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I am Fr. Santhosh Ouseph Thottankara from Cheranaloor, Kerala India. I did my studies of Philosophy at Christ the King seminary; Theology at Maryhill School of Theology in Manila, Philippines and Masters in counseling at De La Salle University in Taft,Philippines. I joined the religious order of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC) on 04/23/1997. I was ordained priest on April 2, 2005. I worked as the associate pastor in st. Patrick church Kaimuki, Hawaii. I am now working as the Pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC), Pearl City, Hawaii.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1-8)
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1-8)
I remember reflecting back to my visit in 2013 to your parish (St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Boston) community and celebrating a Sunday Mass with you all. It was a blessed experience for me. I was warmly welcomed by the pastor and the faithful which concretely showed me how deeply spiritual you are in the parish. One of the outstanding characteristics of the faithful there that I noticed was that “Christian Joy”. All are in smiles and energy of positivity.
Your joy and camaraderie reminded the early Christian community of the Apostle, “see how they love one another” was the remark made by others to them. This is the true spirit of Christians.
Your joy and camaraderie reminded the early Christian community of the Apostle, “see how they love one another” was the remark made by others to them. This is the true spirit of Christians.
We are also aware that we carry this faith and spirit in an earthen vessel and are often challenged with the darkness that comes in our way like pandemic, joblessness, conflicts and disillusionments. In those moments we can easily give into the other powers (devil) that are constantly at work against Christ and his kingdom. We can easily fall into the temptation of looking for temporary gains and success in this world and lose sight of our true and ultimate purpose that is Heaven.
St. Thomas Kottakavu Church in Kochi, India, has a statue display of St. Thomas, center, proselytizing. The congregation believes it was founded by St. Thomas when he arrived in the area in A.D. 52. (RNS/Richard Tamayo)
As I write this, I encourage all families and children to remember the spirit of our ancestors, the early Christian community and our Great Apostles who came to us and revealed the light of Christ. This true spirit of Jesus we all deeply imbibed with the spirit of prayer that connected us to God and influenced us beyond our imaginations. Thus we took a new birth and nature of Christ that filled us with courage and love.
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In today's context we need that zeal to put God first as the center of life and to trust all will be well because he will never abandon or forsake us even if we are sinners. His divine mercy is beyond comprehension and no sinner or sin can exhaust his mercy and forgiveness for us and never lose hope there will be an angel of God to save us if we trust and surrender to him and never lose hope. We need to open our hearts and minds to the Lord who says to us I love you and I will die for you. Thus we may re-emerge and recharge our souls through prayers, Eucharist and Eucharistic Adorations.
Thus you will encounter Christ who will wipe away all our sorrows and darkness and fill us with his light of peace, joy and direction. He will keep us in good health and peace and lead us to the eternal Kingdom. May God bless you all.
Thus you will encounter Christ who will wipe away all our sorrows and darkness and fill us with his light of peace, joy and direction. He will keep us in good health and peace and lead us to the eternal Kingdom. May God bless you all.
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