The first vicar of St.Thomas syromalabar Catholic Church, the Reverend Fr.Jaison Vadakumchery said a fond farewell to the parish before moving to pastures new.

Parishioners packed the Montfort technical institute Hall on Sunday (June 16) to say a goodbye to Fr.Jaison who is leaving after four and half years of service to pursue higher studies in Florance.

Fr.Jaison Vadakumchery was born on 25th July 1980. He hails from the Parish of St.Thomas Forance Church, Ambozhakad of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda. After his ecclesiastical studies at Irinjalakuda, Vadavathoor – Kottayam, Poonamallee-Chennai he was ordained Priest on 27th December 2007 by his Excellency Mar Joseph Pastoral Neelankavil. After the one year pastoral service as the Assistant Parish Priest, Pariyaram he was appointed as the Parish Priest of St.Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Parish, Little Mount w.e.f 01st February 2009.

Under his ministry, the parish witnessed spectacular growth, both spiritually and institutionally. From a community of few catholic faithful, gathering in the convenience provided by a church of Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore, with his prayer, fasting and penance he led the Eucharistic community in an exodus which culminated in establishing a fully functional parish. He leaves the parish after purchasing a land of its own to erect a new church.

Equally or more important is the spiritual foundation he has laid among the parish members. In the evenings he used to out in search of his people, to their homes, listen to them like a kind father. With his humble nature, and simple priesthood, he won souls for Christ.

Church trustee Mr.Vargeese Paul spoke of Fr.Fr.Jaison’s determination, simplicity and deep faith in divine providence which in just over four years has transformed a community of handful of catholic faithful into a fully functional catholic Parish. Mr.Vargheese recounted how Fr.Jaison guided his people in great challenges that the parish has faced.

Rev Sr.Delsie CHF superior of mariyam thresia convent, referred to Fr.Jaison’s “spirituality, manifold development of parish organizations and his loving ministry to those in need.”

Farewell to Rev.Fr.Jaison Vadakumchery – Gallery

Secretary of the church Mr.Tony C Thazhekkadan, narrated how he has seen Fr.Jaison many a times going out in search of faithful who are yet to be joined in the community. He likened the pastoral care of Fr.Jaison to that of a mother bird building a nest for her little ones and then feeding the nestlings.

Mrs.Jisha Christy, representing the catechism department thanked Fr.Jaison for his dynamic leadership which has ensured the fledging parish bagged three ranks in the scholarship exams. She also highlighted how Fr.Jaison took personal initiatives to raise the children in deep rooted spirituality and morality. She told that, as the director of catechism department he was a source of motivation and inspiration.

Representing the youth, Mr.Alvin Joseph shared his experience with Fr.Jaison. He said that for the youth of the parish, the outgoing vicar, was a fatherly figure, sincerely concerned about their daily life, fondly calling them as ‘my son’. Ms.Anumol, also representing the youth, said about how Reverend led an exemplary priestly ministry befitting a holy priesthood in union with Christ.

Mr.Tom George, from the church choir remembered the choir practice sessions as great moments of joy as Fr.Jaison provided them with not only proper guidance and inspiration, but also sang along them. He also highlighted the initiative by Fr.Jaison in the formation of separate choirs for youth, children, mathrusangham and family units.

On behalf of mathrusangham (Association of mothers), Mrs.Sheeja Thomas expressed heartfelt gratitude to the support and care provided by Fr.Jaison to the association and wished him all success in future endeavours.

Earlier, parish trustee Dr.Kurien Jospeh delivered the welcome address. On behalf of the parish community, Dr.Kurien presented Fr.Jaison with a memento inscribed with the parishioners’ message.

Mrs.Sophia Joseph, headmistress of the catechism department, organized and hosted the meeting.

Replying to his community, Fr.Jaison related the numerous events in which he found God using him as an instrument for building the kingdom of heaven. He also thanked all sections of parish community and local Christians for all the love and support he had received. He also assured of his special prayers for the Littlemount Parish.

Fr.Jaison, whose homilies in simple language directly speak to his people’s heart, left the community with two final messages – Not to be carried away by material achievements, but to remember how God alone has provided, and secondly, to have steadfast faith in divine providence.

Further to the meeting, the parishioners shared a farewell lunch with Rev.Fr.Jaison wishing him all success and prayers.
Fr.Jaison – who gave his final service at St.Thomas Syromalabar Catholic church, on 16th June,2013 – is also chaplain to Adayar community, and also served as the central director of Chennai Syromalabar Catholic Movement.

Jinto
Littlemount Parishoner