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James & Alice Kutticherry are among the founding members of the SMCB community. They pride themselves on being part of SMCB and have always encouraged fellow parishioners in their walk with God. They share a common love for food, travel and long conversations. Above all, this is a couple who delights themselves in the company of the Lord. In their own words - “We have a hot line with our ABBA”
They live in Marlborough with their adorable pet Rocky.
Though we have not seen or spoken to many of you over the last year, Alice and I have been safely at home, missing you and our community because of the pandemic we know all too well. As the oldest man in our loving community, I have had to be particularly careful throughout the last year. Though it has been difficult at times, the pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to sit quietly in prayer and reflection. Here is my little tale of our fond friendship with St. Joseph to whose protective patronage we have all been presented by our Holy father Pope Francis.
In July of 1952, I became gravely ill with typhoid fever, an illness that, at the time, was lethal for many people. I, too, was nearly dead in a hospital bed in Kerala. My family, having nowhere else to turn but their deep faith, called on St. Joseph, who came to my timely rescue. He has kept me close to him and his Son Jesus ever since; and for that proximity I am grateful.
Having grown up in the backwaters of Kerala (Kuttanadu), my family was vulnerable to the wild vagaries of the weather, often calling on saints and angels for their much-needed intercession. “Comforter of the afflicted”, as he is known to be, St. Joseph had many churches in our diocese named after him, as well as an orphanage, several convents, a printing press, a book shop and even several buses. He remained a friend to every family in need. He remains a familiar father figure to every praying Syro-Malabar family.
And so he remained throughout my life, even as I left Kerala for new and unfamiliar places. In July of 1972, my studies took me to Montreal, Canada. The Oratory of St. Joseph, a famous shrine, is located in Montreal, and I soon came to love visiting the impressive building on “Mount Royal”.
Alice and I married in 1978, and by 1984 I had three boys. The youngest, Joshua, is a lawyer today, and would also profess his love and gratitude to St. Joseph for his paternal care. Unlike his two older brothers, Joshua took a longer time than normal in his mother’s womb and had to be delivered through a late-term Caesarian section. Shortly after he was born, all kinds of allergies and ailments attacked his tiny body, thus presenting numerous puzzles to his medical team.
Two years of cries, creams and sedatives brought us nearly to despair. “Go to St. Joseph”, the old familiar voice was heard from within, “he is my beloved son…” Without question, we took him to St. Joseph’s shrine in Montreal. There, we left behind all his creams and medicines in the great hallway famously lined with candles, canes and crutches. We lit a candle for our son and our family and put our trust in St. Joseph. Our prayers were answered, and the healing power of St. Joseph took over. Almost immediately, Joshua’s health and overall condition began to improve, much to everyone’s peace and joy. Thanks to St. Joseph, Joshua is fine today: healthy, loving and grateful for his health. Alice and I are forever indebted to St. Joseph for him.
Most of you have lived fewer years on this earth than I. I have fewer years ahead of me than behind me. You may still want to look around and wait a little longer to be convinced of the ready help this Saint renders. I wish you well on your journey ahead!
Most of you have lived fewer years on this earth than I. I have fewer years ahead of me than behind me. You may still want to look around and wait a little longer to be convinced of the ready help this Saint renders. I wish you well on your journey ahead!
~ James and Alice Kutticherry
~ James and Alice Kutticherry
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