MST Generalate, Deepti Bhavan, Melampara P.O. Bharananganam,
Kerala - 686 578 , India- 4822 236353 / 237873
mstgeneralate@gmail.com
MST Generalate, Deepti Bhavan, Melampara P.O. Bharananganam,
Kerala - 686 578 , India
A three-day orientation programme was organised from June 5 to 8, 2025, at the MST Generalate, for the newly ordained priests of MST before sending them to the Mission. The event was a spiritually vibrant and formative moment for the new priests to instil in them the spirit of “Sleehusa”—a Syriac word which means sending, mission, apostleship, apostolate, or delegation.
This term beautifully enunciates the identity and vocation of every MST priest who serve the Church in the Mission not as paid servants or mercenaries, but as ambassadors and legates. The Sleehusa stands as a sacred ceremony of commissioning the new priests with the mission mandate.
Over the next three days, the participants engaged in a series of talks, discussions, and interactive sessions, designed to equip them spiritually, intellectually, socially and pastorally as true missionaries. The sessions were led by experienced clergy, religious, and lay experts on the following themes: Life Style of the MST, New Approaches to the Mission, Expectations of the Religious Sisters from the Clergy, MST Mission Experience Sharing, Responsible Use of Mobile Phones and Gadgets and Cyber Laws, Thomasine Spirituality and its Living Applications in the Missions, and Practical Tips to Serve in the Missions Faithfully and Fruitfully, delivered respectively by Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikkattilputhenpura, Rev. Fr Joseph Thekkekarott, Rev. Sr Tessy Pallickaparampil, Rev. Fr Thomas Chirackal, Mr Abhilash Joseph (Trainer), Rev. Fr James Kurikilamkatt, and Rev. Fr Jomon Ayyankanal.
The Sleehusa ceremony was integrated with the Holy Qurbana presided over by Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikkattilputhenpura in the evening on June 5, 2025. In his message, he exhorted the young missionary priests that theirs is a lifelong journey—a constant call to personal sanctity, reverence, and missionary zeal. After the Holy Qurbana, each of the new priests was prayerfully commissioned for the missionary apostolate. This was followed by a fraternal gathering and dinner with all priests present from the campus on June 8, 2025, at 8:00 p.m.The programme served as a powerful reminder of the missionary spirit at the heart of MST, and the vital role of formation in preparing priests to be faithful and fruitful apostles of Christ.
May 23, 2025 was a day of great joy and blessings for the MST. 13 brothers who successfully completed regency in different mission centres received clerical dress (cassock) on this day during the holy Qurbana in the presence of many priests, the parents, siblings and dear ones of the brothers receiving Cassock. The brothers who received cassock renewed their Temporary Promise of Incorporation into the Society and three brothers who completed the Missionary Orientation Course made their first Temporary Promise of Incorporation into MST. Two batches of philosophy brothers could not participate in the MIST due to university exams.
The Major Seminarians’ Gathering motivated to illumine in Spirit and Truth (MIST), was held from May 20 to 23, 2025 at the Generalate. It was a refreshing time – quiet, joyful, and deeply personal. The gathering was inaugurated by Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikattilputhenpura, Director General of the MST in the presence of the Councillors and the Treasurer General. Adv. Justin Pallivathukkal motivated the brothers by his heart touching, inspiring and motivating talk. He shared his personal experiences in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He explained the challenges he faced in his life and how he overcame them with the grace of God. His deep convictions founded on his faith in Jesus Christ, his ardent desire to share his faith with the people and his intimate personal relationship with God motivated the brothers.
Rev. Fr Justin Vettukallel dealt with the Constitutions and Directives of the MST and highlighted the purpose of the MST as mission ad gentes quoting C&D. He placed before the brothers the challenge to dedicate themselves totally for the cause of mission ad gentes. There were other activities which formed integral part of the MIST. Bro Georgekutty Nelluvelil was elected the leader of the MST brothers for the coming year. The gathering of the brothers ended on 23rd May after vestition in the morning at 7 a.m.
Thirty-three brothers in various stages of formation took part in the retreat from 16th to 19th May, 2025 arranged in the Generalate to prepare them for receiving the Sacred Orders, Vestition and making the Promise of Incorporation into the Society. Three brothers received Diaconate, eight brothers Heupadyakonusa and four Karoyusa on 20th May, 2025 from Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Archbishop emeritus of Changanachery at 3.00 pm. The three brothers who received the order of M’samsanausa made the Perpetual Promise of Incorporation into the Society in the morning.
An on-going formation programme for senior priests was held at the Generalate from May 12–16, 2025, under the title “Seasons of Grace: Gathering of Senior Shepherds.” This five-day event brought together 52 priests from the 1971–72 to 1982–83 batches, including those serving abroad, whose presence added grace and joy to the gathering.
The phrase “Seasons of Grace” reflects the understanding that approaching retirement or entering a quieter stage of ministry is not an end but a sacred phase, where God’s work continues in deeper and more reflective ways. The subtitle “Gathering of Senior Shepherds” emphasized the significance of experienced missionary priests coming together to reflect, share wisdom, and encourage one another in faith and on-going service.
The programme was solemnly inaugurated at 6:30 p.m. on May 12, 2025, by His Excellency Mar Sebastian Vadakel, who encouraged the participants to view retirement not as withdrawal but as an opportunity to serve the Church in renewed and meaningful ways. The session was presided over by Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikattilputhenpura, who paid tribute to the senior priests for their foundational contributions to shaping the MST’s mission and vision in the early years of the Society’s journey.
Interactive and reflective sessions in these days were conducted on themes that addressed spiritual, psychological, and practical aspects of retired life and they are; A Successful Spiritual Stewardship by the MST Priests in the Vineyard of the Lord, Stepping into Retirement with Dignity and Joy, The Priesthood: A Lifelong Covenant, Retirement Reimagined: Wellbeing Inside and Out, and The Psychological Transition: From Identity and Purpose to Freedom and Fulfilment in Retirement, led respectively by Rev. Dr Justin Vettukallel, Bp Mar Jacob Muricken, Rev. Dr Jose Mariadas OIC, Dr Jossy (Medicity, Pala), and Prof. Dr Mathew Kanamala and Mrs Reena Mathew. The sessions were designed to recharge and guide the senior priests, and help them embrace retirement gracefully and with dignity.
A major portion of the programme was devoted to personal sharing, offering a rich space for storytelling and memory-sharing. These sessions inspired younger generations and helped preserve the lived history of the MST. Cultural programmes were organized in the evening on May 14, with music, dance, comedy, and performances by the senior priests. The senior priests surprised and delighted everyone with their talents and enthusiasm.
The programme was concluded on May 16, 2025, after an appraisal and planning session with the members of the General Administration. In this session, many shared their concerns, future aspirations, and appreciation for the past and present leadership of the Society. The gathering ended on a note of gratitude, joy, and renewal. With hearts full of contentment and appreciation, the senior priests returned gracefully to their respective missions.
An interactive seminar on education titled “Transforming Education Together: Empowering Educators and Inspiring Learners” was held from 6th to 8th May 2025 at St. Louis Villa, Montfort Provincial House, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, bringing together 45 MST priests for reflection, dialogue, and strategic planning on the education apostolate.
Rev. Fr Ivan Muthanatt welcomed the participants at the opening of the seminar, which was officially inaugurated on 6th May at 6:30 p.m. by Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikattilputhenpura. In his inaugural address, he emphasized that the ultimate mission of MST’s educational apostolate is to serve as instruments in spreading the Word of God. The sessions began with an orientation on the Philosophy of Education by Fr Prayan Kongatt, who drew on both Indian and Western philosophical traditions to understand the philosophy of education.
On 7th May, two significant papers shaped the morning session. The first, titled “Leading Together – Harmonizing the Roles of Principals and Managers”, was presented by Rev. Bro George Palackal, emphasizing collaborative leadership in school administration. The second, “Re-engineering MST Education in the Multivocal Context of India Today”, was delivered by Rev. Dr Paul Raj, addressing the challenges, reorientation and discontinuous thinking required in today’s diverse educational landscape.
The afternoon featured a panel discussion on “Evolving MST Education from 1968–2025” by Rev. Fr Sojan Unnieppillil, who traced the developmental shifts in MST’s educational vision, and “Appraisal: MST Education Policy and Guidelines” by Rev. Fr Siju Azhakath, who proposed improvements to the existing policy framework. Rev. Fr Justin Vettukallel spoke on “Living the Missionary Purpose and the Apostolate of Education”. He urged that MST’s educational apostolate must serve as a gateway to the mission Ad gentes, remaining faithful to MST’s purpose.
On 8th May, the “Execution of MST’s Vision on Education in Different Regions” was presented by Fr Lithosh Karingadayil, Fr Jiby Thekkemuriyil, Fr Lijo Vadakkemury, and Fr Sogin Chirayil, representing their regions. They shared experiences and plans for realizing MST’s Educational Vision 2040. The concluding planning session was held with the active participation of all General Councillors and participants.
Young Priests’ Meet 2024
The Ongoing Formation programme for Young Priests (Ordination Batches: 2019-20 to 2023-24) was held from 9 to 11 October 2024 at Deepti Bhavan. A total of 30 young priests participated in this 4-day programme. Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikattilputhenpura, the Director General, inaugurated the gathering at 6.30 p.m. on 9 October.
Demise of Fr Peter Kavumpuram
Fr Peter Kavumpuram (69) MST who was serving at Dilasa Bhavan, Miraj in St Alphonsa Mission Region was called by the Lord suddenly and unexpectedly for his eternal reward at 7.55 pm on September 24, 2024 at Bharathi Medical College Hospital, Miraj, Sangli Dt, Maharastra. After completing the formalities at Bharathi Vidyapith Medical College, Miraj, the body of Rev. Fr Peter Kavumpuram was brought to St Alphonsa Forane Church to bid farewell to the parishioners of Miraj parish and the missionary personnel of St Alphonsa Mission Region, Sangli. Fr Peter was one of the former parish priests at St Alphonsa Forane Church Miraj and Manager of the School. After the prayers officiated by the Regional Director Very Rev.Fr Thomas Mangalthil, the Regional Councillors, the parish priest, the priests and sisters of Sangli Mission, the teachers, parishioners and the inmates of Dilasa Bhavan, Miraj, the body was taken to Bangalore at 11.30 pm, accompanied by Rev. Fr Lijo Kavunnukattil, Fr Shaji Parayankuzhyil, Fr Biji Kudukkamthadam and Fr Justin Kanat. The body was embalmed at St John’s Medical College in Bangalore.
Demise of Rev. Fr Augustine Puthenpura
Rev.Fr Augustine Puthenpura (Panchakuzhy) [P.D. Augusty 94] one of the pioneer members of the Missionary Society of St Thomas the Apostle, belonging to St Paul Region Ujjain, was called for his eternal reward at 6.10 pm on April 10, 2024 at IHM hospital, Marygiri, Bharananganam. Rev. Fr Ivan Muthanattu, the General Councillor, administered to him the sacrament of the anointing of the sick at 2.30 pm. At 5.30 pm his health started deteriorating and Fr Jomon Ayyankanal, Rev. Sisters, Nurses and family people were present at his bed praying as he passed away at 6.10 pm. The body of Rev. Fr Augustine Puthenpura was shifted tothe mortuary after the office for the dead prayed by Fr Kurian Kochettonnil, the Director of Aaraam.
Demise Rev.Fr Sebastian Thuruthel (RIP Feb. 8-14, 2024)
Vaidikaratnam Very Reverend Fr Sebastian Thuruthel (98), a member of the Missionary Society of St Thomas the Apostle and assigned to St Thomas Mission Region, Mandya, was called for his eternal reward at 9.25 pm on February 8, 2024 at IHM hospital, Marygiri, Bharananganam. Rev. Frs Joseph Thekkekarott, Jomon Ayyankanal and Lonappan Arangassery, fathers from Deepti Generalate, Deepti Minor seminary and Aaraam as well as doctors and the nursing staff of the IHM hospital were present at his death bed praying as he passed away. The body was kept in the mortuary till 11th Afternoon.
The Department of Education and Social Apostolates of the MST conducted a four-day workshop cum seminar for MST priests working in the field of education and social apostolates from May 21 to May 25, 2024, at the Generalate. The seminar’s central theme was “MST Priests as Heralds of the Gospel” for transforming humanity. Inspired by the divine mandate, we serve humanity through various ministries of diakonia. Hence, the workshop tried to introduce the relevance of our ministries in this changing and challenging political, social, cultural, and religious milieu. Prospects and Challenges of Catholic Education, New Strategies and Welfare Approaches in Social Apostolates, New Pedagogies for our Ministries, Networking and Interpersonal Relationships, and Legal Aid for Education and Social Apostolates were some of the topics of this seminar. More than 50 MST priests participated, updating and enhancing their knowledge and forging a way forward to create better educational pedagogies and social welfare approaches. Rev. Dr John F. Sequeira OCD, Rev. Dr Paul Puduserry CSE and Mr Willson Mathew (Advocate of the Supreme Court) were the esteemed speakers for this seminar.
The following brothers were promoted by the General Council of the MST to the next stage of formation in Theology. They made the temporary promise of incorporation and given the clerical dress (Cassock) during the Holy Qurbana at 7.00 am on 16th May, 2024 at the Generalate.
1) Alackal Mathai (Nirmal Martin)
2) Choorapuzhayil Scaria (Savio Thomas)
3) Kaithakulathuputhenpurayil Sebastian (Manu George)
4) Kakkaniyil Emmanuel (Lino Charly)
5) Kandathil James (Albin Joseph)
6) Kottuppally Kurian (Abhishek Siby)
7) Kulanjiyil Abraham (Justin George)
8) Mankuzha Paulose (Alan Joseph)
9) Mannoor Thomas (Sajith Chandy)
10) Nedumthuruthimyalil Mathew (Mathew Jose)
11) Nirappel George (Geo Tomy)
12) Orappuzhikkal Chandy (Jeswin Chandy)
13) Puthenkalam Geevarghese (Bonny Baiju)
14) Puthenpurakkal Joseph (Albin Varghese)
15) Thuruthel Mathew (Sobin Jose)
The following eight brothers studing in the Major seminaries in Kerala were conferred the order of Karoyusa on May 13 at 3.00 pm.
1. Attarumackal Abel Babu (Joseph George), Parish -Lourdu Mount, Palai
2. Karuvelil Thomas, Parish -Thankamany, Idukki
3. Kunnath Vargheese (Nirmal Devesia), Parish -Vazhathoppe, Idukki
4. Manjalil John (Jomon Thomas), Parish- Kodikulam, Kothamangalam
5. Palapulickal Thomas (Thomas Mathew) Parish- Chengalam, Kanjirappally
6. Putukkara Lazer (Aghil Pauly), Parish- Wadakkancherry, Trichur
7. Vettukallel Sebastian (Sebastian Binoy), Parish- Vimalagiri, Idukki
8. Vattoth Augustine (Joyal Thomas) Parish- Cheruvallikulam, Kanjirappally
Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil was felicitated by the MST missionaries of Mandya region during his visit to the regional house in Mandya on March 17, 2024. Fr Sojan Aikarakunnel Welcomed the Major Archibishop and a choir of Fathers and sisters led the prayer service and sang the felicitation song. Fr Giby Thekkemury gave the vote of thanks.
In his address the Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil spoke about the missionary priorites of the Syro-Malabar Church, which is a global Church spread to the world and no more limited to a small territory of Kerala any more. He appreciated the hard work of the Fathers and sisters of Mandya mission who spare no effort to bear witnesse to the Gospel in the state of Karnataka. He expressed his desire that more and more priests and brothers from Kerala should go to work in the missions.
Mar Thattil reiterated that, as the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, his priority is to hold the Church together as a family without losing anyone. Standing united as one family the Church can witness the love of God more effectively and powerfully. This also demands a greater missionary consciousness in the Syro-Malabar Church, he added.
about 30 priests belonging to the Missionary Soceity of St Thomas (MST) working in the Mandya region and as many sisters of various religions congregations who are the missionary collaborators in Mandya were present. 11 seminarians from Jeevan Jyoti, the Missionary Orientation centre also attended.
Inauguration of NAVADEEPTI Counselling Centre for Drugs and Alcoholic Addicts marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against the pressing issue of drug and alcohol addiction in the area of Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceremony commenced with the celebration of Holy Eucharist in the Christ the King Parish Church of Akhanoor in the diocese of Jammu and Srinagar. Bishop Ivan Robert Pereira, the Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar celebrated the holy mass in the gracious presence of Bp Mar Jose Puthenveetil , the auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Faridabad, Rev. Fr Joseph Karodan , the regional director of Delhi region, Rev Fr Rony Allencherry, the director of Navadeepti Counselling Centre, Rev. fathers of Jammu-Srinagar diocese, Rev. fathers of Delhi region of MST, Rev. sisters and the parishioners of Akhanoor parish.
NAVADEEPTI Counselling Centre for Drugs and Alcholic Addicts was set up by Fr Rony Allencherry, under the auspices of Deepti Foundation, run by the Mary Queen of Missions MST Region, Delhi.
Vaidikaratnam Very Rev. Fr Sebastian Thuruthel, (99), former Director General MST, is called for his eternal reward on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 9.25 pm. He breathed his last at the end of the prayers in the presence of many MST Fathers and family members. The body will be brought to MST Generalate on Deepti Mount in Melampara, near Bharananganam on Sunday (11/02/2024) at 5 pm. The funeral service will start on Monday (12/02/2024) at 9.30 am followed by Holy Qurbana at the Deepthi Bhavan Chapel at Melampara. The body will be interred at Deepti Cemetery.
Click Here to Download
Click here to view live cast funeral
How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!
The MST Generalate was blessed by the presence of priest members engaged in the formation of Christian communities and the Ministry of Preaching from October 24 to 27, 2023. It’s organization was prompted by the discussions in the Extra Ordinary General Assembly 2022 and the Ordinary General Assembly 2023.
The discussions focused on resetting the purpose and the priority of the MST for forming and nourishing Christian n communities and thus establishing local churches with Qurbana Centers, parishes and other necessary ecclesiastical structures. The meeting was inaugurated on October 24 evening by the Director General who presided over. Very Rev Fr Vincent Kadalikattilputhenpura emphasized the importance of preaching and Community Formation highlighting the newly promulgated C&D of the MST.
The updates from the Mission Regions and Coordination shared by the participants enlightened and inspired all. The second day of the meeting was marked with the sharing and classes by Rev Fr Jeevan K.D, a great missionary engaged in community formation in the diocese of Chanda. He highlighted that the community formation is necessarily the end result of every missionary activity. The second session of the day included the panel discussion on Community Formation and Preaching Ministry in the background of MST Mission and it was followed by the sharing session with the General Council of the MST. The Panel discussion included the following topics: Direct preaching and community formation, pastoral care of the new communities, preaching ministry and holistic empowerment of the new communities. The meeting concluded with the sharing session with the General councilors, where by the members shared their experiences and anxieties in the mission areas. The sharing, deliberations, planning etc. helped the members to return to the mission with renewed and enriched by missionary zeal.
Mar Sebastian Vadakel, Bishop of Ujjain, conferred the Sacred Order of M’samsanusa and Minor Orders to the MST theology students who completed the respective year of theology studies at Ruhalaya Major Seminary in Ujjain.
On the same occasion, Five students who completed three years of theology studies made their perpetual Promise of Incorporation in front of Rev. Fr. Vincent Kadalikattil, the Director General of MST
Kanjirathamkunnel Sebastian (Abin Sunny), Makkiyil Chacko (Amal Sebastian), Paruthickal Simon (Binil Varghese), Thadathil Joseph (Ajith Joseph), Velloor Mathew (Gintumon James)
Sacred Order of Heupadyaknusa
Ammanath Jospeh (Joyal), Kaithackal George (Maneesh Mathew), Kanjiramattathil Jacob (Alan K Augustin), Kavunnukattil Joseph, Kizhakkumkarayil Sebastian (Alan), Kottavila Benedict (Blesson Francis), Mannarath Sebastian (Akhil Jose), Mundamattam James (Noble Thomas), Pengattu George (Amal Chacko), Pullolil Joseph (Tom Dominic), Puthenpurackal Thomas (Siby)
Sacred Order of Karoyusa
Ambattu Sebastian (Justin Jose), Kaithickathadathil Sebastian (Jobit Michael), Kalathil Sebastian (Denny Tomy), Kochumannoor Jestin James, Mandapathikunnel Francis (Abin Benny), Nelluvelil Xavier (Georgekutty), Parachalil Thomas (Shinto), 8. Thannickal Jerin Mathew, Uruppankattil Philip, Valliparambil Joseph (Jomin Antony).
The Silver Jubilee celebrations of MST fathers this year got an added colour since the Director General Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikkattil also belongs to the batch of the Silver Jubilarians of this year. The function commenced with a prayer session for half an hour in the public Chapel conducted by Rev Fr Joshy Mullappallil. It was followed by cultural evening to felicitate the Jubilarians. The fathers from Generalate, Aaraam, Deepti Minor seminary and fathers from MST houses in Kerala participated in the event.
The cultural programmes were conducted by the Deepti Brothers. The staff and Brothers from Deepti Seminary actively participated in the Jubilee celebration of MST fathers on 16th November 2023. The Jubilarians celebrated Holy Qurbana on the following day, in the Seminary Chapel with the fathers from the Generalate, guest priests and the Brothers.
Golden Jubilee of Fr Thomas Parayadyil
The Golden Jubilee of Rev Fr Thomas Parayadiyil, one of the former Directors General was celebrated jointly by the Generalate and the Minor seminary in a modest on December 13, 2023. Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikattil Puthenpura felicitated the Golden Jubilarian Fr Thomas Parayadyil. The solemn Holy Qurbana in the Minor seminary was followed by breakfast in the Minor seminary refectory. The presence and participation of Rev. Fathers from the Generalate and minor seminary along with the students graced the occasion of the conclusion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
© Copyright 2023 MST All Rights are Reserved.
