(37) Monippally Expatriate Community, UK

Monippally Pravsis living in the UK, remembered Fr.Thomas Pandipally, on the occassion of it's Prvasi Samgamam at Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The community stand united to condemn the murder of Father Pandipally.

A Resolution conveying condolence to the family and friends of Fr. Pandippallly, condemning the crime committed against him, 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. May his soul rest in peace.

News sent by Binu George Irupool

For Monippally Expatriate Community, UK

(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)

(26) God is their only refuge.

Five people seem to be under custody who may be the murderers of Fr Thomas. They do not reveal the reason for the heinous murder and utter desecration of the human body. Let us pray for their souls. “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17)

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.

(25) A portrait of a martyr, are you in the picture?

Fr Thomas with his friends while studying theology in Pune.

(24) Memorial Mass for Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI

Fr. Thomas (Kunjumon) was born in Cheenkallel as the sixth of the seven children of his parents in the district of Kottayam on 12-7-1971. He joined the CMI Congregation in 1987 and made his first profession on 19-3-1992. After taking a bachelor degree in science from Christ College, Bangalore, he studied Philosophy at Darsana Philosophate, Wardha and Theology at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Poona. After his ordination in 2002 he taught at Jeevandan School at Yellareddy for three years until he was assigned as the Rector of Aspirants at Nazareth Bhavanam in Bellampalli. He returned to Yellareddy in April 2007 to become the Director of Jeevadan Centre, Parish Priest and Correspondent of Jeevadan School where he shed his blood at the hands of enemies.

To pray for Fr. Thomas as well as to seek his intercession we have a concelebrated Memorial Mass today at 10.30 am at the Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad. It is to be followed by a memorial gathering presided over by his Beatitude Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, Major Archbishop, our missionary bishops and other dignitaries. All the members of CMI Congregation as well as all others including priests, sisters and faithful are invited to attend the Memorial Mass as well as the gathering.

All who are not able to be present there physically can express our solidarity by saying a prayer and logging it in by clicking ‘vote’ in this blog.

(23) Murderers under custody . . .

It is a major relief for those who belonged to the community of Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI that some of his murderers were under police custody today.

Still the ambiguity remains. Why he is murdered? What is the motivation? Yet to know. We will wait for further details.

Thank you for your valuable prayers and support.
Please continue to pray that they may never commit an evil act again but know the love of God.
We will pray and wait . . .
This is the news sent by the Provincial House Community of Bellampalli, Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh.

(22) A portrait of a martyr, are you in the picture?

Young, Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI

Expect a story of this martyr's younger days, in pictures, in the coming days!

Write a comment about the photo in the comment box of this post

(21) ORISSA BURNING, BIHAR FLOODED- PRAYERS SOUGHT by JOYNET - A Jesus Youth Online Initiative

1. A Christian woman BURNT ALIVE
2. NUN RAPED
3. SENIOR PRIEST AND NUN INJURED
4. BALLIGUDA CHURCH BUILDINGS DESTROYED AGAIN
5. The mobs in Balliguda caught hold of two boys of the Catholichostel and tonsured their heads.
6. PHULBANI CHURCH DAMAGED
7. MOTHER TERESA BROTHERS ASHRAM ATTACKED
8. BHUBANESWAR BISHOP'S HOUSE ATTACKED
9. DUBURI PARISH
10. . . 11. . . . 12. . . . 13. . . .14. Muniguda Catholic RESIDENCES have been damaged.
15. . . . 16. . . 17. Madhupur Catholic Church currently under attack.
18. . . .19. . . . 20. . . . 21. Pastor Sikandar Singh of the Pentecostal Mission beaten up
22. . . . 23. . . . Pastors David, Pravin, Pradhan and Barik beaten up and chased away
24. Naktikani: Mob surrounds village to attack Christians. Thegovernment has sent forces, it is reported.
[This list is compiled with assistance from Archbishop's House,Bhubaneswar and other sources]
e-mail sent by Manoj Joseph JOYNET - A Jesus Youth Online Initiative
Read the details in the comment of this post . . .

(20) Fear of more attacks in India

Alarm on new attacks: Suspected hard-liners set an orphanage run by Christian missionaries on fire in eastern India, today, killing one lady and seriously injuring a priest. Christian community needs to pray more, for the suffering Christian minority in India.
News from . . .
Fr Pandippally, help of the poor in India, intercede for those who are suffering in Orissa to the Father in Heaven.
Fr Pandippally, who suffered utmost violence, pray for us.
(Please write your intercessions to Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI in the comments)

(19) Fr. Thomas Pandippally: the First Martyr of the CMI Congregation

I am writing this letter with a heavy heart. . . . With the gruesome death of Fr. Thomas we have lost a young, holy, dynamic, dedicated, talented and committed priest. We have indeed lost one of the promising jewels of our Congregation. However, in the loving providence of God we have also gained a true martyr in heaven. . . .

Fr. Thomas literally shed his blood because of his commitment and dedication to the Gospel of Jesus. . . .After the terrible death of Fr. Thomas our missionaries as well as others in the surrounding area live in fear, and they all need our support especially in the form of prayers. Our heritage is that of St. Thomas the Apostle who had the courage to say, “let us also go and die with him” (John 11:16).

Hence, nobody can or will stop our mission of love . . . The history of the Church tells us that it was always through the blood of martyrs. . .

To pray for Fr. Thomas as well as to seek his intercession we will have a concelebrated Memorial Mass at 10.30 am on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at the Prior General’s House, Chavara Hills, Kakkanad, (Kochi, Kerala, India). It will be followed by a memorial gathering presided over by his Beatitude Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, Major Archbishop, our missionary bishops and other dignitaries. All the members of our Congregation as well as all others including priests, sisters and faithful are cordially invited to attend the Memorial Mass as well as the gathering. . . .

I am happy to inform you that the CBCI and KCBC have declared, Sunday September 7, 2008 as prayer Day for missionaries in the context of the death of Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI.

Fr. Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, CMI

Prior General

Read the full eulogy by the Prior General on the demise of Fr Thomas in the comment . . .

(18) Archbishop Joseph Chennoth

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy. I prayed for the eternal rest of his soul. His selfless and dedicated life to the cause of evangelisation and integral human development was nipped in the bud. My prayerful union with all those who mourn his tremendous loss.
Archbishop Joseph Chennoth
Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania
Titular Archbishop of Milevum

Post 17 Did his mother sleep last night?

Today is Sunday, 24th of August 2008. A week has passed since the sisters found the mortal remains of Fr Thomas Pandippally CMI by the side of the road.

An Elegy about A Lamp
Did his mother sleep last night? Could his brothers and sisters take their mind off their beloved ‘Kunjumon’ last night? . . . (Scroll down below (to the end) to read the rest)

Post 16 Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad said

Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad said that Pandipally’s murder is also the result of what he called a climate of jealousy against the Catholic Church, whose workers, he said, are trying to help develop the abandoned rural areas of the country, and help those who are victims of violence and oppression. News from

Other similar brutal, mysterious murders around the area. . . . An anonymous letter was sent to a local newspaper claiming the murders were carried out by an organization called the Anti-Christian Forum. The letter promised further killings. . . . link to Read more

Fr George Moolayil said the murder was planned meticulously because the priest received a call on his mobile phone just before leaving the convent. . . . link to read more

please report similar incidents in the comment of this post if any reader of this blog has any event in mind. Indians are known for their peaceful life from centuries . . . do you want to comment on this?

Other related links: Vatican Radio, WEA - World Evangelical Alliance, Religious Intelligence
Photo of Fr Thomas from: Union of Catholic Asian News

Post 15 'TO WIPE THE TEARS OF THE POOR' was his life's motto.

I was his novice master and I knew him very intimately. . . I did not weep like this even when my father and mother died 15 years ago. . . some of his batchmates, especially, Fr. Tomy Layappilly, hugged me and wept loudly like a little child. . . . His was a versatile character. . . He concentrated all his attention to uplift the poor, TO WIPE THE TEARS OF THE POOR. That was his life’s motto. . . Of such great calibre, dynamism, holiness, creativity, humility was Fr. Thomas. . . . I admire his mother. I am sure, it was she who had inculcated such good qualities in this young priest “Kunjumon”. He led a heroic life, . . . See the rest in comments. (Excerpts from the funeral oration of his Novice Master Fr. Mathew Kaniamparampil CMI)

Mothers who lose their children Post 14

Fr Thomas’ Mother’s said, “Now I have a faithful son, who lived only for Christ and poor people, and who will intercede for me in heaven and for others. I am very much proud of him.”

Fr Thomas was director of Jeevadhan - meaning 'giving life' while he was murdered. He literally 'gave life' like his master. This may be the reason his own mother calls him a faithful son who was faithful to his call through and through.

Probably we have a second St. Thomas from India?

See comment . . .

a memento given by Fr Thomas Post 13

Fr. George Athappilly brought the memento given by Fr. Thomas Pandippally, 8 years ago. It was a towel on which it was written “To Wipe the Tears of Others”- which shows the outgoing and generous nature of Fr. Thomas, going an extra mile to help the people. . .
Please read the full report in the comment . . .

He was like a lute player among the people. Post 12

Prior to the funeral ceremony, the faithful, people, teachers and students of this area, organized a rally to show their grief, and to demand justice, in protest of the bestial and gruesome murder of Fr. Thomas at Lingampet. (Photos of this procession is seen here, writings in Telugu)

Many distinguished persons spoke on the occasion. The archbishop Abraham Viruthukulangara, Fr. Prince Panengadan, a priest of Adilabad Diocese, Fr. Mathew Kulampally, the Vicar Provincial of Mar Thoma Province of Chanda and Sreemathi Sreedevi, the local MLA and Mr. Ananda Rao, the Assistant Taluk Officer were among the speakers.

Officer of Utnoor asked, “As the fathers and sisters are giving new direction to the progress of the society, how can they be ill-treated and mercilessly manhandled like this”? The speakers also praised the unique personality that Fr. Thomas Pandippally was.

The most touching ceremony followed next. The batch mates carried the coffin and touched the altar and the 3 main doors, 3 times each, which symbolized the bidding farewell by Fr. Thomas to the chapel, where he was offering daily mass. During this time the choir sang, very meaningful and touching song which means, “I am bidding good bye to you, my altar, my chapel, my friend and my people”. . .
See comment for the rest. . .
(Fr Thomas Chittettu CMI who wrote this report is the secretary to the Provincial of Chanda Province of CMI.)

Post 11 Many of his batchmates and formators were seen breaking down in tears.

Hundreds of priests and a large number of people participated in the funeral ceremony. Fr. Thomas' beloved mother Saramma(as seen in the Photo beside the coffin) and brothers and sisters who were away in U.S.A. and Australia arrived in time. Archbishop Abraham of Nagpur was the main celebrant of the solemn requiem Mass.

. . . the miscreants, it is believed, removed his helmet and gave a fatal blow with a stone on his head.
. . . The Archbishop of Hyderabad calls FR. Thomas as the first martyr of Andhrapradesh. . .

(Please read the full report of Fr Mathew Kaniamparampil CMI in the comment of this post. Fr Mathew who wrote this report was the novice master of Fr Thomas. )

Funeral Photos Post 10

do not grieve for him . . . (Post 9)

Do not grieve for him…..grieve for us to go on without him.
Fr. Pandipally is automatically in Heaven with our Dear Sweet Lord. I remember reading that Martyrs have DIRECT entry into heaven. They have a very high place in heaven! He is forever in the company of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the Saints and Angels.

I have great faith that Jesus was there with him at this brutal and violent death. The Blessed Mother took him IMMEDIATELY to meet her Son. It is so hard to forgive his attackers, but we that we MUST DO. It is an act of the will, not of the emotions. May Jesus have Mercy on them!

“For the Sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
David Bradley

En Route to Celebrate Sunday Mass (Post 8)

The Carmelite had joined the Chanda mission of his order (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate - CMI) in 1987. He was ordained a priest in 2002. He was last seen alive by those same nuns who offered him dinner Saturday after he had celebrated Mass for them."

Father Thomas is a martyr: He sacrificed his life for the poor and marginalized," said Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad. "But he did not die in vain, because his body and his blood enrich the Church in India, particularly the Church in Andhra Pradesh -- the southeastern state where he died."

"The Church in India is shocked and deeply saddened by this barbarous killing, the result of a growing climate of intolerance and violence against Christians in this country," the 65-year-old archbishop added.Archbishop Joji contended that the crime is the result of "jealousy of the Catholic Church."

"Priests and nuns," he said, "have for decades been at the service of the least fortunate in India, and this makes them targets of forces of evil who do not want the marginalized and impoverished to become empowered."
(Sent by Pater Mathew Thelly C.M.I., Germany, originally from:
http://www.zenit.org/article-23400?l=english)

He died for us! RIP (Post 6)

May the soul of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen.

Another martyr for India! (Post 5)

Dear Pandippally,
You had a calming effect when you were near. "Learn from me who is gentle and meek of heart"; Jesus Said.

We were on stage performing together, in Hamlet and St Thomas in Malayalam. Such a fine character, how could this happen to you?

Did you suffer a lot? What were the words you said when they attacked you mercilessly? Were you calm even then? Did you cry?

Fr Sony Sebastian Palathra CMI
An old seminary colleague

His Innocent Smile - An old friend's e-mail comment (Post 4)

Hi all,
I came to hear very bad news about Pandippally on today’s news! He was killed by extremists in Andra yesterday.
I remember of his innocent smile when Palathra introduced him to the trio me, Rony & Shiby. Let’s all condemn the brutal act and pray for the departed soul.
Regards,
Facil Jose (Facil.Jose@me.weatherford.com)

Revelations of a Cruel Murder. . . (Post 3)

A young priest dies at the hands of criminals

-After the memorial of the sacrifice on Calvary

He came to offer Holy Mass in the Burgida sub-station of Yellareddy parish (it is about 7 kms away from Lingampet). After the Holy Mass he joined for supper at the FCC convent. After the supper he left (9.40pm) the convent and was traveling in a motorbike towards Yellareddy.

-"Here is the man!" (John 19:4)

Next day the FCC Sisters (Sunday morning) were on their way to attend the Sunday Mass to his place at Yellareddy, Nizamabad Dt. of Andhra Pradesh. [This is located almost 140kms away from Hyderabad. This comes under the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.] To their great shock, on the way they found his body lying near the road side.

-"And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. " (Lk 23:34)

His mobile phone is found missing (the bike was found lying almost 7 kms away from the spot. There are visible signs of pulling and dragging Fr Thomas). There are 18 wounds (stabbing) on his body. All these clearly indicate that he was brutally murdered by some miscreants or dacoits. There is a heavy thrash behind the head, it is said, he must have died due to this heavy injury. Police found the knife, which was used to stab him. The hooligans took (may be ridden) the motorbike almost 7 kms and abandoned there, a place called Muslikonda.

-"For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" (Lk 23:29)

The Postmortem report reveals that he had faced a lot of struggle from the attackers. Due to the continuous blows and heavy beatings, his entire body is rather bruised. Left Leg was broken, and one hand was almost cut and broken. Fr. Thomas must have been attacked when he was just one km away from FCC Convent at Lingampet, where he offered Mass for them. It seems to be a plundering incident or a planned murder. Reasons are not yet known. (It is never an accident by the external evidences.)

After all an innocent and beloved person was killed for no reason. Kindly pray for him. We greatly miss a very dynamic and very able person. His dealing with people was very appealing and he was a friend of everyone. Village people had very high opinion about him. He was like a lute player among the people. He attracts everyone with his personality. He was a person who always smiles in spite of his sadness. He, definitely created a niche for himself, at all places, among everyone and at all times. The day of funeral most likely on the 20th of August as of now.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Lk: 23: 34)

Exerpts from the e-mail of: Fr. Thomas T Chittettu CMISecretary to Fr. Provincial CMI PROVINCIAL HOUSE, BELLAMPALLI, AP, INDIA, as sent by Fr Jose Poovattil: jpoovattil@yahoo.co.uk

He was a committed religious, a zealous missionary, a good pastor a loving formator. (Post 2)

Tearful homage to Fr. Thomas Pandippally. We have received the shocking and most painful news of the death of our young missionary of Chanda Mission Province Fr. Thomas Pandippally, CMI. He was attacked and killed by unidentified persons while returning by motorcycle after celebrating Mass in a village near Yellareddy at 9.30 p.m. on Saturday, 16th August 2008. The body was found only today, Sunday morning.

Currently he was the Director of the Jeevadan Centre and Parish Priest of Yellareddy, coming under the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.

He was a committed religious, a zealous missionary, a good pastor a loving formator. He was also a very talented person, a good singer, and orator and an efficient organizer. His demise is an immense loss for the Province of Chanda and the whole CMI Congregation. We pay tearful homage to his revered and most affectionate memory. May his soul rest in peace.

Fr. Mathew Kaniamparampil, CMI, Rector & Community, along with our Parishioners, Carmel Vidya Bhavan, Pune. (from CMI World Group, originally from: kaniamp@sify.com)

Catholic Priest brutally murdered in Andhra Pradesh (Post 1)

Rev. Fr. Thomas Pandipally CMI (37) was gruesomely murdered on 16th of August, 2008. He must have died around 10.00 pm after the severe stabbing at the hands of the ‘unknown murders.’ He was on the way to Jeevadan Centre at Yellareddy, Andra Pradesh state in South India.

The tragedy occurred just two kms away from the FCC Convent, according to Fr. Thomas T Chittettu CMI, Secretary to Fr. Provincial of Mar Thoma Provincial House, Chanda, AP, who informed the CMI World Group.

As a dear friend who spent three years of my seminary life with Fr Thomas (as we call Pandippally) I grieve for him that such a good samaritan was murdered brutally in the hands of evil people: Fr Sony Palathra CMI, Ireland.