present at the marriage of Melissa, I decided to change my plan to go to Seattle. So I missed Isabel and Michael's First Communion and also spending a few days with them at their new house. It was a real miss! Then , I returned with Jogy and decided to spend the time with him.

I was invited for the baptism of Theres's child Iris and for the reception.I was also invited by the Men's ministry of St.Philomena's church on Saturday morning. Even though it  was slightly drizzling ands chilly ,the Pastor was waiting in front of the Hall to receive me. The talk went very well and the people were very appreciative.

The next day I was supposed to go to Somerset Church and give also a talk to the CCD teachers.But Tom's wife,Lena ,got sick and he could not  give me the ride and hence the program  WAS cancelled.

Today ,May 24th, we went to the DMV office for the renewal of my license.It went very smoothly.The documents were accepted and I was given a copy of the license at the payment of 11 dollars.The new license will be mailed to me within 20 days.Tomorrow,I am going to the DC for the blessing of the marriage. I will stay in DC for three or four days and will return to NJ.Thank you,Lord, for your blessings all these days. Today I wrote a letter to all the alumni asking them to be civil and without rancor at their meeting tomorrow. I am sure they will observe the spirit of the letter.