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I am
very glad to know that the Kurisumala Ashram is publishing a souvenir on
the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of its founding. I join the
Acharya Very Rev. Fr. Yesudas Thelliyil and all the members of the
Ashram in thanking the Lord for the wonders that the Kurisumala Ashram
has been able to accomplish in the past 50 years. The
establishment of the Ashram and its growth is a glaring example of how
the loving providence of God bears visible effects in our life and
activities when we submit ourselves totally to His designs. I
thank the Lord in a special way for the life and contributions of Rev.
Fr. Francis Acharya of Happy Memory, the great founder of the monastic
movement. His life was characterised by an unwavering commitment
to a mission, born out of a sublime vision. His profound love for
Jesus Christ, coupled with an imaginative insight into the essentials of
the Eastern and Indian spiritual traditions was the driving force behind
the establishment of this monastic tradition. Today Kurisumala
Ashram has become a light to all those who sincerely seek to tread the
path to God. In a world that is increasingly falling prey to the
impacts of materialism and consumerism, the life and activities of the
Ashramites bear powerful witness to the greater values of the Kingdom of
God. I take the opportunity to congratulate wholeheartedly all the
members of the Kurisumala Ashram for the invaluable service that you are
rendering to the Church and to the wider human society. I am
specially indebted to the Ashram for its contributions to the Malankara
Catholic Church in general and for its commitment to the West Syrian
liturgical traditions in particular. At this juncture I gratefully
remember His Excellency the Most Rev. Zacharias Mar Athanasios, the then
Bishop of Tiruvalla, for the inspiring vision that he displayed in
inviting the Monks to start the Ashram in the Diocese of Tiruvalla.
I pray that the Lord may continue to protect you and guide you along the
paths that He has designed for you and strengthen you to exercise the
mission that He has entrusted with you. My blessings and humble
prayers are always with you. |
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