'Aatmamitra' The last (and best) resort for youth in despair

The world is changing rapidly. Life has become very much easier and cosier than before. Science and technology is growing day-by-day and hour-by-hour..!

In pace with the fast growth of technology mainly mobile, internet and video games, the number of people (particularly the children and youth) who succumb to the trap laid by the devil is also increasing alarmingly.  Added to this, the money-centered modern families that lack in love, values and prayers also become the manufacturing centers of individuals who too have seldom values , ethics or discipline in life and they become desperate in the early stage of life itself and want to put an end to it for silly momentary reasons.

Added to this, mobile games like 'blue whale' etc discovered by satan also do thier best to spoil the lives of the present day youth. Misuse and overuse of internet and social medias like facebook, whatsapp etc are also found to be the main causes for the damage of the present generation.

Children of the families where love, order and prayers are lacking, get attracted to uncommon and perverted love that are deceiving and dangerous, and by the time they begin realize the facts, it is too late and they also think that there  is no more meaning to live and try to end the life which is very precious and granted for only once here in this planet. 

In such circumstances, there is one organization that strives sincerely for a remedy to the destruction and degradation of the present day generation. It is none other than Atma Mitra, a noble initiative of the Kerala Jesuit Mission designed and founded by Rev Fr Toby Joseph Kozhuppakkalam. It is situated at 'Sameeksha' campus, a center for study and dialogues of diversified Indian spirituality in Kalady of Ernakulam district.

Atma Mitra which means 'soul friend' or 'friend for life' is a dream project of the founder priest Rev Fr Toby who is an eminent psychological counselor and personality development trainer. The Director Missionary of the not-for-profit organization who works day and night selflessly and tirelessly, has by now saved so many valuable young lives from committing suicides. It is his passion and Divine Calling to serve among the distressed persons particularly the teenagers and youth, without any discrimination of caste, creed, religion or regional barriers. Even if given a missed call to the mobile number, one will get a call back immediately.

There is a 24x7 help line number accessible for the benefit of the hopeless. 

It is (+91) 85475-97883, 8281-676741. And the land line number is: 0484-2466080

The Director can be contacted through e-mail also: tobsysj@gmail.com

Matt 5:16. Let your light shine before others to Glorify your Father in Heaven

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and Glorify your Father in Heaven" (Matt 5:16). 

Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the incarnate Son of God gave away everything He had for us- His Body, Blood, Spirit, Power, Love, Compassion... He was too generous to give His own Almighty Heavenly Father and Virgin Mother as our Father and Mother! It is an act that cannot happen in the normal human understanding. God is far beyond the reach of human beings in everything. God is very holy and man is sinful. God is almighty and man is nothing in comparison to God. Still out of His unstinting Love for us, our Lord Jesus gave us His Father and asked us not to bring disgrace to Him with our devilish behavior. 

It is said that 'Yatha Raja, tatha praja' (As the king so the people) or 'Yatha Pitha, tatha Putra' (like father, like son). If a person is well mannered and good, it will bring good name and fame to his parents particularly his father. Likewise if a person behaves wickedly, he will put his parents to dishonor and shame. 

This is what the great Indian poet Thiruvalluvar also has written, "Makan thanthaikku aatrum udhavi ivan thanthai ennotran kol enum sol" [The greatest filial service of a son is to behave in such a manner and make the world wonder and ask what penance has his father performed to be blessed with such a son.]

Our Lord and Savior has asked us his disciples (or pleaded us) to conduct in such a way that the gentiles see the good deeds of the Christians and glorify the Heavenly Father who is Almighty and Eternal. If a person claims to be a Christian and engages in criminal activities, he is bringing dishonor not only to the Heavenly Father, but also to our Lord Who laid down His Life for us and to HIS Holy Church on this earth. 

If a Christian leader or politician (or a person with a Christian name) involves in corruptions or cheating or any other criminal activities what disgrace he is bringing to the Lord and His Church. If anyone has committed and involved in any unlawful activities, he/she should shun that path and seek God's pardon and forgiveness immediately. 

The recent damage inflicted by the Kerala based priest to the local church through his heinous act is horrible. But it will not affect the Church of the Lord. Even one among the 12 Apostles of the Lord was a traitor but it was not the end of the Church. There were some priests and religious people like this in the Church who slowly neglected their personal prayers (and Rosary Prayers) due to their busy 'service' activities and fell prey for the evil spirits. Power and positions are always dangerous and may slowly widen the gap between one's religious calling. May this serve as a warning to those anointed persons who devote much of their time for other activities neglecting the most important thing in their lives that it Prayer (and the personal relationship with the Lord and His Mother). If any faithful of the Lord happens to fall in any trap of satan, he/she should immediately detest the pleasure of sins and run away to cleanse him/herself through the sacrament of Confession. Otherwise satan will see that the child of God is completely ruined. 

It is highly advisable for the Christians not to use or to minimize the use the internet and social medias like facebook, twitter, whatsapp etc as there are hidden traps laid by the devil. If it cannot be avoided, use it very carefully, diligently and prayerfully. Regular reciting of the Rosary Prayer will definitely protect every child of God from falling in to the attractions of the world and create a feeling of contempt to the worldly attractions like movies, serials, televisions, liquor, parties, etc... 

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 Peter 2:12)

Please Read the Holy Word of God and pray the Rosary and other Prayers regularly. Help others also to walk in the path of God. Lets try to glorify the Heavenly Father by showing our good deeds before others and avoiding anything that is evil. 

God Bless!

An Indian Priest visits hell, purgatory and Heaven: Live video Testimony

This is not a fabricated story or imagination. It is a real incident. It happened about 30 years ago. To a matured Christian Priest. As it is strongly felt that it is very much necessary to mention it now, to bring to the notice of them who conveniently refuse to believe or neglect the very facts told by Lord Jesus about the existence of hell, purgatory and Heaven, I am listing here the own testimony of the Catholic Priest who personally was taken to these places and was allowed to have a first hand experience.

God's words clearly mention in the Holy Bible about the life after death. The Lord has categorically stated that 'the hell is full of fire that does not diminish and worms that do not die' (Mark 9:48). Unfortunately many people now-a-days are seen making statements and arguments in different ways trying to say that the hell full of unquenching fire is not true with a 'nice' motive of removing the fear of hell from the human minds..! It is very unfortunate that there are some preachers (including some Bishops and Priests) who deliver soft and smooth sermons with their own findings like 'the hell is an imaginary state of mind or the hell is in this world only' etc.

The Lord Jesus while saying the incident (true story) of the 'rich man and Lazarus' (Luke 16: 23-25) tells how the fiery the hades are, It is not a parable but He says, "There was a rich man...."

Some Saints were allowed to visit the hell, purgatory and Heaven. After seeing the plight of people in the fiery hell, they shivered and spent the rest of their lives in intercessory prayers. 

Rev Father Jose Maniyangat who is now actively conducting a full time healing ministry in the USA tells about how he met with a fatal accident while he was going for Parish duty when he was in Kerala and how he was taken by his guardian Angel after his soul left his body to see the hell, purgatory and Heaven, and how he met the Lord Jesus, Blessed Mother and St Joseph. 

In his testimony the father says that he was surprised to see some persons in the hell whom he had known earlier. They included some Bishops and Priests whom he never expected to see there. 

Links:

Youtube video testimony of Rev Fr Jose Maniyangattu in Malayalam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39eTRtqueIo

Youtube video testimony of Fr Jose's story by Rev Fr Joseph Mary's Homily in English:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeQNdXu-Uvc

Written testimony of Rev Fr Jose in English:

http://www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am-Christian-(roman-Catholic)/1587294

Rev Fr Jose Maniyangat Ministry and Prayer Request:

http://frmaniyangathealingministry.com/Default.aspx

Please forward/share this blog post with others to remind and warn them about the eternal life after death. Lets also Pray earnestly that no one goes to hell........because our Lord has shed His precious blood for the salvation of the whole humanity.......

Merry Christmas 2016! (Not Merry X-Mas) Christ+Mass

The Holy Season of Advent 2016 has come to an end with the dawn of the Christmas Day just now today. 'Advent' is the season when the faithful world-wide wait eagerly and prepare mentally and spiritually for the 'Coming' of the Lord Jesus Christ to be born as a human in this world.

Many people who were with us to celebrate the last Christmas 2015 are not alive to see this Christmas. By the grace of Lord Jesus, you and me are still alive to see, witness and live one more Christmas. Thank You God!

Some people spend time discussing what to add before Christmas! Whether it is 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Christmas'. Even though there is slight difference in these words, Christmas is a celebration that brings merry making and happiness.

Christmas is the only festival celebrated throughout the world, and in every parts of the universe, by most of the humanity. Christmas brings Joy, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity and Blessings to one and all. Because The Lord Jesus Christ took the incarnation of a man to be offered as a ransom for the redemption of the entire mankind, without any discrimination of race, religion, region etc, Christmas is not the festival of just Christians but every human beings.

Christmas was shortly mentioned as X-Mas in the yesteryears. It is because the Greek letter X was pronounced as 'Kye' which is the first letter of Christ in Greek language. Even though Christmas was written as X Mas in greeting cards and letters, it was pronounced as 'Christ Mass'. But with arrival of internet the meanings of the letters are misinterpreted. As per Mathematical explanations, X denotes a person who has no name. X is also mentioned to represent filthy things now-a-days. 

The commercial world sees Christmas with its business eye only. Beautiful decorations and stars are hung on business establishments. But there is no Christ there. It is painful to understand that even Western countries that gave birth to a huge number of great Saints and Martyrs is calling Christmas season as holiday season removing the Holy Name of the Hero of the season from His own Birthday Celebrations. And even in the developing countries, some Christians are giving more importance to the external celebrations only, very comfortably forgetting and neglecting the real spirit of Christmas that is spreading and sharing Joy, Peace and happiness.

May the Child Jesus give you and all your dear ones a 'good heart' to experience His Peace as the Bible says "Glory to God in the highest and Peace to those with goodwill...!

The Year of Mercy ends, Doors of Churches close, But God's Mercy never ends!

The Universal Catholic Church has been celebrating the 'Extraordinary Great Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy' since 8th December, 2015. The official celebrations that commenced on the inaugural day with the symbolic opening of the great Door of the Basilica of St Peter by Pope Francis, and lasted nearly for an year, are ending with the Feast of Christ the King on 20th November, 2016. 

The Holy Jubilee Year of God's Mercy was observed with the motto, "Be Merciful like the Father" (Lk. 6;36). The main purpose of announcing this year was to give an opportunity for the members of the Catholic Christian community to practice the virtue of mercy and compassion to his fellow human beings as God the Father is showing to his sinful children without any conditions. It was also a golden opportunity for those people who left the Church and the Love of the compassionate Father for different reasons to come back to the main stream without any (normal) conditions or traditional punishments. 

Hundreds of thousands of people entered through the specified Doors of Mercy of Churches or Basilicas throughout the world during this period and experienced the sweetness of the Love, Forgiveness and Mercy of the Divine Father. Those who observed this Jubilee with devotion as instructed by the Holy Father Pope Francis (who is authorized by the Lord to grant) also received the special blessings and pardoning for all their sins. All those who received God's Mercy must preserve It and radiate It to the world.

There are still many people who could not take advantage of this special opportunity. Even though the Church closes the great Doors of St Peter's Basilica in Rome as a symbolic sign to wind-up the Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy, the ever flowing Mercy of the Divine Father never never ends or stops as HE is Mercy Himself (Ps 136). His Mercy and Compassion follows everyone until one's last moment in this world. As no one ever knows when is his/her final moments on this earth would be, it is imperative for each and everyone to rush to any Church as early as possible and seek the Forgiveness of sins from any Catholic Priest and receive God's unlimited and never ending Mercy and eternal Love.

The Year of Mercy ends, Doors of Churches close, But God's Mercy never ends!

The Universal Catholic Church has been celebrating the 'Extraordinary Great Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy' since 8th December, 2015. The official celebrations that commenced on the inaugural day with the symbolic opening of the great Door of the Basilica of St Peter by Pope Francis, and lasted nearly for an year, are ending with the Feast of Christ the King on 20th November, 2016. 

The Holy Jubilee Year of God's Mercy was observed with the motto, "Be Merciful like the Father" (Lk. 6;36). The main purpose of announcing this year was to give an opportunity for the members of the Catholic Christian community to practice the virtue of mercy and compassion to his fellow human beings as God the Father is showing to his sinful children without any conditions. It was also a golden opportunity for those people who left the Church and the Love of the compassionate Father for different reasons to come back to the main stream without any (normal) conditions or traditional punishments. 

Hundreds of thousands of people entered through the specified Doors of Mercy of Churches or Basilicas throughout the world during this period and experienced the sweetness of the Love, Forgiveness and Mercy of the Divine Father. Those who observed this Jubilee with devotion as instructed by the Holy Father Pope Francis (who is authorized by the Lord to grant) also received the special blessings and pardoning for all their sins.

There are still many people who could not take advantage of this special opportunity. Even though the Church closes the great Doors of St Peter's Basilica in Rome as a symbolic sign to wind-up the Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy, the ever flowing Mercy of the Divine Father never never ends as HE is Mercy Himself. His Mercy and Compassion follows everyone until one's last moment in this world. As no one ever knows when is his/her last moment on this earth, it is imperative for each and everyone to rush to any Church as early as possible and seek the Forgiveness of sins from any Catholic Priest and receive God's unlimited and never ending Mercy and eternal Love.

Syro Malabar Church NOT to wash women's feet on Holy Thursday 2016

The Major Arch Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of Kerala, Cardinal George Alencherry has made an announcement regarding the female participation in 'the washing of the feet ceremony' during the 2016 Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's last Supper. 

'Washing of the feet' (mandatum) is a custom practised by the Catholic Church, taking example from the 'Humble Act' of the Divine Master who surprised His 12 Apostles by kneeling before each and washing and kissing everyone's feet during His Last Supper with them on Holy Thursday, before His Great Passion and death on the Cross on Good Friday. This great exemplary act of the Greatest Master before His disciples to teach them to show in action the value of humility and love to one another is being carried out by His followers throughout the world. Ever since the last Supper of the Lord in 33 AD, in every Catholic Church, the heads of the Church starting from the Pope, Cardinals, bishops or Priests, this event is performed in memory of the Lord at His command. Such a rare ceremony is performed only in the Catholic Church under the sun where a master or teacher kneeling before his disciple and washing and kissing his foot.

Until recently in the universal Catholic church, representing the Lord's 12 disciples, 12 men were invited by the priest (celebrant of the Holy Mass) to participate in this ceremony. But during the Holy Thursday ceremonies of the present Pontiff Francis after his election as the Pope, he brought about a change in the customary practice and chose some abandoned and neglected persons from the society which included some prisoners and women. 

Later this year according to the suggestions of the Holy Father, the Roman Missal numbers 10 and 11 some slight changes were initiated. The earlier wordings on the 'washing of the feet' rite said, "The pre-chosen men are accompanied by the pastor (priest)". But after the editing, the word 'men' are modified to 'people' and the present text reads as "The pre-chosen among the people of God are accompanied by the priest".  This to include everyone for the washing of the foot rite without any gender discrimination. But it is misunderstood by some people as an order of the pope to include women compulsorily for this holy ceremony by giving 50 percent reservation to female gender. 

Putting an end to this confusion, the Head of the Syrian Catholic Church, Cardinal George Alencherry issued a statement that in the universal Syro Malabar Catholic Church, women will not be included or invited for the washing of the feet during the Holy (Maundy) Thursday services on March 24, 2016. The Arch Bishop made it clear that a decision on this regard will be taken in a Church synod to be held later this year.

Catholic Christian Nurses Ministry: Glorifying the Lord through Service

When we hear and see on TV channels and in the media, the committed services of the Catholic Nurses spread around the world particularly in the middle east while on duty, and the various Spiritual and social activities they render during the week off, we feel proud and thank God for enabling these brothers and sisters who bring pride and glory to the Lord who called them and the Church that formed them and the state of Kerala which sent them.

The nurses from Kerala are preferred throughout the world. This is because of their dedication to the work. The dedicated and sincere service of Kerala nurses abroad is bringing not only foreign revenue but also a good name to the state. Many nurses opt for nursing as their profession not just by chance, but by choice. Even if someone became a nurse by chance, they transform into a worthy nurse thanks to the 'Word of God' which is deeply buried in them.

When many of these nurses realize their 'calling' and extend their services to the sick and the suffering with compassion and caring, they are indirectly glorifying the Lord. When they become able to see Lord Jesus Christ in these suffering people and serve them with love and patience, they become equal to the venerable persons like Mother Teresa.  Even though a nurse is doing the job as an employment for earning money, by having a proper attitude and changing the mindset, the same work can be turned into a great Missionary work. When a nurse devotes his/her job as a vocation and performs his/her duty seeing the invisible Lord in the patients, he/she can find happiness in the job and endure the numerous 'crosses' happily and proudly.

May the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen all nurses who are part of the Nurses Ministry in the gulf countries and bless their near and dear ones abundantly. Through this nurses' ministry, they gather together and hold prayers and other charitable activities. If all  Indian nurses (particularly the Christians) take examples from them and form and operate similar ministries in the areas of their work, they will be instrumental to the spreading of the Kingdom of God. Such fellowships will strengthen the novice and wavering individuals also. This will also bring good tidings to the lives of many who are in trials and misfortunes.

God Bless....

'Buon Natale' Thrissur, Kerala, India 2015

The Italian term 'Buon Natale' which means, 'Merry Christmas' has become a familiar word for the Indian People particularly the Keralaite community following the entry of the 'Buon Natale' Christmas Procession conducted with the collective co-operation of the Kerala Catholic Church under the leadership of the Arch Diocese of Thrissur last year (2014) entered the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest number of people dressed up as Santa Claus (Christmas Papa) in a single event in the whole world for the first time. It was a great matter of pride and achievement not only for the Kerala Christian Communities but also for the entire Malayalee population in the world. 

This year also the Syro-Malabar Arch Diocese has made all elaborate arrangements for the grand show of 'Buon Natale 2015'  in the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur. About 5000 people dressed up as Christmas Fathers and 2000 children as angels have made the show very colorful on Sunday, the 27th of December 2015. 

Please watch the videos / photos / images pictures here: 

http://buonnatale.in/

Facebook page of Buon Natale (X-Mas Carol)

Youtube Page:

Merry Christmas - Peace to the world...!!!

The Catholic Church Opens Doors to The Holy Year of Mercy (2015 Dec 8 - 2016 Nov 20)

(Logo Courtesy: Religiouslife.com)

With the Opening of the 'Great Bronze Doors' of St Peter's Basilica in Rome by Holy Father Pope Francis on Tuesday (2015 December 8th), the 'Holy Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy' has commenced officially in the Universal Catholic Church. The most auspicious day to inaugurate the The 'Holy Jubilee Year of Mercy' is the great Feast Day of (obligation) the 'Immaculate Conception' of the Blessed virgin Mother (December 8th) whose primary duty always (particularly these end-days) is to gather and guide all the stray children of the compassionate God back to HIM through repentance, penance and confession (the Holy sacrament of reconciliation). And the Holy Year of Mercy will be closed on the Great Solemnity of 'Christ the King' on November 20, 2016

This Holy Year of Divine Mercy is a golden opportunity for those who have gone afar from the everlasting Love of the Divine Father, Who like the dad of the prodigal son in the Holy Bible keeps looking always for the return of the lost children. It is the duty of every child of God, particularly the chosen one to help in the return of those children of the Heavenly Father back to Him and receive His abundant grace and Love.

We know and often say, 'to err is human, to forgive is Divine'. This statement is absolutely true. All human beings (except the Virgin Mother of Lord Jesus who is immaculate conception), are sinners. It is the very 'nature' of these human beings to commit sins. But at the same time, the 'nature' of God is to forgive and forget all the sins and shortcomings of those who truly repent. In the Syro-Malabar Qurbana we pray, to the Heavenly Father to show compassion to us according to HIS 'nature'.

The Observance of the Holy Year of Mercy in the Catholic Churches throughout the world will be done on Sunday, the 13th of december 2015. In most of the churches, the Priest will open the main doors of the churches to mark the commencement of this jubilee Year.

'Holy' Jubilee Years are observed rarely in the Catholic Church (usually once in a half century) and during these Holy Years, the Church (with its God-given authority grants special 'indulgence' for the devotees who make pilgrimages to the Church in Rome or other selected Churches in one's neighborhood. This is the most ideal chance for anyone to reconcile with the Divine Love through repentance. Because there is absolutely NO guarantee that we would get one more chance....

In East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India (Visakhapatnam Arch Diocese), St Ann's Church at Jagannaickpur, Kakinada is designated as the central Church for rendering God's special forgiveness and grace during the 'Holy Year of Mercy' and will be opened by the Priest on 13-12-2015 Sunday at 8.00 am. People in the district who cannot go to other pilgrim centers, can make a pilgrimage to this Church and offer the spiritual Sacraments of Confession and Holy Mass for receiving 'indulgence' untill the closing of the Holy Year on 20-11-2016.