The Parishioner - Edition 26|Spring 2016

Mary Teresa Reynolds
19 November 1935 to 28 July 2015
As Mary had expressed a wish for no eulogies at her funeral, here is the homily given at her Requiem Mass
by her son-in law Deacon Ian Black
It is perhaps no surprise that the
readings of our Mass today focus on
living a Christian life, or to put it
another way, how we live with Christ in our
lives. It isn’t just about following rules -
what you can do and what you can’t do,
but rather about giving us a framework
upon which to form our responses and
choices to the daily world in which we live.
Part of that framework is rooted in the
inspirations that come from those who are
close to us.
At a time like this memories come to the
forefront of our thoughts. Those memories
mark out how living in a Christian way can
be seen in day to day life. Things like being
the one pouring the tea in preference to drinking it, making
sure that there is a spare seat at the dinner table for those
who might be on their own at a family time, each shop
putting something in the basket to fill shoe-boxes of gifts for
charities at Christmas, or just being there like a second mum
to those in need of that type of contact.
But living this type of life isn’t as easy as it sounds. We all
experience the frustrations of our human weaknesses and
shortcomings that come with trying to live as a Christian, and
being able to accept our limitations are key. Two things
should hold us strong - We have the direction given to us
through the teachings of the church, particularly what we find
in the scriptures.
And then we have our faith. A faith that leads us to the
promise of salvation and eternal joy with
our Father in heaven. A faith that asks us
to do our best.
Our lives are often described as a
journey. Sometimes we feel as if we are in
charge of the direction of the journey, and
at other times, the term “I’m at a
crossroads in my life” is used. It is at those
moments that we have an opportunity to
make a choice. Today gives us the chance
to look at how we make our choices, what
our influences are and once again our
memories are there to give us guidance.
When we are younger, either consciously
or without much active thought, we ask
ourselves - What would my parents do?
Sometimes we might actually even directly ask them.
Life values centred on our faith, put others, with Christ as
the key to the decisions and lifestyle choices that we make. I
heard on the radio just this last week an interview with an
author who pitched himself as an atheist. He was asked how
it was that the teachings of Jesus often appeared in his books.
To which he replied that in his mind, even if he didn’t believe
that Jesus was God, that didn’t mean that His teachings
couldn’t be a core inspiration in a person’s life.
To have the inspiration of someone who has helped to form
us is invaluable. That inspiration remains in our memory and
in our hearts, never lost, just with us in a different way. Still
there whenever the need arises, supported by our faith as we
continue our journey.
Many parishioners will remember with affection Fr V Maria Alphonse who worked in the parish with Canon
John Clarke for fifteen months before returning in 2005 to take up an appointment in his home diocese, Kottar in
Tamal Nadu, South India. Parishioner Margaret Ruddy has kept in contact with Fr Alphonse and has allowed us to
print this latest letter from him so that we can all see how he is getting on.
Dear Margaret,I trust and pray that this small
note found you in good health and in the best of
dispositions.
Though I am late to wish you, you are always
in my thoughts and prayers. Believe me, I often
remember you and your family at the celebration
of the Eucharist.
The ministry that I am assigned in the new
diocese of Kuzhithurai, bifurcated from the Mother
diocese, Kottar, keeps me busy all through the
day. The new diocese of Kuzhithurai was erected
on December 12th 2014 and I was appointed Vicar
General on March 1st, 2015. Till June 21st, 2015,
I continued to work from the parish ofåoffice on
June 22. 2015.
t is now a year since the new diocese of Kuzhithurai was
established and the experience ofåå the new job is quite
enriching and challenging. Since we are at the beginning, a lot
oßf things have to be done. We still do not have a proper
building for the offices to function. Together with the people of
the diocese, we are trying to build ourselves up. It will surely
take at least three to five years to stabilize ourselves.
The asset of the diocese is our people, 264,537 Catholics,
100 full-fledged parishes and 102 priests. We are, in fact short
of priests, hence we have sought the help of religious
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congregations. So, the new diocese of
Kuzhithurai goes on with the heavenly protection
of the local martyr, Devasahayam Pillai (April 23,
1712 to January 14, 1752) who was martyred for
the Catholic faith that he embraced, lived and
propagated.
Devasahayam Pillai was an official in the court
of the King of Travancore, Maharaja Marthanda
Varma, when he became under the influence of
Dutch naval commander, Captain Eustachius De
Lannoy, who instructed him in the Catholic faith.
He was killed by the then Travancore state for
upholding his Christian faith. Martyr
Devasahayam was beatified on December 2nd,
2010. We are praying for his canonization, which
we hope will take place soon. Kindly keep me, the diocese and
the people in your prayers.There are lots more things to be
written but I shall write to you sometime in the New Year.
Hereafter I shall try to update things that happen in this part of
the world.
With lots of love and prayers,
Sincerely yours, Fr. V Maria Alphonse