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| The novices gathered in their classroom |
As a worldwide community of men, by the grace of God we welcome new members each year into our community from our ten provinces. After their Novitiate year of training, they take their first vows. After three of more years of renewing their vows, they may, if accepted, they may take their perpetual vows at a special celebration.
At my request, Fr. Sibi Kunninu, M.S., Novice Master for the La Salette Indian Province, was kind enough to send me information on this year’s Novitiate Class who recently took their first vows. I hope you enjoy meeting these young devoted men who will, by the grace of God, spend their lives making Mary’s message known as priests in India and elsewhere in God’s world.
This is the second of two sets of profiles for your enjoyment
What is your name?
My name is Brother Kuriakose C. J. Chennelil, M.S.
What is your family background?
I was born in the city of Kuravilangadu (Kerala), in the southwestern tip of India. My father’s name is C. T Joseph, a businessman and my mother’s name is Mary Joseph, a housewife. My siblings include Cijo Joseph, a teacher and Shijo Joseph, a worker.
What was your first contact with La Salette Missionaries?
During High School, I came to know about the La Salette Congregation. In my school, we used to receive various kinds of Christian magazines. One day I happen to read one which had the picture of Our Lady of La Salette along with information about how to join that congregation. It was the first time I heard about the La Salette Missionaries.
What attracted you to the La Salette Missionaries?
I was strongly attracted at the Weeping Mother of La Salette, the charism of reconciliation, as well as the missionary zeal of the La Salette Missionaries.
What do you particularly like in Mary’s message at La Salette?
I love her words: “Come Near my children, do not be afraid, I have great news to tell you”. It shows her motherly affection towards her children. Mary gives hope and courage by encouraging us not to be afraid. It is an invitation to her Son, Jesus Christ, and the charism of reconciliation.
What are your feelings about taking your first vows?
I am so happy to commit myself to Jesus by taking the Evangelical Counsels of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. It will be a new beginning in my life – to follow Jesus more radically. I feel that I am being reborn into the La Salette Community.
What is your name?
My name is Brother Manibhushana Rao Gompa, M.S.
What is your family background?
I was born in the city of Visakhapatnam (Andra Pradesh), on the southeast coast of India. My father’s name is Thomas, a farmer and mother is Teresa, a housewife. My siblings are: Francis, Joseph, Bala Raju, Prasadu, Poorna, Anne and Monica.
What was your first contact with La Salette Missionaries?
When I was doing my higher secondary education, I had the desire to become a priest and I expressed this to my parish priest, Fr. Joseph (T.O.R). Fortunately he already knew about the La Salette Missionaries. Through him I met Fr. Jenson Chendrappinny, M.S. I was inspired by his simplicity and commitment and decided to join his community.
What attracted you to the La Salette Missionaries?
The charism of reconciliation attracted me to the La Salette Congregation. It encourages all God’s people to come back to God, experience his love and unite ourselves with him more closely.
What do you particularly like in Mary’s message at La Salette?
Mostly I like when Mary invites, “Come near, my children, do not be afraid”. This is also an invitation to draw closer to her Son.
What are your feelings about taking your first vows?
I am so happy and joyful to make my first commitment in the La Salette Congregation. By this I become a part of this Congregation. I have the distinct privileged to be the very first member from my state of Andra Pradesh. I now have the ability to make Our lady’s message known in my native state and witness my commitment to my own people.
What is your name?
My name is Brother Sajith K John Kallakkudiyan, M.S.
What is your family background?
I was born in the city of Muriyathodu in the state of Kerala. My father’s name is John, a mason, and my mother’s name is Komalam, a housewife. My siblings are Siblings: Ranjith Johna a worker and Sajna Vinu, who is now married.
What was your first contact with the La Salette Missionaries?
I completed my High School education in the 1999. Then, in order to support my family I went to work as a carpenter for five years. In 2005 I felt a call to be a priest and I decided to join in the seminary. Frs. Rojan, M.S., and Jose Manjally, M.S., were the first La Salette priests I came to know. In the same year, in June, I joined in the La Salette Congregation.
What attracted you to the La Salette Missionaries?
As we all strongly believe that Mother Mary has called us to spread her message of reconciliation, for spreading the message we all partake in their own responsibilities that is zealousness, is the most attracted thing in La Salette missionaries.
Particularly liked La Salette Message, Why?
I was drawn by her words: “Well, my children, make this known to all my people”. As a Christian we all have an obligation to spread appreciation of gospel values. At the same time as a La Salette I also have the great responsibility to bring the message of Mother Mary to her people.
What are your feelings about taking your first vows?
I am so thrilled because when I take the first vows I will be part of the La Salette congregation. At the same time I am challenged, because in this consumerist and secular world, to reflect on how I should be a model before others. But entrusting all my joys and challenges to our Blessed Mother, I can live a faithful vowed life.
What is your name?
My name is Brother F. Thooyanathan, M.S.
What is your family background?
I was born in the city of Thiruvannamalai in the state of Tamil Nadu, the most southeastern part of India. My father’s name is Francis V., a railway staff person, and my mother’s name is Pushparani F., now deceased. I have four siblings: Mark Anand, privately employed; Sr. Vimala Thuya Mary, FSJ; Joseph, and Vinnarasi, who is now in High School.
What was your first contact with the La Salette Missionaries?
Fr. Sibi Kunninu was the first La Salette Missionary I met. He came to my house in order to invite me to become a La Salette MIssionary. I am also privileged to have him as my Novice Master.
What attracted you to the La Salette Missionaries?
I was attracted to the La Salettes because they relate well with the people. They share the joy and the love of Christ with everyone they meet. They value the importance of spiritual exercises and community life.
What do you particularly like in Mary’s message at La Salette?
I like Our Lady at La Salette’s opening words, wherein she says, “Come near, my children, do not be afraid”. She sees each human being as her own child. This shows her motherly concern for all of us. I feel that as La Salettes we also need to cultivate the attitude of welcoming all the children of God.
What are your feelings about taking your first vows?
I feel immense joy within me because I am going to take my first vows in the La Salette Congregation. I am really thankful to God for his providence throughout this year of Novitiate. I am also grateful to our Blessed Mother for her continuing intercession for me in my new life.
The Indian Novitiate class of 2013