Provincial's Message - February 2022
December 2019 2022-02-05 00:00:00
A priest, who had spent years in the religious congregation, approached the Guru with a restless mind. “This religious life does not make me happy at all. I want to give up this life.”
“Why do you feel that way?” The Guru asked.
“No one sets a value to my desires and likes. My superiors tell me to go back to a place I do not like. Wouldn’t it be better to give up this life and live freely?”
“You may be right. But should I ask a question? What is your actual problem? Whether your wishes are not considered or is it that the congregation does not have dreams about you?”
Since he did not reply, the Guru continued: “Son, religious life of a priest is a call to renounce one’s own will and to accomplish the will of God. Believe that God will give us what is best for us through our superiors. If we pamper our own desires, we would be away from the will of God.”
It has been only a few days since the new Provincial Council of La Salette Matha Province came in to force. We can trust that it is God’s will to entrust our province into our weak hands. We can realize that the congregation can only grow if we give priority to the dreams of God and the Church than our impulsions.
The Provincial Chapter of 2022 took place in the midst of the complications of Covid epidemic. Many serving in foreign missions were, therefore, unable to attend the Chapter. Our Superior General Rev. Fr. Silvano Marisa and General Councilor Fr. Manuel arrived in India to attend the Chapter, but unable to attend as they were affected by Covid-19. And few other priests who serve abroad and across the country couldn’t participate due to the Covid protocols. Their presence could mean a lot, even though; we should keep in mind the Word of God, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jer 29: 11).
I am also in the grip of Covid as I prepare this write-up. Let us move forward with the ray of hope in God. In the message given before the Chapter, let us recall the words of the Superior General, “Religious life, as a whole, is today experiencing a ‘winter’ of suffering for the many religious who every year leave the community and ministry, of crisis in community life, of difficulty in giving itself a true and clear identity within the Church and to the world today…”. We can recognize the fact that each of us is called to the monastic fraternity, and only when we respond standing with the community to one who called us, will our ‘frigidity’ change and the ‘warmth’ of the soul work.
La Salette Matha Province has been guided by Fr. Sajive Maliakal, Fr.Benny Thadathilkunnel, and Fr. Jojo Kachappilly since 2019 according to the will of Lord Almighty. Let us thank them for their selfless service to the growth and harmony of our congregation during their tenure.
During the Pre-Chapter was taking place, the father of Fr. Rijo Muttathil, who has been working in Germany, called to eternal rest. None could attend the funeral except Fr. Joby Muttathil. I pray for the departed soul and convey our condolences and solidarity to the family, especially to Fr. Rijo who couldn’t arrive India to see off his beloved father who became the flower of the garden of God.
Let us praise God for giving us a new House at Chemperi. I take this opportunity to congratulate the newly ordained priests Fr. Tinto Kalapurackal and Fr. Nikhil Thekkineth for their ardent reply to His call. And also I send prayerful wishes to Fr. Joemon Edakkala, who started working in our mission in Phoenix.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Superior General Ver. Rev. Fr. Silvano Marisa and Rev. Fr. Manuel, as well for being with us last month.
Fr. Bino Poovannikunnel, Fr. Anoop Manchirayil, and I will be with you in all the matters of our congregation in the days to come. Be assured of my prayers. Let us work together for the people of God. May God bless you all!
Yours in Our Lady of La Salette
Fr. Jenson Chenthrappinny MS
Provincial Superior
