thanks-46

 Thank you -46,

Aug.20,Sunday

 

Today is the day the Apostolic Delegate has asked the priests of Ekm to offer the mass in the Synodal way. Most of them refused except a few. There was opposition from the laity at the Basilica when Fr. Antony started saying the mass. He also stopped saying the mass. In some other parishes too there was opposition. During these days of resistance, most of the people were wrongly guided and they have become a force.

The Church and the Eucharistic celebration have been mocked and vilified. A great shame has been brought on to the Church. The secular media and those who are against the Church are having a field day showing the division and dissension among the Catholics.

  If some flexibility and sensitivity were shown, things could have been much more smooth. People need time to undergo changes in their mindset. A new pastor with wisdom and pastoral sensitivity could work with these people. It may take years for the change to happen. What is the use of imposing the decision suddenly on the people who are unprepared for this?

The majority of the priests have taken it as a matter of pride and prestige to stick to their stand. We have to yield first and allow the time to repair the damage.

The apostolic delegate is not very aware of the feelings of the people and their ways of resistance. He thinks an order can change the situation.

Tomorrow is the beginning of the Synod.

The blessing of Varghese’s house will take place tomorrow.

Aug 21, Monday

Went to Chy for the blessings of the house of Varghese. It is a beautiful and compact house.  I went to the priests’ home and took Palakunnel achan with me.I did the blessing. Gave Varghese a cheque for Rs.5000. They had arranged a cake for my birthday celebration.

The trip went OK.  Returned and on the way stopped at Leelamma’s house for coffee.

Aug.22, Tuesday

My birthday celebration began with a bouquet given by the Cardinal in front of the Bishops gathered for their breakfast. Later saw Fr. Mundadan making shouts and loud verbal outbursts in the parlor. They were removed by the police. Then, went to Mathaichan’s house for lunch . The family was gathered there and said a rosary before the lunch.I gave the ladies the newly made silver rosaries. Joy Kurian,  Thommachan  etc called to give their greetings.

Thank you, Lord, for another birthday. I have to spend the year thanking the Lord. Lord, keep me in your love.

Sept.19

I had the blood test a few days ago. Hibac was very high—8. The doctor changed the medications. Now taking insulin 19 and a new pill was added to be taken along with the food in the morning.

Yesterday

Yesterday, went to Chy to attend the funeral of Prof.Jose Joseph. Said the office at his house. Prof.K.A. Goergekutty was also with me and after that went to A.V. Thomas’ house. He is bedridden. Had lunch at the college . The rincipal was there and he joined me for lunch.

The classes for junior priests are going on and will be over by tomorrow.

Last Saturday, went to the theatre to see the movie on the life of Sr.Rani Maria called The Face of the Faceless. It was well done and all of them were realistic in their presentation.

Went to Alleppey last week to say an office for the dead for Joy Mannooparampil, the husband of Gracykutty’s sister.

I am using an App called Essentials which takes BP. But it is not correct when checked with the Bp by the manual BP monitor.

It was deleted and canceled.

Sept.25,

On 23 and 24, went to Thathamaplly for the Patronal Feast. The  Feast was on 24^th and I was the main celebrant.On 23^rd evening, I met the brothers and sisters of Ouseppachan.The celebration of the feast went very well.

Today, the newly elected MLA Chandy Oommen would be coming to the house to meet the Cardinal in the morning at 9.30 am. But he is getting late. He came just at 10 am and I met him.

Oct 10

We had a retreat from Oct 2-6. The retreat was good. I made some changes to  my schedule.Would spend some time after 10.30 pm for personal prayer. One of the main messages he said in passing was that one should not be worried about one’s past sins once it is confessed. We have to accept that we are forgiven.

Tomorow,Oct.11. Ammachi’s memorial mass. Will be going to Thathampally.

Sajan came a few days ago and I took him to the airport yesterday.

 

The Cardinal has gone for the Synod and hence things are quiet around here.

Oct.13.

Went to Ammachi’s mass at Thathampally. Kochayan, Gracykutty Johnachan and Cheriankunju were there for the mass. Biriyani was ordered from the restaurant.

Today, there is not much to do. Will read the Bible and take notes.

Thank you, Lord, for this time. I am now cutting watching TV at night  and spending more time on personal prayer. Thank you Lord for the health given to me. I have to be thankful to you for ,every moment in my life.

Oct27,Friday

Today is a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world according to the appeal of the Pope. Today is the The world- Peace Day.

Yesterday,  went to Alleppey together with Fr. Adoppally and  Fr.Melvettom.Went to Ramada for lunch, and proceeded to Champakulam.

Two days before, on Monday and Tuesday, the priests went on a tour to Tamilnadu and I stayed here. 

Yesterday’s trip to Alleppey was very pleasant. Spent time with Subash,Sajan and Kunjappan.

I have been trying to rewrite my matter for the new book through chat GPT and they are coming out good.

Oct.28, Saturday.

Joined the 6.30 am mass and it was OK.

Nov.2,Thursday

Yesterday,Joshy was here and took him to the houses of Mathichan,Kochayan and Leelamma. Had lunch at Leelamma’s house.

Was tired.

Cardinal’s sister passed away. The funeral is tomorrow. Will be going there in the evening to say an office for the dead.

So also, will be going to Koottummel’s house to pray for Jigy’s mother. Her funeral is tomorrow. Lord, thank you for giving me the blessing to visit and pray for them.

Nov.3, Friday

Yesterday, Nov.2, went to Vazhappally to say the prayers for Cardinal’s sister. Said a few words. Then went to Koottummel house, said prayers for the mother of Jijy.Spoke a few words mentioning that Jijy and Rekha are the pride of SBC. Also spoke about the service of Sri Koottummel.

Today at the Dining hall, the Cardinal thanked all the fathers for their presence and mentioned my name specially too. He gave me a good rosary from the Holy Father.

Today I gave the retreat talk to the sisters at the request of Fr.Kavil as he had to leave with the Cardinal for Gorakpur. But then the Cardinal changed plans because of the funeral.

Thank God for the time given to me to experience peace and joy.

Today, I placed the order for a new printer.Rs.13888. Through my Fincore card. I extended the limit from 10000 to 15000 by opening the website of Fincore as per the direction of Lijo.

Thank you,Lord, for giving me the direction. Why should I be concerned about the amount when I am spending on other things freely?

I have no words to thank the Lord for His blessings. The trip to Chy also went beautifully well because of the company of Frs Adopally and Melvettath. 

Today , went to Ekm for lunch.

Nov. 25. I went to Edappally church for the betrothal of the daughter of Francis’ brother. It was over within 15 minutes. The brother came to my room a few days ago and he presented me with a new iPhone. Francis brought me some cash gift at the Sacristy after the ceremony.I did not take meals at Edappally as it was not brought there then.Went to ekm and had  lunch there although Jogy and all had gone to Vallarpadom.

Returned to Kakkanad after 2pm.

Dec.5, Tuesday

Concelebration this morning at 6.30 am at the chapel. I will spend the whole day reading the Bible.

These past days, we had several celebrations.Jogy’s visit ,Celebration of Kochayan’s brithday at the hotel near Padma etc

On Dec.3,  I offered mass at Xime on St.Francis Xavier’s day.

Today is a free day.

Thank you, Lord for your blessings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you-45

 Thank You ,45

 

June 22,Thursday

I begin a new chapter after my return trip from the US.

June 23,Friday

I came to the Mount around 6p.m. Attended the Ramsa and met the fathers at supper. Came to know from Fathers that the Cardinal had developed a fever and was admitted to the hospital. I was also told that Bishop Vaniapurakal has got a new job as the one in charge of the Procura. Everything was calm and quiet here but the TV began to carry the news of the letter of Abp.Andrews to Fr. Narikulam telling him about serious consequences if he did not follow the directions of the Synod. The TV tonight mentioned a letter to the Synod accusing the rebels of being in cohorts with some terrorist groups like SDP etc. Again, the pot is boiling and murkier things are happening.

 

Lord, help me to spend my time with you. I have nothing else to do except to spend my time in prayer.

June 29, The Feast of Peter and Paul, Thursday

Yesterday, went to Thathampally in connection with the planning for the Feast of the church at the request of Ouseppachan. Then, went for lunch at Lizikutty's house. She does not prepare meals anymore. It  is prepared by the aid. On the way back , visited Mathaichan. Went also to the Ekm house and got a copy of the insurance. Now, the tiredness of the trip is disappearing and I can use the time for reading. Nothing else is being done. Just use the time to thank the Lord for blessing me in making the trip.

I don’t know where I placed the old small phone(Airtel). (It was found in my drawer at home.)

July 15, Saturday

Today going to Mathaichan’s house for lunch. Leelamma and Johnachan will join me.

The sad event that has happened this month is the passing away of Vakachan on July 7^th. The funeral was held on Sunday, July 9^th. The day before on July 8^th was the wedding of Sunil, the son of Jessy at the Elamkulam Church. A lot of American youngsters were present at the wedding.

It was sad that Vakachan departed from us very suddenly. Went to his house a few times. Around six priests came from the Mt for the funeral. Fr.Kavilpurayidathil gave a very nice homily which was appreciated by the children. Yesterday was the 7^{th day} of the demise and I said mass at the Karanakodam church.

Johnachan and Leelamma called just now to say that they reached here last night.

Yesterday I had breathing problems and sneezing but they subsided by the time I got ready for the 10 am mass.

The small I phone was in my drawer at Ekm. So that problem was solved. Thank you, Lord.Thank you, St.Antony.

Yesterday, wrote a short message on the successful launching of the Chandrayaan at the advice of the Cardinal, based on the ideas given by him. The newspapers carried the news the day after.

July 16,Sunday

I said the mass in the common chapel for Fr.Thuruthipally and he would take my mass on the 28^th as he felt not well today. The ladies from the Moosariparampil family with Felix and his family were present for the mass. Later Felix came to pick me up and I went to his villa to bless the house and spend sometime with them.

Yesterday , went to Mathaichan’s house for lunch with Johnachan and Leelamma who returned the night before. Now, they are here and I have someone to talk with.

On Friday, went to the Karanakodam church to say the 7^th day mass for Vakachan and then went to their house for prayers and lunch. My cold and sneezing that were bothering me ceased that morning and hence I could say the mass. I just told the choir that my singing would be minimal and they followed my directions. Hence, the mass did not take much time. The last few days were hectic with the passing away of Vakachan.

Lord,  thank you for your love and mercy. I know I have wandered far from you. . Lord, have mercy on me.

July 21, Friday

The last three days were days of mourning for Kerala with the demise of Sri Ooommen Chandy. It is as if the whole of Kerala turned out for his funeral. His body was taken from Trivandrum to Puthuppally and the body was accompanied by large crowds of people along the way and at different junctions. People were moving with the bus carrying the body in large numbers, sobbing and crying. Watching the TV had a cathartic effect. People who watched were also crying seeing the reactions of the people. All have stories of kindness about him. His life was a true living out of a Christian way of life. Unbelievable that he could touch the lives of thousands of people all across the country.

Kochayan developed a breathing problem and was taken to the Astor Hospital. He was discharged yesterday evening. Today he is at Kochumon’s house and I went there for lunch. Kochayan and Gracykutty were there. Their maid was also there. He is OK now.

 

I have also a cough problem and gas trouble. I am using ginger and also try to inhale the puff.

Things are going OK by the grace of God. I have to find my source of joy and peace in the Lord.

I don’t have any more good friends with whom I can share my feelings and thoughts.

August 1, I phone.

Another important thing is that yesterday I paid the Income tax amounting to more than one lakh 43000.Johnachan paid and I have to transfer the amount to him today.

A couple of days ago, I took the Mac Air for a change of its battery costing Rs.8000.Now it is working well.

By the grace of God, I am OK.

On Saturday, I went to Thathampally to inaugurate the Golden Jubilee for Fr. Michael Peedikayil.

Aug.8,  Tuesday

Today  went to the Priests’ home to offer my regards to Fr. Vayalil who celebrated his 90^th on Sunday.  I thought it was proper to show my respect to him.He was very much touched that I went all the way from Ekm to Chy just for him. I gave him a shawl and gave cakes to Kariachan. But he did not mention the matter of the cakes to the priests while at lunch. But he was very courteous and took the effort to serve me lunch. I had a chance to meet some of the priests while at lunch and could talk about the past in our life in their new drawing room.

The night before last , had a long sitting with the MABP and he shared some of the confabulations that were taking place in the higher-ups.We realize then how chimerical were these offices. I am happy that with my small roles to play, I can lead a quiet and happy life, spending my time in total devotion to Our Lord.

I have been suffering from a cough and my use of onion with jaggery is helping to feel some relief.

Thank you. Lord. Bless and protect me.

August 18, Friday

The Apostolic delegate issued an ultimatum to the Ekm clergy to start celebrating the Synodally prescribed form of the celebration of the mass from August 20. They have rejected it. It is going to create more commotion.

I was asked to hoist the flag on Independence Day as the Bishops were out. Gave a two-minute speech.

Will spend today reading the Bible.

 

 

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.