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Fr. Cyriac has just received his American citizenship in Boston on May 26, 2011 |
I was born in South India in Mattathipara, in the state of Karala on Sept. 10, 1967. My father, Joseph Chandy Mattathilanickal, was a native farmer, and my mother, Mariam Ezhuthanavayalil, is a fulltime housewife. My father and mother raised twelve children of which I am the second youngest. All my siblings went to nearby schools and have pursued extensive education. I have 18 nephews and nieces. I also have a brother who is a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Norwich, CT. and a sister who is a Religious Sister of the Congregation of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament who lives in India. By the way, I became a citizen of the U.S. on May 26, 2011 and I am very happy about it!
One of my many cousins is a La Salette priest, Fr. Jose Kuzhinjalil, M.S. After I completed my college, he spoke to me about the La Salette Missionaries and their ministry. I was somehow drawn to this Marian Congregation and their Charism of Reconciliation. I had reached a turning-point in my life and needed to reconcile within myself the persistent desire to pursue my vocation to the priesthood which I had felt ever since I was a teenager.
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Fr. Jose Kuzhinjalil, M.S. |
I soon entered La Salette College Seminary on the Feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15, 1990 in La Salette Bhavan, Parakadavu, about a two hour drive from my home. Since I was a college graduate and we had no La Salette Major Seminary formation houses in India, eight months later I entered Postulancy in Silang, Cavite, Philippines on May 1, 1991. I was ordained to the priesthood on Feb. 5, 1999 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Silang, Cavite, Philippines with four La Salettes.
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Exterior of Adoration Chapel, La Salette Ashram Kayakunnu, Kerala, (south) India |
Since I was new to the reality of the La Salette Missionaries, when I went to the Philippines, it was my first significant experience of the community – its charism, ministries and life. It was a fascinating experience and yet very challenging since it involved my being inculturated into the Filipino language, culture, traditions and way of life. It was very life-giving and encouraging to my vocation because of the Filipino hospitality, generosity and pervasive faith. One major change was that I was coming from an Indian population of 85% Hindus to a Filipino population of 85% Catholics – this was mind-boggling!
In my first priestly ministry experience, I was assigned to a parish that had 85,000 families with 21 bario (village) chapels, all within an hour’s drive, providing 15
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Interior of Adoration Chapel, La Salette Ashram Kayakunnu, Kerala, (south) India |
Masses each weekend. This experience, although overwhelming, was very rewarding because people were so affirming and receptive. I was simply amazed at the widespread, active involvement of the laity in so many different ministries. I was an eyewitness to the empowerment of the laity in action when it came to Marriage Encounters, Parish Renewals, Catechetical Programs (with over 300 catechists) and liturgical programs of all kinds. I felt so privileged to be in that situation. It was a marvelous experience of drawing people closer to God through the help of Our Blessed Lady.
When I was just six months ordained, one afternoon a young woman came to me carrying a paper bag. She sat down and began to cry, explaining that she was unmarried, became pregnant and was urged by her boyfriend to abort her baby. At the outset, I was shocked but felt deep compassion for her
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Mass Chapel, Parackadavu, India |
We spoke for a while and then I was able to call a parishioner friend of mine who owned a cemetery. I arranged for our celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Christian burial for her child, with herself and her boyfriend present.
That experience has brought forth in me a deep sense of humility at being God’s servant as well as an increased appreciation for our La Salette Charism of Reconciliation and its profound influence in the real life of “her people.” This event has given me a greater awareness of the terrible crime of abortion and yet the willingness of God to forgive even the most serious of sins.
As a reconciler, it is sometimes very difficult to hold in proper balance both the reality of moral evil and the merciful love of God. I could hear echoing in my mind the encouraging words of Mary at La Salette, “Come near, my children. Do not be afraid.”