Formation & Studies:
Secondary Education: St. Mary’s School, Kidangoor, 1962
Graduation:St. Thomas College, Palai,1966
Novitiate: XTTI, Digha Ghat, P.O., Patna, 1967-69
Juniorate: XTTI, Digha Ghat, P.O., Patna, 1969-70
Philosophy:De Nobili College,Pune, 1970-73
Regency: St. Xavier’s School, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 1973-74
Theology: Vidyajyoti, Delhi, 1974-77
Diaconate: Delhi, 08-02-1976; Bp. A. Fernandes
Ordination: Kuravilangad, 15-05-1976; Bp. J. Pallivathakal
Tertianship: St. Stanislaus, Sitagarah; 1981-82
Final Vows: St. Xavier’s, Patna,01-11-1985
Apostolic Assignments:
Spiritual Father, MissionHome,Palai, 1977-79
Vice-Principal, St. Xavier’s, Jaipur, 1979-81
Director, Xavier Hall, Bangalore, 1982-89
Rector, Mission Home, Palai, 1989-92
Rector, St. Xavier’s, Patna, 1992-95
Charismatic retreats, Kurji Parish, 1995-2003
Charismatic retreats, Fatima Mata Susamachar Kendra, Sabbatical, 2017 \2003-17
Ministry of the Word, res. Kurji Parish, (Oct.-Dec.) 2018
Ministry of the Word, res. Sanjivan Niwas, Patna 2019-
The Lord seems to have bestowed two great graces on Fr. George Karamayil, SJ: innocence and zeal. i). Fr. George was a genuine disciple of Jesus ‘in whom there was no guile’ (Jn1:47). His charming smile in all situations of life reflected his innocence. ii). Fr. George was a zealous apostle who preached ‘in season and out of season’ (2 Tim 4:2). When he could not preach from the pulpit or could not preach to people in person, he preached through his mobile phone. Neither language barrier nor ill health could dampen his zeal for the ministry.
In the beginning of priestly life, for about twelve years Fr. George Karamayil, SJ was engaged in the early stages of formation such as Mission Home, Palai (Apostolic School) and Xavier Hall, Bangalore (Candidates’ House). He was very endearing to youngsters and they experienced in him a very humane yet God-centered person. In the second and last part of his priestly life, for about thirty years, Fr. George was a zealous preacher of the Word. In Kurji parish and Fatima Mata Susamachar Kendra (Charismatic Retreat Centre), Patna, in numerous parishes he was invited to and in personal accompaniment of those who sought his help, Fr. George preached the Word of God relentlessly. His short stint of two years as Vice-Principal at St. Xavier’s, Jaipur and three years as Rector of St. Xavier’s, Patna were the only other ‘digressions’ in his life.
In success and failure, in favourable as well as adverse environment, in relating to people of different age groups and varying cultural backgrounds, his indomitable spirit and optimism was unwavering, and his joy, contagious. He remained a simple missionary, who never succumbed to the comforts of life. In October 2020 Fr. George was diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment in Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital, Vellore and Holy Family Hospital, Kurji, Patna. For better medical care, his residence was changed from Sanjivan Niwas to Xavier Bhawan (Province Infirmary). Even as others were concerned about his ailment and were busy working on his treatment, Fr. George was focused on the ‘Ministry of the Word’ – he was mobilizing resources, getting several thousands of copies of pocket edition of the Bible printed and was busy distributing them to everyone around him and those afar. When his health condition and lockdown due to Corona pandemic restricted his movements, he was busy providing spiritual solace and guidance over the phone to the many who sought his help. He died as one of the victims of the second wave of Corona pandemic.
Thank you Fr. George for being a shining example as a ‘Minister of the Word’. Intercede for us that we may ever grow in love and zeal for the Word of God.
[All the members of Patna Province are to offer one Mass intention for Fr. George Karamayil, SJ.
Members of Sanjivan Niwas community will offer one additional Mass intention.]
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