AN EMMAUS TEACHER FOR THE HEARTIANS - FR JOSEPH KAIMALAYIL CMI

REV. FR JOSEPH KAILMALAYIL CMI (1938-2023)

SACRED HEART COLLEGE (1974-94)

When I look back at my acquaintance over 45 years with Fr Kaimala (that's how we used to call him - Kaimala achan), the image that comes to my mind is that of Jesus accompanying the confused disciples on their way to Emmaus, and setting their heart aflame (Lk 24).  Honestly, I am not sure how far he could set the hearts aflame, but definitely, he did accompany, and many an old-time heartian has vouched for the consolation he received from his company. 

My initial acquaintance with him was through my membership in the Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) of which he was the director of SH unit. We had two-day camps where we stayed over at SH College and had some sessions. There were some trips too - two of which stand out in my mind  (i) to pilgrim centres like Koonnammavu, Paravoor, Palayoor etc, and (ii) to Mayilaadumkunnu.  The second was thought to be a very fancy place, from the name - but finally, when we reached there, it was just some hill, there was neither Mayil (peacock) nor aattam (dance).  However, we had a visit to the ashram of Kurishumala, and the high-yielding cows were the most fascinating item of the trip for me.  As the trip was winding up, a prize was announced for the best write-up on the trip, and if I recall correctly, I did give the write-up, and perhaps it was adjudged the best - but with Fr. Kaimala, those days, the prizes were 'medals', which held no fascination for me, even then! 

He was liked by the young people, and he had a way with them - to take them along. I am not sure how that friendship was of use in instilling a favourable condition in the college, as I was neither a student nor a resident of Keralam during those turbulent days of the 80s and 90s. However, I have heard several senior alumni commenting about the two of them - Fr. Kaimala (sometimes, referred to, without any malice, as Fr. Kaimal), and Fr. Varghese Kuzhikanniyil, both of whom belonged to the composite department of Economics.  Later accounts of his dealings with the youth of Thevara tell me that he was a boldacious presence among them challenging them and pointing out to them the facets of life in a realistic manner. But above all, I am happy to link him with the reference to a prayer in the Syro Malabar Eucharistic liturgy - as someone who went about with a maliceless heart and cheerful countenance (nirmala hrudayavum prasanna vadanavum - prayer after reconciliation service and before the Our Father). 

Since I was a student of the campus school of Sacred Heart from 1977 to 80, and as I used to invite him to our informal training sessions of the local KCSL unit, we got rather friendly.  So when I finally made an unexpected decision to join the order as an aspirant, with hardly any consultation with anyone, including my class teacher, Fr George Muttamthottil, I decided to confide the matter with him, and went to bid him goodbye.  And he gave a very classical piece of philosophical advice; perhaps, he too might have received the same from someone: 'Expect the unexpected'.  And I feel that the advice has stood me good, I have found many things unexpected, and in turn, might have been the subject of presenting many unexpected things for the students or the community around, on my part. 

Later on, I learnt that he had guided my all-time favourite organisation KCSL for quite some time - both at the diocesan level and the state level. 

I feel he was a person who could be described countering the famous column by Khushwant Singh, as someone 'with malice towards none' (Khushwant Sing: With Malice Towards One and All).  In his younger days as a CMI, he was known by the religious name 'Procopius' (Incidentally, it fitted him well like a nickname associated with his learning of history - Procopius being an iconic figure in the historiography).  He was said to have been a very vibrant player on the volleyball court.  At Thevara, I have hardly found him in the sports field, perhaps, with the exception of a couple of times in the basketball field. 

For him, Sacred Heart held a very warm and passionate space in his heart. Any gathering at Thevara, he would make an effort to join. The way in which he fought back a very serious illness was remarkable.  And I recall with happiness that he was present at the gathering in Thevara to which I had invited him. As Dr VS Sebastian noted, his presence made a great difference to making the staff relationships warmer and more humane. 

I think the last time I met was about 2 years ago, at Muvattupuzha.  I was there for a night, occupying the room next to his. He was seen to be happy and rather healthy. I regret his departure, though I feel God has been gracious to him to have a life lived long, full and well! I regret all the more that I am not able to bid farewell to him in person. 

May the beloved soul rest with the Lord in joy and peace eternal!