It doesn't matter...

who we are, what colour we are of, what our religion, caste or tribe is. 

When the centurion came requesting Jesus's spiritual help, all Jesus looked at was his humility to come to him, his concern for his slave and most importantly his faith. 

Trust in him, he listens, he sees our hearts and he won't let us perish. Rejoice! Our help is coming. When a door is closed a window will open for us. 

Be ready to take our opportunity and work hard. 

June

Some graceful view from the Basilica in June. 

A new look picture of Lady of Ransom on the 500th Jubilee year. 

Etched in our memories as we leave the Basilica and get on with our lives wherever it is..

A lucky Sunday

Fr. Antony Valumkal took charge as the Rector and Parish Priest of the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam in 2021 when we were reeling under the Corona induced panic and lockdown. Since then attending his Service was a blessed part of my Sunday Hours at the Basilica. Highly Educated and surprisingly humble, the Rector, won the hearts of all those who engaged with him. The History seminar he organised at the Basilica was my personal high point of his tenure. 

The Rector, church folks say, used to love his quite hour at the Lady of Ransom in the evening after the Basilica was closed to the public for the night. That Spiritual Union one can possibly achieve in deep meditation at the church dedicated to the Holy Spirit is the reason why many visit Meenakshi Amma's memory bearing Church. 

I was away when the Rector was ordained the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly and missed the event. 

Luckily, on this Sunday, while I was there at the Basilica, there was a small event at the Basilica which he attended and I could see him from a distance. 

Best Wishes and I am sure, Your Excellency, that you will miss your quite hour at Vallarpadam.