Memories with Fr Cherian Nereveetil | KAIROS GLOBAL | JULY 2021

Author: Fionne Lai, Singapore

It was during the 2012 International Exposure Programme in Thailand that I first met Fr. Cherian. He was assigned as Spiritual Director to support and guide us throughout the programme. During the event I met many Jesus Youth leaders and he was one of the priests who made an impression on my spiritual journey. He brought the altar table to nature and celebrated Mass for us, preached simple examples in his homilies that were easily understood and relatable. He was a good listener and counsellor. His good advice brought comfort to my soul. He always had a warm smile and I never saw him angry or upset. It was with a joyful and sincere heart that he received everyone and we could feel that when he was with us.

He also taught me that waste could be made into something beautiful. With his creativity, he made many beautiful art pieces with recycled material and he gifted me one of his marvellous creations. 

I remember during one of my trips to Cochin¹, he came to know that we were to be there for a few days. Despite his busy schedule, he made a trip to where we stayed and spent some time together with us in fellowship and prayer. He was such a simple, humble and sweet saint who was down-to-earth.

During one of the International Council panel discernment processes, when my name was being suggested, I told Fr. Cherian not to include my name in the panel,  to select someone else instead as I could not contribute much with my limitation, but he encouraged me that it was not our contribution that mattered, but our willingness and readiness to be open before the Lord’s presence and allow the Lord to work in our lives. 

I am always grateful to have met such a sweet soul and I will always remember him. James 4:10 says, Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you, Fr Cherian has completed his race here on earth and the Lord has assigned a new responsibility for him. I am sure he is joining all the angels and saints praying for all of us now with his heart-warming smile in heaven.