Provincial's Message - June 2022

December 2019 2022-06-02 00:00:00

Let me recount an experience at the Council of the Congregation held in Rome last month. One day, the celebrant of the Holy Eucharist was Rev. Fr. Manuel Medina, the provincial superior of Philippines. Surprising everyone, before the concluding prayer, he burst into tears:

“Dear fathers, many of you may not know that I am a cancer patient.  I still live by the divine providence of the Lord after many cycles of chemotherapy. As I stand before you, I thank God for his care and love.  I consider it as a great privilege to be able to attend this meeting and to see all of you as well as to see Holy Father Pope Francis. These days have been the days of wonders for me. I do not think this is possible without the mercy of God. The Almighty has brought me so far from the brink of death. During my days of suffering and agony, I realized the love and care of my Congregation. The members of my community extended their arms of love toward me. I’m most proud to be a La Salette!”

The melting words of Fr. Manuel touched everyone’s heart deeply.  All of us felt the presence and fillings of the Holy Spirit then.

How great is the realization that every moment of this life is wonderful? At the same time, isn’t it great to be able to recognize God’s mercy, brotherly prosperity and religious glory in the days of suffering?

It is in the midst of suffering, misunderstanding, sickness, isolation, rejection etc., our commitment to the master faces challenges. During these moments, some draw closer to God while others turn away from God.

Dear fathers and brothers, for me, the Council of the Congregation was a time to recognize the vastness and depth of our congregation. There is a ‘La Salatte’ that lives not only in India but also across the horizons in many colors and cultures. How blessed we have to realize that ‘he’ is a brother gifted to me by my congregation.

I had the opportunity to make the Canonical Visitation to our membership at France and Germany. Father Robin Vallattu MS, has overcome the initial struggles and hardships. He is happily serving the international community by licking the greasy French language and goes through the process of recognizing the uniqueness of priesthood amidst the crises.

The situation is not different in Germany. All five of our brother priests are rendering commendable services. It is not easy for them to master German language, to adjust with climate, culture, and the heavy demands in the ministry. In spite of all these struggles, their weekly gatherings and sharing are a source of inspiration and encouragement to upbring the value of religious fraternity and the charism of reconciliation.  Their lives are really a witness to their Vicars and parishioners.

“Even though I am a diocesan priest, I find joy in brotherhood and fraternity. Despite the possibility of eating alone in my rectory, I have decided to dine with my Indian brother, Fr. Jineesh. I do believe that the friendship and brotherhood would be stronger when Fr. Rijo Muttathil arrives here”, Father Uwe Börner’s words are also inspiring (He is the Pastor of Fr. Jineesh and Fr. Rijo).

As you all know, June is a month dedicated to the Devotion of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us submit ourselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  We hope that all the Superiors will take the lead in dedicating and blessing our houses and institutions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the 24th of this month. I extend prayerful greetings to Fr. Benjamin and Dn. Anson for their ministry in the Diocese of Adilabad in Telangana.  Special congratulations to Dn. George, who started Deacon Ministry at La Salette Nilayam, and Dn. Joyal, who took over as Vocation Promoter.  Congratulations and God’s blessings to everyone else who has taken on new responsibilities.

I would like to remind everyone in prayer to remember Father Jose Punnakunnel, as he realizes the suffering face of Jesus in his sickness. May the good Lord, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, console and strengthen him to bear witness in this time of pain and agony. Let us continue our prayers for our Superior General Very. Rev. Fr. Silvano Marisa as he is in the process of healing and recovery.

Prayerful wishes to our brothers who have recently joined La Salette Bhavan Minor Seminary this year. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate all the vocation promotors for their earnest efforts to bring these young ones to the seminary. Let us pray for their perseverance and also for more vocations to the Church and to our congregation.

Let us remember each other in prayer.  Let the tears of our Mother at La Salette intercede for us.  “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28). May this word of God enlighten our hearts.

 

 Yours in Our Lady of La Salette

  Fr. Jenson Chenthrappinny MS