In
the last post we saw the saintly Alvares Thirumeni’s humanitarian efforts in caring
for the afflicted when Panjim was hit by cholera epidemic in 1878 and 1885. His
Grace Kuriakose Mar Gregorios, fondly known as Pampady Thirumeni, served those
who were plagued with the epidemic which hit Kunnamkulam in 1935.
Kunnamkulam,
a stronghold of Orthodox Christians, was affected with killer disease, plague
in 1935. People, mostly engaged in business, had their houses on both sides of
the main road and the place was generally known as Kunnamkulam Angady (market).
The forefathers had designed the Angady in the shape of the cross.
As
the houses were close by, the epidemic sowed vast disasters easily. It is said
that one of the rats, which was affected by plague in Tamil Nadu, was trapped
in the goods loaded to a shopkeeper in Kunnamkulam. The plague attacked the
shopkeeper first and he died. Thereafter the plague affected large number of
people; men and women died in large numbers. Doctors and specialists certified
that it was plague. Preventive vaccination centres were opened in certain
areas.
People
were frightened and all alike started prayers. When His Holiness Baselios
Geevarghese II Catholicose heard about it, he was very much upset and in great
agony. Pampady Thirumeni at the same time came to Old Seminary (where the
Catholicose was staying) and came to know about the disaster. His Grace
immediately volunteered to go to Kunnamkulam and informed His Holiness about
his decision. He also made preparations for the journey. Hearing this, many who
loved Thirumeni requested and tried to persuade him not to go to Kunnamkulam
where the killer disease was already tormenting people.
His
Grace told them confidently: “you are afraid of my future. But you are not sure
of God’s power. That’s why you are trying to hinder me from going to
Kunnamkulam.” Lots of faithful on hearing the news reached there. Pampady
Thirumeni told them all: “My beloved, you all must know God’s power and
ability. I am going on my own. Nobody has compelled me. The faithful of Kunnamkulam
are also my beloved people. So be courageous and hopeful. You all must pray for
our brethren of Kunnamkulam.”
Like
a true caring shepherd who didn’t leave his sheep in times of distress, Pampady
Thirumeni along with Paramel Kuriakose Semmassen, set for the journey to
Kunnamkulam. Many tried to discourage him; “Let me die if God wills so”, was
the response of Thirumeni.
When
Thirumeni reached Thrissur Railway Station, some faithful came there trying to
persuade Thirumeni to drop the idea of going to Kunnamkulam. But nobody could
stop Thirumeni. When he reached the boarder of Kunnamkulam, he raised his
Sleeba, made the sign of the Cross and blessed the town. The residents of
Kunnamkulam could feel a sort of heavenly power filling that area with the
arrival of the saintly father amongst them.
As
soon as His Grace arrived at the Church situated in the center of the town, he
announced to the thousands of faithful “I have come to this place to live with
you and to die with you. If you are in need of any sort, I shall do my best. You
must observe a fast of three days and must have prayers with fasting. God
Almighty will drive away this killer disease.” Upon his initiative one of the
Church buildings was converted into a plague hospital and it was handed over to
the government health department. His Grace visited the patients there several
times daily and prayed for one and all. All people firmly believed that God
wouldn’t forsake them as long as this saintly father was with them.
Thirumeni
used to live in the attic of the St Lazarus Orthodox Church (Old Church,
Kunnamkulam) and used to offer fasting and prayers. He would undertake
prayerful procession through the streets of Kunnamkulam chanting hymns
especially the hymn of St Ephrem- ‘Daivame Anugrahikka, apeksha
kaikollanname..” . Pampady Thirumeni used to visit houses of the affected ones,
without distinctions of caste or creed, and prayed for them. Such homes
received the healing touch.
Pampady
Thirumeni stayed in Kunnamkulam for about a month and half – praying and
fasting for his beloved sheep and returned only when the situation was in
control. When
the news came to the King of Cochin, he expressed his desire to meet the saintly
father. A royal reception was arranged by the King on Thirumeni’s arrival.
After the reception, His Highness requested Pampady Thirumeni to bless him and
his entire family. Thirumeni blessed the king and the royal family. Thirumeni
was presented with a small packet in royal silk when he was about to leave.
When Thirumeni asked what it was, it was stated that it was gold. Thirumeni
thankfully returned the present and said “Kindly utilize this wealth for the
poor. If so, it will be considered as a gift for me.”
May we
intently seek the intercessions of Pampady Thirumeni and may his prayers help
us in these times of tribulations.
Lord have
mercy!
In Christ,
Rincy John
Ref: Jose Kurian Puliyeril (edited), Pampady Thirumeni
(Biography of H.G. Kuriakose Mar Gregorios Metropolitan), Fr. Damien of Malankara Church, Pg 44-47.
No comments:
Post a Comment