THE EVER SMILING MISSIONARY | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBER 2021

Author: Alina Ann Mathew

Intro: Alina Ann Mathew speaks to Jesus Youth pioneer, C C Alicekutty about her life of mission and the contemporary factors youth and young families have to deal with.

Their sunburn is our shade. Their effort, our ease. Their penance is our blessing. The mite they gave is our abundance. The Jesus Youth movement has grown far and wide across the globe spreading the Gospel and it is only fitting to remember its pioneers. 

C C Alicekutty (or as she is fondly called, Alicekutty Chechi) is a name so beloved, a true missionary, teacher, one of the founding members of JY, captain of Kerygma and Thuvanisa movements, popular charismatic leader, moreover a notable woman in the lay leadership of the Catholic Church. Beyond these achievements, she has paved her own unique style of love and brotherhood. Anyone who has interacted with her would have a sweet memory of an unusual, thoughtful caring interaction and a warmth to cherish. A friend to many, sister to many more, mother and aunt, she has won hearts across the globe.

A missionary life that was formed in childhood through the Mission League, as an adult, she seized every chance to give Christ through her professional life as an English professor in Mercy College, Palakkad¹ as well in her personal life. The convictions gained through her spiritual fathers and companions helped her to grow in Christ which finally led to the birth of revolutionary movements like Jesus Youth. Little wonder that Church authorities entrusted her with notable responsibilities and felicitated her good work.

She walks the talk and still continues her mission based on the eight beatitudes; a silent companion, creating heaven on earth with true love, friendship and service.

Q. Seventy-eight years of an eventful life, of which over sixty were spent being a missionary – which you still are. How do you sum up your life so far in a word or two?

A. Happy and fulfilled. Sometimes I tell people, I don’t know another woman who is as happy, as rich, as free and as available as I am.

Q. Decisions and choices have very often come your way. Have you ever regretted any decision or choice of yours? If not, why?

A. All through my life, Romans 8:28 has been my conviction. We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. Sometimes we may feel confused, but later we realise that God was working on it and turning that too for our good.

3. Being in love with Jesus for a lifetime. Giving your life for him, living life for him alone. How much would you promote this vocation?

A. Being committed to Jesus the Lord, for the kingdom, in the Catholic Church is my conviction. To have this in mind is important, then the type of vocation won’t make much of a difference. 

I have observed that every vocation is superb beyond comparison. I have experienced the love of God through my vocation. I don't miss my daily Mass or a single opportunity to confess.

Q. Prioritising is always tough. From the wealth of your experience, what criteria has really worked while prioritising things in life?

A. The Bible says, My people perish due to lack of vision (Proverbs 29:18). If we have the end in mind, we won't get confused much. Constantly developing and continuously clarifying one’s vision about life helps to discern and prioritise. 

The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:11, I alone know the plans I have for you.

We are the members of the Church and every member has a set position and role. If I do what others do, I commit a minimum of three mistakes:

(i) I do somebody else's job.

(ii) I do something I am not supposed to do.

(iii) I fail in doing what I was supposed to do.

Q. You have seen generations, specifically seven decades of evolution of youth. From your observation, what has improved in youth over decades and what has deteriorated?

A. These things are beyond comparison as the background and circumstances have drastically changed over years. People who are committed to Jesus are always superb.

I see a shortage of ‘confidants’ for the present-day youth, who are ready to lend their shoulders without prejudice. 

Q. A large proportion of our younger generation in the Catholic Church do not take faith seriously and are ready to trade it for conveniences. What do you feel?

A. Romans 10:17 is a gentle reminder in this context. So then faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

Every child should get a chance to take a re-birth in faith from their mother's womb. Values are caught, not taught and the same is true for faith too. 

Radical conversion is possible only as a result of authentic proclamation of the entire Gospel. That’s why it's very important to have a witnessing life in families. So right now, I focus more on the initial proclamation of kerygma (full Gospel in a nutshell) through training and resource formation.

People who discovered this essence of the Gospel stayed close to Jesus in all circumstances. We have the examples of St. Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, Rani Maria and many more for us.

Q. The Catholic Church is going through a tough time and hatred is getting more contagious than before. Where do you see hope as a faithful believer? 

A. Our prime duty is to live and proclaim the Gospel. The Bible consoles us saying, ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’

We have to ensure that we always belong to this little flock and stay close to the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Q. When people consider your life precious enough to be recorded in the pages of a book and publicised, how do you see your life story?

A. The gifts I received cannot be contained in a book or two. 

As Luke 1:49 says, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Like the little boy’s loaves and fish, like the widow's mite, I too gave my little life into his hands and he blessed it abundantly. I have no words to thank God for the overflowing goodness of my friends and acquaintances, evident in its pages. 

Christian life is the easiest. It's like floating. The Spirit knows where it is leading and it's just a matter of surrendering ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I have lived an easy life without any attachments and aversions. Life is the easiest when we ‘let go and let God’.

Q. Family responsibilities, career, children, parenting; young families are finding it hard to hold it all together. What is the relevance of giving a Catholic foundation to children in the present scenario?

A. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33) is the promise we got from heaven. It's high time we trust his word.

Fratelli Tutti is the answer to this question. We all are the children of our Father God and the earth is our common home. 

To build the kingdom of God is not only the proclamation of the Gospel but following it in our daily lives as well. Whatever remains after meeting our needs belongs to somebody else, one who is in need of it. This basic conviction reduces our burden and brings about the kingdom of God.

Q. Do you smile this often because everything is so fine? Or is there a secret to always smiling and being so nice when things are tough?

A. I have no reason to not smile when I am with my Jesus. John 14:1 reminds us, Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.

To be troubled means to disobey and if we obey we will be blessed. So it's just a matter of obeying and staying happy.

Q. Who is your favourite saint? Why?

A. My first answer would be St. Francis of Assisi, though all the saints are my favourite. And it’s a happy coincidence that we share birthdays too. I am very fond of the way he lived his free life, looking at the face of Christ.

For me saints are a gentle reminder to be the fifth Gospel in my unique way.

Catholic mother and science journalist, Alina Ann Mathew is also a soft-skills trainer and content developer. She lives in Kottayam, India with her husband and two kids.