president's message
With great joy, we would like to let you know that our Diocese of Kunnamkulam is embarking on a new journey. We are proud to inaugurate and reinstate ‘Abhayabhavan’, a home for the elderly, in commemorative honour of the revered fathers of Kunnamkulam, Pulikkottil Thirumeni and Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, the Catholicos. The aim of Abhayabhavan is to revive the existing elderly care centre at Kottapady with better and enhanced facilities. Undoubtedly, this new ‘Abhayabhavan’ will be an ideal icon of our Holy Church and this diocese, which will offer solace to the isolated elderly community and serve as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage.
A phrase frequently cited to illustrate the vastness and benevolence of Indian culture is “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu,” which means “May all beings everywhere be happy.” This signifies that the well-being of the entire world encompasses the happiness and comfort of humanity. Old age is a signal, a preparation for departing from this worldly existence. How many elderly lives have faded away before us without being caressed by the gentle breeze of love?!… and many continue to fade away. It is when there is a sense of well-being even in old age that the fullness of human life is truly realized. This is where the phrase “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” gains its significance.The science of encouragement is illustrated by Christ keeping the elderly widow close and the Good Samaritan bandaging the wounded traveller.
This encouragement provided both mental and physical rejuvenation to the frail widow and the injured man. Old age is a phenomenon that affects everyone. In the physical and mental frailty that occurs in old age, the care and support of family members are most beneficial. In today’s life circumstances, there are many elderly people who bear the burden of loneliness.
To enjoy old age with joy and be provided with courage and new life, let us move forward together through ‘Abhayabhavan’, the elderly home of our Kunnamkulam diocese. There is no doubt that Abhayabhavan will become a guiding light for the community. Rightly commemorated in the name of our blessed Thirumenis of Pulikkottil and the Holy Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, may ‘Abhayabhavan’ transform the isolated and bereaved elderly community into a cherished and cared-for seniors’ community.
