WISHES FOR FR SIJO | KAIROS GLOBAL | AUGUST 2022

I have known Fr Sijo from his initial days in JY Hyderabad. He lived in a JY home with other JYs and was so taken up by their simplicity, prayer life and love for the poor. He was quiet, yet one of the most simple and humble persons among us. After reading a book on St Francis of Assisi, he was not just inspired but also began to use just two pairs of clothes. Being a nurse, he got actively involved with the Nurse’s Ministry and with the retreats conducted in the region; he was always ready to help whenever possible. 

He slowly started playing the keyboard and singing which was Spirit-filled and graceful and yet when one would compliment him, his humility found it difficult for him to accept it. Recently when he came home to invite us for his ordination, I was so happy to see a new Sijo, who spoke with a lot with passion and love for Christ. I was touched to see that his simplicity and humility had only increased. He spent just a couple of hours at my home; my mom was so taken up by his sharing and his zeal, and was happy to get another JY son who would soon be a priest. When he came on 3rd July 2022 to celebrate his Thanksgiving Mass here in Hyderabad, we were all filled with immense joy and pride.

Vandana Maria Paul

*

The hand that nursed the sick is anointed to celebrate Holy Mass every day.

I count it as a blessing to be associated with Fr Sijo right from the time he was a member of the Jesus Youth family in Hyderabad. He was actively involved with the Nurses Ministry in Hyderabad. God lifted him from healing ministry to ministerial priesthood. What I admire in him is his virtue of simplicity and piety. His great love for God is seen in his singing, music and all that he does. May he continue to spread the fragrance of Christ’s love through his priestly ministry. And may the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother and his patron saint, St Antony, accompany him all through his life journey.

 Sr Mary P. T. SAP

*

During the Thanksgiving Mass, JY Priest Rev. Fr Sijo celebrated in Hyderabad last week after his ordination, my mind raced back to the memories I treasure with Fr Sijo. From the first time I met him in Emmaus (JY House in Hyderabad) I knew ours would be a lifetime spiritual friendship. We both travelled together for many JY events like prayer groups, retreats and different programmes in the region. Throughout these journeys, I witnessed his deep love for people, being simple and fully compassionate, more meaningful, because he was a professional nurse. 

My friend received the vocational call through Jesus Youth and with the Holy Spirit's discernment, decided to join priesthood. I visited him in Premagiri Retreat Centre, where he was preparing prayerfully to join priesthood. It was during the spiritual sharing that the Lord showed us that he would become a priest. Many of us had tears of joy during the Thanksgiving Mass as we saw him offering bread and wine and lifting Jesus in his anointed hands in worship. The message he shared during the Mass was heart-touching. 

Prashant Kumar Amarlapudi

*

I met Sijo in 2008, while we were coming back from CPG. Later during a night vigil, we met and the Lord brought us together at Emmaus Hyderabad. This was the time we got so close – going together for daily Mass, prayer meetings, evening dinner and discussions and visiting FBA (Friends and Birds of the Air), etc. During those days we got to read Nikos Kazantzakis’ St Francis, which greatly influenced our lives – and even the vocation of Fr Sijo. And finally we have Fr Sijo giving glory to the Kingdom of God.

Thank God!

Antony Kannammadathil George