PROVINCIAL CIRCULAR

My dear Confreres,  

Christmas is the festival of the human heart. It is a time of the year when the entire universe conspires to raise the vibratory level of consciousness on earth to one of peace and love toward ourselves and one another. This season resonates to the sweet, childlike innocence that resides in all of us. It is the time when the heavenly forces inspire us to shift our focus away from fear and toward one of joy, and healing.   

Advent invites each one of us to enter the season of Christmas with the intention of being a personal messenger of light and love, and celebrate in the name of service to the little one in the manger. Nothing transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary more directly than the intention to do whatever we are doing with the desire to serve Him. When we celebrate the season with such an intention and desire, we not only experience Christmas but we actually become Christmas: an agent of renewed life and a messenger of peace and love. Dear confreres let us respond responsibly to the call of the season. I wish you all Happy Christmas.

Visitation to Europe, USA and UK

From the October 13, 2007 to November 28, 2007 I have been away to Europe, England and USA. It was a long period but it was marked by a series of cordial meetings with confreres, benefactors, friends and officials. It was a time of grace and blessings. 

Visit to Germany

During my last visitation in April 2007 I was unable to visit Frs. Y. Mathias, Binod Puthenpurackal and Thomas Mekat. So I took some time to be with them in the beginning of my visit. Fr. Mathias started his ministry in Germany earlier than others and was affiliated to the Generalate till recently. Since some time he is back to the province like any other confreres in Germany and Austria. He is in “Marktheidenfeld” in the diocese of Wuerzburg with a wonderful Parish Priest. Fr. Binod is in the parish at Gunzenhausen in the diocese of Eichstaett as ‘Kaplan’ (Assistant Parish Priest) and is doing well in his ministry. Fr. Mekat is in Berching, also in the diocese of Eichstaett. All are appreciated for their services in the respective parishes. Although the time was short I also made a flying visit to Frs. George Chirayil, Sibi Manickathan, Tomy Mullasseril and James Mukalel. Fr. Mukalel is now in a new Parish and it is even bigger than the first one. I also spent some time to visit some benefactors in Austria and Germany.

Visit to Austria

Frs. Bobby Punthenparambil and Sibichen Kochuveetil have a parish each assigned to them from the Augustinian Monastery in Klosterneuburg, near Vienna. The parishes are of the Archdiocese of Vienna but are entrusted to the Monastery for administration. The monastery is immensely helpful for us in the realisation of the projects in Tejas and the NEST (children’s village). During my short visit to Austria I had the opportunity to celebrate the weekend masses in the parishes of Fr.Sibichen Kochuveettil in Neustift, Vienna and Fr. Bobby Puthenparambil in Sievering, Vienna. They are very much liked and appreciated as pastors in their respective parishes.

Visit to Spain and the University of Burgos

Fr. Shibu and I went to Burgos in Spain on 22 October 2007. Fr. Shibu came to Italy to take part in a symposium on “children in shadows”. We stayed with Fr. Jesus Maria Alvarez, a professor of the University of Burgos who with few students were guests of Fides India in August 2007. They are extremely interested to be in contact with us and the children of NEST. The contact has been established by Fr. Jose Kumblolickal who has been a student of the University of Burgos and Fr. Jesus is his personal friend. Fr. Jesus Maria Alvarez and the students were extremely cordial and took care of us wonderfully. We had meetings with the students of the faculty and the professors. The project NEST and the various activities of FidesIndia were highlighted by Fr. Shibu and there was an interactive session with the students thereafter. Fr. Jesus Maria Alvarez, together with the students has vouched to support us in our venture.

Visit to USA

Fr. Shibu and I went to Burgos in Spain on 22 October 2007. Fr. Shibu came to Italy to take part in a symposium on “children in shadows”. We stayed with Fr. Jesus Maria Alvarez, a professor of the University of Burgos who with few students were guests of Fides India in August 2007. They are extremely interested to be in contact with us and the children of NEST. The contact has been established by Fr. Jose Kumblolickal who has been a student of the University of Burgos and Fr. Jesus is his personal friend. Fr. Jesus Maria Alvarez and the students were extremely cordial and took care of us wonderfully. We had meetings with the students of the faculty and the professors. The project NEST and the various activities of FidesIndia were highlighted by Fr. Shibu and there was an interactive session with the students thereafter. Fr. Jesus Maria Alvarez, together with the students has vouched to support us in our venture.

MSFS Community in Elk Grove

The MSFS Community in Elk Grove Village comprising of Frs. Mathew Elayadathamadam, Tom Pannalakunnel and Binu Edathumparambil are doing wonderful ministry. They are chaplains to ABHS (Alexian Brothers Health System). The ministry is quite strenuous and challenging but they do it with a cheerful heart. They need to be available everyday including on duty call at weekends. It is hectic especially in the morning as they have to be ready for ministry as early as 7.30. a.m. During my visit I also had the opportunity for a meeting with Bishop Jacob Angadiath, the Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago. A meeting also was organised with the Superior General, Provincial of the Alexian Brothers and the Director of the Medical Centre.

Fr. Mathew is the superior of the community and makes sure of a good and homely atmosphere in the house. He is full time chaplain and helps out also in one or the other parishes in the neighbourhood and has good rapport with some of the diocesan priests. It is straining to do this job but he will continue to do it for the good of the province. Thank you Fr. Mathew for your commitment and love.

Fr.Tom Pannalakunnel besides his duty as Chaplain and counsellor in the Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital has started also his studies. He is doing his “Doctor of Education in Counselling and Supervision” in the University of Shaumberg near Chicago. He has already completed a semester. I appreciate the commitment with which Tom is on duty knowing fully well he needs to be available at the earliest for service in the Province.

Fr. Binu Edathumparambil has applied already to various universities and waiting for reply to do his Doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology. He is trying to get a scholarship as the studies in the US are immensely expensive. Although only four students may get the chance to avail a scholarship from among 200 Fr. Binu still hopes that he will be one among the four. We wish him all the best. Fr. Binu will continue to work with the Alexian Brothers either in St. Louis or Milwaukee depending on where he gets a scholarship. We wish him all the best. .

Dawison/ Michigan

I flew from Chicago to Flint/Michigan where Fr. George Puraidom was awaiting me. He is a member of the newly constituted American Region but is very much involved in the life and activities of the South West Province. He is Associate Pastor in St. John the Evangelist Church, Davison in the diocese of Lansing. I could celebrate the Mass on All Saints day in the Parish of Fr. George. Fr. George is very much appreciated and loved by the parishioners. I was immensely happy to meet some confreres from other provinces and really enjoyed the wonderful Indian meals prepared by our confreres Frs.Kurian Kollapally of East African Province, S. Joseph Xavier, A. John Peter, Ambrose John Peter and Arockiaselvam of Chennai Region. Fr. Aulanadam working in West Indies mission was also on visit. We gathered in the presbytery of Fr. Santiagu who was on holidays during this time.

The Confreres in Atlanta

A two hour flight from Michigan took me to Atlanta. Fr. Mullakara picked me up at the Airport, one of the biggest airports in the United States.

He took me to Fr. Jose Maliekal at Marietta/Ga. in the Archdiocese of Atlanta where Fr. Jose is Associate Pastor in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. It is a large parish and Jose in his simplicity and meticulous commitment to duty is loved and appreciated in the parish. After the Mass of All Souls which I celebrated with Fr. Jose in the Parish and after the customary procession to the Resurrection Garden (a place where all the dead of the Parish are remembered), I proceeded to continue the visitation.

Fr. Mullakara took me to the Cathedral of Christ the King, where he is Associate Pastor. It is a huge Parish with many Associate Pastors and employees. The American Parishes are wonderfully organized and we can see scores of voluntary workers doing ministry and work for the parish. I met the Pastor of the Cathedral, an Irish Monsignor, deeply religious and wonderfully committed. Fr. Joseph Mullakara is now a member of the American Region but still keeps up his love for the work and apostolate of the South West Province. Fr. Mullakara has been instrumental in organizing funds for the province and I deeply cherish his love for the confreres and the works of the Congregation.

Fr. Cyriac Ummikuzhiyil picked me up from Atlanta and drove our way to Clarksville, to St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Fr. Cyriac stays alone in a house, cooking his food and doing pastoral ministries in Clarksville and Claxville. A visit to his parish and to the pastor of the parish was followed by a Mass I celebrated in the Parish Church along with him. Some friends of Fr. Cyriac invited us for an exquisite Mexican Meal. Fr. Cyriac has passed already his TOFEL and is busy preparing for GRE, the qualifying examination to do studies in any American University. Fr. Cyriac hopes to start soon his doctoral program in Education in one of the universities and at the same time to be an associate pastor in a parish. .

The Syro-Malabar Parish in Loganville, Atlanta

Fr. Mullakara picked me up again from Clarksville and brought me to Villa Luyet in Loganville, Atlanta. It is our recently purchased house where Fr. John De Vore and Fr. Kurian Karickal live. On Sunday November 4, I had the joy of celebrating the Holy Eucharist with the Syro- Malabar Community at Atlanta. The Church is in the neighbouring property of Villa Luyet. Fr. Joseph Mullakara, Fr. Joseph Kuzhuppil and Fr. Kurian Karickal have done yeomen service to creating such a wonderful Syro-Malabar community there which is now under the jurisdiction of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago. Fr. Kurian has done a wonderful work of organising the community which is one among the three best in the Syro-Malabar diocese of Chicago. A Church is built by him with the cooperation of all Parishioners.





Alexian Village of Tennessee

Fr. Joseph Kuzhuppil picked me up from Atlanta and we came to the Alexian Village of Tennessee in Signal Mountain. It is a village for retired people which have different components. Some are in assisted living category, where they are semi-independent, some need partial caring and others need round the clock medical care. It is a village of over 3000 people. He is the “sunshine” for so many old and infirm people. He is readily available for any service and is highly appreciated for what he is and what he does. He stays in one of the apartments in the village and takes part actively whenever possible in the activities of the community of brothers. Almost the whole of his salary is therefore made available for the work of the province. He was keenly interested in acquiring books for Tejas and Suvidya College and has sent already some consignments to these places. I thank Fr. Kuzhuppil for his keen interest in the work of the province and his personal interest in the growth of it.

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Fr. Mathew Thottiyil and Fr. Francis Kizhakkethazhe were in the Airport at Houston to take me to the Parish of Fr. Mathew Thottiyil. The Archbishop and the diocesan Administration of Houston is very appreciative of the presence of MSFS in the Archdiocese. This was made very clear to me by the Auxiliary Bishop and Msgr. Sheltz, the person in charge of the priests during a very cordial meeting we had with them.

Fr. Mathew Thottiyil is Parochial Vicar in St. Theresa’s Parish, Sugarland. This Parish is meanwhile very much connected with various activities of the Province. They regularly sent a contribution to Charis Niketan, take an annual collection for the mission work of the province and through its various groups support more than seven seminarians. This shows already the popularity and acceptance of Fr. Mathew in the parish. They love him and are enchanted by his simplicity as he has always a broad smile on his face. Fr. Mathew gets deeply involved even in all the minute activities of the province.

Fr. Francis Kizhakkethazhe is Parochial Vicar of Notre Dame Church, near Houston. This parish has a large number of Philippinos and other ethnic groups. With his excellent oratory and pastoral skills he is a very successful person. He is very much loved and appreciated by all. He is new to the parish but tries his best to be doing something beneficial to the Province. Thank you Fr. Francis.

Fr. George Vattapara is also new to the Archdiocese as he is there only from July 2007. He has done services in the diocese of Birmingham for sometime. St. Anthony of Padua Parish is a large Parish in woodlands about an hour drive from Houston. The Parish is housing the cream of the society in that area and Fr. George is loved and accepted very much in the parish. We wish him all the best.

Fr. Santy Kochupurackal, though a newcomer in the US feels himself at home in the company of a wonderful Parish Priest, Fr. Drew. St. Laurence is a large Parish consisting of 5500 families where Fr. Santy keeps himself busy with various pastoral activities. The Pastor had invited the whole community of MSFS for a lunch and it was wonderful to see how appreciative he is of the priests and the services they do there.

Wellspring Tyler

From Houston Frs. Mathew Thottiyil and Francis took me to Wellspring, Tyler. Wellspring is a flourishing Spirituality centre and Fr. Augustine has wonderfully built it up. Here no course on spirituality is given but people are helped to be spiritual. Fr. Augustine conducts regular spiritual conferences and meditations for those interested. A number of people come to him for personal spiritual direction and counselling. I was amazed at the collection of his personal writings consisting of meditations, courses, homilies and conferences. Fr. Augustine gives his daily reflections and homily hints through the website of wellspring which can be accessed through www.wellspringcommunity.net Fr. Augustine has always kept a good rapport with the province and its members. I wish Fr. Augustine all the best for his ministry as Regional Superior.

Fr. Sebastian Conrad although new to the diocese of Tyler feels himself quite at ease with American way of life. He is Parochial Vicar and is getting used to the life in the parish. He is doing extremely well and is very much liked by his parishioners and the Pastor. We wish him a fruitful ministry there.

VISIT TO ENGLAND

I reached London on 22 November 2007. Fr. Martin Griffin, the Provincial of the English province was kind enough to pick me up from the Heathrow Airport. I thank him for his friendliness and wonderful hospitality. Besides being the Provincial he is also Parish Priest of St. Francis de Sales, Hampton Hill.

Northampton

Fr. Jean Patrice, the youngest member of the English Province and Assistant P.P. to Fr. Sunny Paul in Yeovil, took me to the Cathedral of Northampton, where Fr. Benny Valiaveettil is assistant Parish Priest. He is very much loved by the people of both England and Kerala, by the Parish Priest and the Bishop. Benny excels himself as a preacher, spiritual guide and a good gardener. Although he has a heavy schedule, he has started his studies in Heythrop College for “Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy”. As a mark of great acknowledgement for the valuable service that Fr. Benny renders to the diocese, the Bishop has agreed to finance his whole studies. In Northampton I met also Justin who intends to join our province in July 2008 and his family. Justin is a deeply interested young lad from Kerala, who has completed his plus two in England and wants to follow up his cherished dream of becoming a priest. Welcome Justin.


Yeovil

Fr. Sunny Paul is the Parish Priest in Yeovil and is assisted by Fr. Jean Patrice and Fr. George Valliamthadathil. Fr. Sunny although juridically belonging to the Province of England, is deeply involved in the life of the South-West province and is very much interested in its growth. I met Jim Lodge, Joselyn from Philippines and Norma who heads a small group in the parish which try hard to support our seminarians. Thank you Fr. Sunny for what you are and what you do. I thank also the lovely people of the parish who pray for our seminarians and support their studies.

Fr. George Valliamthadathil assists Fr. Sunny in the Parish and at the same time serves the Syro-Malabar Community in the vicinity of Yeovil. During his time in England he also did his Masters in “Theology and Ministry” which he has completed with a first class. Congratulations to Fr. George. He is expected to be back to the Province in the month of January 2008 to be available for the service of the province.

I had a wonderful meeting with Fr. Alan Blackford a retired MSFS priest, a great symbol of MSFS religiosity, simplicity, gentleness and patience. You feel so good to be in the presence of Fr. Blackford, who is a good photographer and painter. I have been presented with two of his paintings which will surely have a place of honour in the New Provincial House.

Devizes

From Yeovil Fr. Jean Patrice took me to Devizes to meet Fr. Philip the Parish Priest and Fr. Saji Neendoor his assistant. Fr. Saji is very much loved and appreciated by the parishioners and renders his service also to the Syro-Malabar communities nearby. From Devizes I came back to London and Fr. Andrew, the assistant at St. Francis de Sales, Hampton Hill took me to Heathrow Airport to catch my flight to Bangalore and reach in HAL Bangalore on 29 November at 6.30 a.m.


Thanks to Fr. Johnny Kanjiramparambil

During my absence Fr. Johnny was the Provincial Vicar and I thank him sincerely for having taken care of the Province during my absence. .

SFS Vidyashram, Aluva
The Provincial Council which met on June 20, 2007 discussed the Report and recommendation of the Commission on SFS Vidyashram comprising of the Convenor Fr. Jose Parapillil, and members Frs. Abraham Vettuvelil and Thomas Chennakattukunnel. As suggested and recommended by the Commission the Provincial Council also felt that short term courses could be started at the earliest in the centre. Some of the programmes suggested by the confreres and recommended by the commission were also endorsed in the council.

The Provincial Council which met in August 2007 had decided to appoint Fr. Jose Parapillil as the Director of the proposed programme at SFS Vidyashram. I am immensely grateful to Fr. Jose that he has consented to take up this great responsibility. The council unanimously felt that he is the right person to take up this new ministry as he is familiar with the place, situation and the people. He is also in good contact with the ecclesiastical authorities.

The question was discussed in the council whether we want to conduct programmes only for religious or also programmes of secular nature. It was felt that programmes conducted can be open to all. Some of the courses proposed are: Managerial skills, Accounting, School Administration, Mass Media and communication etc. Other programmes could be organised in view of target groups, like children, youth, couples, seminarians, priests, sisters etc. Fr. Jose will take up his residence in Aluva with effect from 10th December, 2007. The house may need some modifications to accommodate the proposed programmes.

Pastoral Sociology Institute

PSI, the brainchild of Fr. Kurian Aranjanil, started in 1980 at Pune and later had its office in Hyderabad. The office was shifted to Bangalore in 1990 and later shifted to Malur. PSI is a registered social service society of the MSFS of South West Province. It was officially registered as an NGO in 1982 in Hyderabad. PSI has been engaged in a variety of developmental and social activities ever since. Fr. Kurian nurtured and gave shape to it. He built the centre in Malur, started Asha Bhavan a short stay home for the battered women and children in distress in collaboration with the Sisters of the Holy Cross of Chavanod. Although the day-to-day running of Asha Bhavan rests with the sisters, it is still a project of the PSI. It is funded by the ministry of Human Resource Development of the Government of India. There are 28 women and 14 children. He initiated a number of programs in Adult Education (non formal education). Gradually PSI became one of the leading NGOs of Kolar Dt. Fr. Kurian also started the Distant Adoption Programme for the poor children of our Mission in Kolar Dt. and 60 children are being helped to enjoy the privilege of a good education. He pioneered the establishment of Credit Union in all our parishes in Karnataka. Fr. Kurian had a vision of an MSW college way back in the 90s, and bought the present piece of land at Chettupalaya, Kengeri towards this purpose.

As Fr. Kurian was elected General Procurator to the Holy See Fr. George Puraidom was appointed as the Executive Director on 20.1.1996. He has not only continued the good work started by Fr. Kurian but also further stabilised the PSI as an NGO. Fr. George also started taking up various other projects for PSI. He started the Swashakti, a women empowerment programme by forming Self Help Groups (SHGs) for rural women. 78 SHGs in urban and rural areas of Malur were formed. The Functional Vocational Training Centre in Kolar which evolved into Technical Training Centre and now known as De Sales Technical Training and Skill Development Centre has been a cherished project of Fr. George. He put enormous amount of energy and time into the execution of this project. He started Vocational Training Courses in Electrical, Electronics and Telephone Operator besides the Automobile mechanism. Under his able leadership subunits of PSI were started in our missions at different places which are now well-functioning units of PSI. The PSI started taking up governmental projects for development during his tenure. With a pioneering enthusiasm Fr. Benny Marangolil in Savanur started developmental projects in collaboration with Andheri Hilfe and Sujala Project of Karnataka Government in collaboration with World Bank. Fr. Jabamalai in his short tenure as Director of PSI unit in Kukanoor also followed suit. JSYS project taken up in Kolar and Malur by Fr. George and later continued by Fr. Joshy are milestones in the development of PSI as an excellent NGO. Fr. George also initiated a project of housing in Malur the Jesus Jubilee Nagar together with Habitat India and the FMA, which today houses 20 families,

Fr. Joshy Thazhathukunnel took over as the Executive Director in 2004 and continued the good works started by his predecessors. Fr. Joshy executed the project taken up by Fr. George which is nearing completion. Fr. Rajkumar continues the social work in Kuknoor and has done a project with the Indo-German Social Service Society and now taken up a project to give education for the school dropouts. Fr. Salvador continues to be the Director of the centre in PSI Savanur and the Sujala Project. There are a number of fathers who were associated in the past with PSI. Fr. Mathew Kalathungal stood by the side of Fr. Kurian Aranjanil for a number of years and has developed the land of the PSI in Kengeri, where he is again back as the Superior. I gratefully remember Frs. Joseph Pulpara, Devasia Kalapura, Thomas Illikkattil, Benny Marangolil, Shibu Thundathil, Mathew Mamala, Sibi Manickathan, Josey Ponnambal, A. Jerome, Y. Mathias, A. Jabamalai, Salvador Fernandes, S. Rajkumar, A. C. Arockianathan,Biju Palamkunnel , and the then regents Santy Kochupurackal, James Panickerveettil, Benny Valiaveetil, Pangiraj and D. Robert

PSI will continue to function as an NGO from the Head office which will hitherto be in Vinayalaya, Bangalore. Fr. Benny Marangolil took over the PSI and has now already initiated a government project for Chennarayapatna, which we hope to get sanctioned soon.

Transfers and Appointments:

1. Fr, Jose Parapillil is appointed as Director of SFS Vidyashram, Aluva to initiate the proposed program there, with effect from 10.December 2007
2. Fr. Benny Marangolil is appointed as the Executive Director of PSI with effect from 12 October 2007
3. Fr. Santy Kochupurackal is appointed by the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston to be associate Pastor in the Parish of St. Laurence, Sugarland. His address: Fr. Santy Kurian, St. Laurence, 3100 Sweetwater Blvd. Sugar Land, Tx 77479, USA, santykoch@yahoo.com
4. Fr. Roji Kuttivayalil is appointed as priest in charge of the ministry to migrants in the city of Mysore and its periphery and Jesus Youth with effect from 15th October, 2007.
5. Fr. Selvaraj is appointed to be associate pastor in St. Francis de Sales Church, Hebbagodi with effect from 1st November, 2007.
6. Fr. Dijo Koikkara is appointed to the community at Charis Bhavan with effect from 09th September, 2007.

Please mark the following dates in your calendar
The following deacons are due to be ordained as priests on:

Diaconate
Bro. Shalbin Marottikudy will be ordained Deacon on December 22, 2007 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Sebastian Thekkethecherril, Bishop of Vijayapuram at Immaculate Heart Cathedral, Kottayam

Let us pray for the sick

Fr. Mathew Thudianplackal had a heart attack on 30th November and was first admitted to Baptist Hospital, Bangalore. He was shifted to Narayana Hrudyalaya on 2nd November. The Angiogram test suggests that he has two blocks in the coronary artery. However an operation is possible only after getting clearance from the Bangalore Institute of Oncology, where Fr. Mathew has been under treatment till now.

Bro. Antony Nedungatt was admitted to Medical Centre, Kottayam. With the consent of Bro. Antony and in consultation with Fr. Devasia Kuzhuppil he was shifted to Charis Niketan for better care and assistance. Recently he has developed complications and was in the medical centre. Now he is again back to Charis Niketan and I thank the Charis Bhavan community which looks after the needs of Bro. Anthony.

Please pray also for Thresiamma, the mother of Fr. George Puraidom who had a cerebral Haemorrhage and was quite serious. Now she is recuperating but still not O.K.

Let us pray for the sick

Br. Marius AVRILLON from the Franco Swiss Province, aged 84 years.
Mr. Birsay Lakra, aged 81, the father of Bro. Lakra Giridari, expired on November 1, 2007.

Glimpses from the Life of the Province

Tejas

On 29 November 2007 during the Eucharistic Celebration at 11.30 a.m. I administered the ministry of Acolyte to 12 brothers of the second year theology and the ministry of Lector to five brothers of the first Year theology. The function was attended by the fathers from Vinayalaya and the Mermier Bhavan community. Congratulations to our brothers.

Fr. Thomas Mattakarathundiyil and our friends and benefactors in Europe.

Fr. Thomaskutty is back to India on the 6th October and is in Charis Bhavan from that time. Some minor modifications have been made for a room to suit the needs of Fr. Thomas. But the rooms are small and it is difficult for him to move with his wheel chair. We have started already the construction of a special room for him.

Although many proposals of appointments were given to him, Thomaskutty felt that he could do some type of meaningful ministry in Charis Bhavan. Even as a student he was very much interested in the Preaching ministry and with his association with Fr. Manjackal from February to October 2007 he got confirmed that in a retreat centre like Charis Bhavan he can reach out at least to some people. We wish him all the best and we assure you, Thomaskutty that we are with you.

Thomaskutty was first in the Guttmann Institute in Badelona, Barcelona, Spain. But the proposed treatment could not take place there as he had bed sores which they could not bring under control. As it was found that the treatment in Barcelona was not doing him good he was shifted to Austria for operation and further rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation and treatment of Fr. Thomaskutty in Spain and in Austria would not have been possible, had it not been for the love and care of our friends and benefactors and well-wishers in Spain, Germany, Austria and South Africa. First of all it is Fr. James Manjackal who took special interest in Thomaskutty. Fr. James considers it as a special Blessing for him although he had to undergo many sufferings. Dr. Richie Febres-Landauro and his mother Gabi Landauro stood at his side in the great decision of taking him to Europe. They are really wonderful people. May I make use of this opportunity to thank Fr. James for what he is and still continues to be for Thomaskutty. He kept contact with Thomaskutty everyday through a telephone call or through repeated visits. Dr. Richie accompanied Fr. Thomas on his to and fro journey and was a strong help for Thomaskutty during his stay in Europe. I know they have done it for their Love of God which has been the motivating factor for them to do this wonderful service to their brother in need. I have no words to express my gratitude to them. But still I say “A Big Thank you” to Richie and Gabi in the name of all the confreres.

The Huebner Family is really great. They took Thomaskutty from Barcelona in Spain to Linz in Austria, crossing 3 borders although Thomaskutty possessed no more a valid visa at that time. They risked a lot, but I am sure they did it because they knew what they were doing and why they were doing it. Drs. Christoff and Helena Huebner along with their two sons Johannes and Christoff also took care of Fr. Thomaskutty as he was in Austria. Their personal care for him is greater than the money and material help they gave for his rehabilitation. They have sent him back to India with all possible medicines for a year. Thank you Dr. Christoff, Dr. Helena and you Johannes and Christoff. Thank you for being brothers and sister to Fr. Thomaskutty. I need also to thank Elizabeth Reisinger, Alex and Stephanie from Cape Town, South Africa, and a number of other benefactors who helped both materially and with their prayers Fr. Thomaskutty and us in the process of his rehabilitation. I thank also all the doctors who treated him in Austria and in Barcelona. MSFS Congregation and especially the South West Province is very much indebted to all these great people. They are today not only the friends of Thomaskutty and Fr. Manjackal but now friends of all of us. Once again, thank you and May God Bless you and reward you abundantly for all what you have done to the least of your brother. We promise you our prayers.

Yours Sincerely,

Fr. Mathew Kozhuppakalam msfs

Provincial

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