The feast of our Father Founder is here again. Claretians the world over celebrate this day with joy and enthusiasm. It is not just a commemoration of a date, oct.24th, not just an annual exercise. But an attempt to relive his values, an effort to capture his ethos and life example in our own times. We are living in a historic moment in the life of the congregation: just a year into the life of the new General Government, which does its best to shepherd, inspire and guide Claretian family. This is also the time when major organisms attempt to streamline their life and ministry on the recommendations of the Chapter.

Apostolic Missionary describes the most authentic and profound personality of Anthony Mary Claret. Apostolic missionary, in its original and legal sense mean a priest sent by the Apostolic See to raise up the church where it is not established. Claret obtained the title of apostolic missionary ad honorem in 1841, but for him it was not an honorific title but a definition of his being, a recognition of his charisma and commitment with the church. Again he chose evangelical witness according to the life style of Jesus and the twelve. I believe this celebration of the feast should help us introspect: Do I try to take up the lifestyle of Jesus and the twelve and desire earnestly to be seen in the life style of Jesus and the Apostles?

Claret as a missionary bishop was seen quite on the move. When cholera epidemic ravaged the diocese of Cuba he, along with his priests visited the stricken. In those days one of his priests, Pastor El Cobre gave the supreme display of Christian Compassion and courage with the words. “I know that if I go I will die because it will only worsen my condition: I would rather die than fail the sick man who is calling for me”. He went and on his return took to his bed and died. (Auto.537).Our Founder father Claret as a missionary bishop traversed such terrain and places which were least frequented by a bishop.” Well now, it had been 60 years since a bishop had visited this city, which meant that the sacrament of Confirmation had not been administered in all those years. (Auto 542) Thus this zealous missionary not just gave heed to the exhortation of St Paul (Col.3:12) “As Gods chosen people, clothe yourself with compassion and kindness”, he seemed urged on by these words.

Centered people look beyond the obvious. Persons who are focused set their minds on higher values. They look beyond the obvious, would not fall for the instant gratifications. One need to cultivate higher values: “From Me first to After you”. Father Claret was someone who had his ideals clear. Salvation of souls, sanctification of self and God’s glory was his life’s principle. He went along doing his ministry with these ideals unperturbed.

 John Keats said, “I have been astonished that men could die martyrs for their religion. I have shuddered at it. I shudder no more. I could be martyred for my religion. “Love is my religion”, and I could die for that.

It’s time we rise above mere goals and objectives and ask what my life’s purpose is. At some point in life each will have to face this great question. What do I want to do with my life? Spiritually inclined persons call it “the higher purpose in life or life’s purpose. The earlier you answer it the better. Let’s halt on our roads and ask ourselves this question. Let’s turn to the Founder for inspiration.

Fr. George Mattathil

Prefect of Formation