(36) The Sydney Malayalee community celebrates the memory of Fr Pandippally with his sister Mini and family.

Three CMIs - Fr Matthew Maniampra CMI (from Broken Hill, New South Wales), Fr Vincent Madathiparambil CMI (from Melbourne, Victoria) and Fr Jaison Mulerikkal CMI (from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory) came together at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville, Sydney on 21st Sept Sunday to celebrate the memorial Mass.

The news and the photos also sent by Fr Jaison Paul Mulerikkal CMI, Australia.

Also see in the picture Fr Thomas Pandipilly's sister Mini Pandipilly and family.

(35) Friends of Fr Thomas pandippally CMI, join this virtual group

Friends of Fr Thomas

Here is a new and creative way of remembering Fr Thomas Pandippally, initiated by Anto Thunduparampil CMI.

Kindly register those who are friends of Fr Thomas,

if you are not friends yet, do not worry, you can befriend him by interceding to Fr Thomas now,

any way, please join in the google groups for Friends of Fr Thomas Pandippally, the first cmi martyr.

(To join send an e-mail to:antoaji007@gmail.com)

Let us keep his lamp still burning. "You are the light of the World" (Mt 5:14)

(34) A Cross on the spot of the murder, YELLAREDDY: SEPT 13, 2008

Dear Revered Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Well-wishers, and Friends,
Greetings from CMI Provincial House, Bellampalli, AP, INDIA!
MEMORIAL DAY FR. THOMAS PANDIPPALLY CMI
Kindly pass this message to your friends!
The 30th Day Commemoration of the Martyrdom of Rev. Fr. Thomas Pandippally CMI was held on the 13th of September 2008 at Yellareddy. To mark this special day and honour Father Thomas Pandippally, in the presence of many people from different villages, Fathers and Sisters from Nizamabad and Adilabad area, gathered around the spot -which was soaked by his precious blood on the cruel and dark night of 16th August 2008. As I observed, there was a sort of silence palled over the environment, may be the trees are even now fail to murmur, or they are shudder with fear to a stand still, witnessing the most cruel and bestial murder. May be the cry of Fr. Thomas pierced through the core of the trees and plants, leaving them in morbidity.

The people gradually got down from the vehicle and proceeded to the spot with awe and pain in their hearts. I sensed a kind of devotion in their faces; came for worship, tears began to roll down as some of them stepped towards the holy place, with an unanswered question, “why those dark agents did so?” The stench of blood and the brutal bangs shrouded the surroundings. There was absolute clam because the torrent of horror already gripped everyone.

The decision of installing a Cross on the spot of the murder, as suggested by many, became a reality on the 13th of September 2008. The blessing of the Cross near the spot of the murder was officiated by His Grace Marampudi Joji, Archbishop of Hyderabad along with His Excellency Joseph Kunnath, Bishop of Adilabad, in memory of the Martyrdom of Fr. Thomas, at 10.35 am. People from the villages, Fathers and Sisters near and far witnessed this unique ceremony.

Soon after the Prayer and blessings at the spot, all moved to Yellareddy for the Memorial Holy Mass. Rev. Msgr. Thumma Solomon, the Vicar General of Hyderabad Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Alex Thannippara CMI, Provincial, Rev. Fr. Selvaraj, the Dean of Nizamabad Deanery, and all the Fathers from the Deanery were present on the occasion. The Commemoration ceremony was held in the auditorium of Jeevadan School, Yellareddy. His Grace Joji Marampudi presided over the Holy Mass. It was followed by a Condolence Meeting. A Booklet “An Elegy about a Lamp” on Rev. Fr. Thomas Pandippally was released on this occasion by His Grace Joji. More than 500 partook in the function. His Grace also called for a press meeting too at the conclusion of the meeting. All got over by 2.30 pm, followed by lunch.

Archbishop Joji, Bishop Joseph Kunnath, Rev. Msgr. Thumma Solomon, the Vicar General of Hyderabad Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Alex Thannippara CMI, Provincial, Rev. Fr. Selvaraj, the Dean of Nizamabad Deanery, Mr. Bala Reddy expressed their grief and anxiety about the incident. Much more than that, all were/are upset about the way the how the investigation team is trying to reach the conclusion. So many of questions and doubts are not clarified, explanations are not satisfactory. Still ambiguity and doubt remains. Is it the travesty of justice?

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VALUABLE PRAYERS AND SUPPORT.
Everything went well.
A few photos of the Memorial Day will be sent you soon.
Kindly continue to pray for the success of the case
With kind regards

Fr Thomas T Chittettu cmi
CMI Provincial House

(33) SPECIAL MEMORIAL CEREMONY At YELLAREDDY

Dear Revered Fathers, Sisters and Brothers, Well-wishers, and Friends,

Greetings from Provincial House, Bellampalli!
We would like to inform you about a SPECIAL MEMORIAL CEREMONY on the 30th day of the Martyrdom of our Beloved Fr. Thomas Pandippally CMI at Yellareddy, on the 13th of September 2008. The Memorial Ceremony includes Special prayers, Holy Mass, Peace Rally etc…

His Grace Marampudi Joji, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, and Vicar General of the Archdiocese, will be present for this ceremony.

On this occasion, you are cordially invited to partake and witness these memorable moments and accord a fitting honour and tribute to our Fr. Thomas Pandippally, who underwent a bestial death and shed his last drop of his blood for the Lord in the darkest night of the 16th of August 2008.
Even after the long investigation and police enquiry, we have not received a convincing and sensible cause of the brutal murder. So many questions remain in our minds. Why he was murdered so? Why so many anomalies in the explanations given by the police? A lot more questions . . . ????

Kindly partake in this memorial ceremony to show our great honour and respect to our Beloved Fr. Thomas Pandippally CMI.

Time : 10.30 am
Date : 13th Septemebr 2008
Day : Second Saturday
Place : Yellareddy

Kindly accept this as an official and personal invitation.
Please pray specially for this function so that everything may run smoothly.
May our Blessed Mother bless all her children and protect us from all harm!

At the same time, HAPPY FEAST DAY TO ALL on the nativity of Our Lady!!
Looking forward to seeing you all at Yellareddy,
On behalf of Fr. Provincial CMI
Fr. Thomas T Chittettu CMI
Secretary to Fr. Provincial
September 8, 2008

thomastc18@gmail.com

(32) Perpetual Prayer

I wish that a perpetual prayer support for people may be sustained through this blog, by praying for Fr Thomas and seeking his intercession. On one side add your prayers by ‘vote’ to this blog and on the other side, I invite your prayer requests through the intercession of Fr Thomas to the Father in heaven. Please write your prayers in the comments of each post.

We are starting anew, dedicating all the previous 200 gift packets of grace to the family of Fr Thomas and people struggling in Orissa and Bihar.

(31) Memorial to Fr. Thomas Pandippally at Chavara Hills, Kakkanad

A Memorial Mass and Gathering were held at the Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, in memory of the late Fr. Thomas Pandippally CMI and those who were killed in the communal violence in Orissa, on Saturday, 30th September, 2008, at 10.30 am. The Main Celebrant of the Holy Liturgy was Mar Antony Chirayath, Bishop of Sagar. Among the concelebrants were Fr. Prior General, the members of the General Council, CMI Provincials of South Indian provinces, Superiors General of V.C., C.S.T and MCBS Congregations and more than 150 priests from various congregations and dioceses. Besides, a huge number of religious sisters and lay people, including the family and parishioners of Fr. Pandippally participated in the Mass and the gathering. Fr. Job Vallippalam, a relative of Fr. Pandippally, preached the homily.

The Mass was followed by a Memorial Gathering for Peace presided over by His Eminence Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, who gave the key-note message. Thomas Mar Kurillos (Archbishop of Thiruvalla), Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Karikkassery (Auxiliary Bishop of Verapoly), Mar Gregory Karotemprel (Bishop of Rajkot), Mar Vijay Aanand Nedumpuram (Bishop of Chanda), Mar Mathew Vaniyakizhakeyil (Bishop of Satna), Mar Thomas Thuruthimattom (Bishop of Gorakhpur), Mar Antony Chirayath (Bishop of Sagar), Mar A.D. Mattam (Retired Bishop of Satna), Rev. Fr. George Kizhakemury (MCBS Superior General), Rev. Fr. Joseph Chathanatt (CST Superior General), Rev. Fr. Varghese Pudussery (V.C. Superior General), Sr. Celia FCC (Mother General) and Adv. Charlie Paul spoke on the occasion. Rev. Fr. Joseph Panthaplamthottiyil, Prior General, welcomed the gathering and Rev. Fr. Jose Kuriedath, General Coucnillor for Education proposed Vote of Thanks.

A Resolution conveying our condolence to the family and friends of Fr. Pandippallly, condemning the crime committed against him and the Christians of Orissa, and calling on the authorities of the Central and State Governments to take measures to stop violence and re-establish peace and punish the guilty was passed by the gathering. About 600 persons from all walks of life – priests, nuns and lay persons - attended the gathering.

Contributed by Fr. Jose Kuriedath CMI, CMI General Councillor for Education and Communications

(30) PRAY AND PAY HOMAGE AND LET IT BE COUNTED

This blog initiated a prayer support for the cause of Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI on 18th of August 2008. See the ‘PRAY AND PAY HOMAGE AND LET IT BE COUNTED’ caption on the left side of this page.

Until today almost 100 friends prayed and counted their prayer by ‘vote’. Of these, 38 Holy Masses were celebrated; 30 people have visited a church for this cause; 31 friends prayed to our Lady by saying Rosary; 21 people prayed before the blessed sacrament; 65 ‘Our Father’s, ‘Hail Mary’s and ‘Glory be’s, have been said; and 14 other prayers have been celebrated by well wishers of Fr Thomas.

In total, almost 200 different gift packets of grace have been sent by you, my dear friends. This is a great spiritual achievement, thanks and congratulations to all.

I wish that a perpetual prayer support for people may be sustained through this blog, by praying for Fr Thomas and seeking his intercession.

On one side add your prayers by ‘vote’ to this blog and on the other side, I will invite prayer requests through the intercession of Fr Thomas to the Father in heaven, by all who log on. Please write your prayers in the comments of each post.

We are dedicating the grace of these prayers for those who are suffering in Orissa and Bihar also.
Can you see Fr Thomas on the right top side of the photo? Like a sunflower he shines!

(29) Celebration of Holy Mass in memory of Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI at his home parish, Cheenkallel.

This photo was released on the day of memorial Mass, celebrated, a week after his martyrdom, in his home parish at Cheenkallel, Monippally, Kottayam, Kerala, India.

Thanks to the parish community for remembering and celebrating the life of the martyr.

May Fr Thomas raise all the prayers of his own family, friends, neighbours and parish community to the Father in heaven.

Writings in Malayalam 'Paying Homage to Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI, Cheenkallel Parish.'

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim 4:7.

(28) The JDV, Pune, held a special prayer service

Monday evening, 1 September, 2008, the JDV, Pune, held a special prayer service to commemmorate the suffering Church in Orissa and the victims of communal hatred especially Fr. Thomas Pandippally, CMI, a former student of JDV. More than 300 people including the professors of various faculties, students and campus superiors were present. News sent by Fr. Mathew Kaniamparampil CMI, Pune.
Photo taken at the time of minor orders with late Bishop Mani Giles (of Mananthavady) at Pune.

(27) Orissa Burning

The persecuted Christians in Orissa seem to be in a neglected situation, violence and evil murderers still targeting the defenceless poor. God is their only refuge.

The violent people say, say, "Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver." (Psalm 71:11)

What the mainstream media isn't telling you about ongoing torture and killing of Christians there is in the blog, Orissa Burning. . . (click to go to a blog on Orissa Burning)

And the poor people cried, “O Guard my life, and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.” (Psalm 25:20)
They may not even be able to pray. So let us pray in their name also. “Save me O Lord from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge.” (Psalm 143:9)