TORCH- BEARERS OF CHRIST
 
FRANCIS KURUKKANKUNNEL
 
 
"Emmaus" is situated on the way to St Paul's college at the HMT junction in Kalamassery, Kerala. In the month of July 1997, many of the Preachers of the word of God in India, gathered for a one- day seminar at Emmaus. It was there that I met Alicekutty, a Professor of Mercy College, Palghat. Said she, "I wanted to become a missionary and therefore decided to join the convent. But when I surrendered my plans to the Lord, he decided otherwise." Living still as a dedicated "Single", Alicekutty said, "There must be a creative reason for entering either marriage or the religious life. I am able to fulfil the mission entrusted to me in the state I am in. Therefore I remain single without choosing either the religious or the married life."

Alicekutty's parents are Chalunkal Chacko and Mariamma from Calicut district. Her early education was in her home town. She did her TTC at St Vincent's Colony, Calicut, and then taught in her parish school for four years. "It was at this time that I did my PDC. My parish priest encouraged me to participate in the work of preaching the word. That proved to be a big blessing. I developed a great thirst to read the Bible and meditate on it. I returned after my studies at Amalegiri college with a great zeal to do missionary work. Subsequently I did my B. A and M. A at Vimala College, Trichur. College life touched me deeply. I became an active member of AICUF and worked incessantly for its objectives. A good number of relationships were also established at that time." Alicekutty was sharing the underlying strains of spiritual joy she then experienced.

"Fr Fio's retreat at Christ Hall, Calicut, was my first introduction to the charismatic world. During the retreat I received the gift of tongues in the fullness of the Spirit. That experience enabled me to stabilize and strengthen the presence of the Spirit within me. With it disappeared the fear and other complexes I had been suffering from." Her eyes shone brightly as she spoke of those moments of courage when she was ready to do anything for Christ.

"After my studies, I decided to live only to proclaim the Gospel. Kunjamma, Shantamma and Stephin- all from Idukki district, and I, together opened a Gospel Centre with the intention of making it a Bible Study Centre. The thirst to share the word of God grew. But the project did not develop as we desired. So, surrendering ourselves to God's will, we closed it down. We then participated in another charismatic retreat to discern the will of God. It was at this time that I joined as a lecturer in English in Mercy college, Palghat." When Alicekutty spoke of this event of 1976, she was brimming with joy and gratitude to God. "Every time I join my hands in prayer, I receive the strength to pray and work for the students of the college," she said. God has been using Alicekutty bountifully to preach retreats and give classes for the last several years. Every year she organises a retreat for the students of the college. "I work most actively among the youth. What I am most concerned with is how to transmit Christian values as a teacher. I'm not called just to be an ordinary teacher. The students I teach must become witnesses of Jesus Christ. My desire is that they become filled with God's love and are firmly established in moral values. They must become good examples in the family and in society. They can come to me at any time and share their problems with me. I help them in whichever way possible. The attitude of the students of my college is very positive. Their relationship with their parents is also very healthy. But their interest in worldly things is increasing rapidly. I fear whether their great thirst for the word of God is waning. Anyway the zeal of those who once had the experience of Christ's love, is very encouraging.

"In preparation for 'Evangelisation- 2000', we are starting a 'School of Evangelisation'. This is a new step in the attempt to prepare and empower college students to live a life founded on the word of God. It will begin to function in Bombay. All those who participate in it will be enabled to begin similar centres in their respective home towns. Thus missionaries will be moulded in every place. Only then will Evangelisation take place. Spending one month with the Full Timers of Jesus Youth, was a great spiritual delight. These Full Timers have set apart one year of their life to work in colleges to spread the word and knowledge of Jesus. When I see their zeal and enthusiasm, I forget my ageing years." The Gospel worker's eyes brightened up as she said this.

"My lecturer's salary is spent for the work of Evangelisation. My home folks do not need my money. Moreover, I have their blessing on my work. This boosts my courage. As I do not confine my interest to any particular group, I have the freedom to act and to speak the truth. There is no fear of losing any position. I receive the necessary encouragement from the Church. Since I work in conformity with the teachings of the Church, bishops and priests often invite me to give talks on Evangelisation.

"A spiritual director guides me in my personal life. I have been a member of various Church commissions. I can see the will of God in everything that happens. There is nothing impossible for God who can bring good out of evil. Nothing happens without his knowledge. He can order everything for our good. There is no need to be disturbed . 'Bloom where you are planted'- this has been my guiding principle, an expression of God's will in my life.

"Not a day in my life passes without atleast an hour alone in the presence of God. A simple lifestyle, genuine relationships- this is the result of my prayer life. I believe that' Every day with Jesus is better than the day before'. A life founded on the Sacramental life of the Church and Bible- reading are my support. Give whatever help whenever possible; do your own work as far as possible by yourself- these are my pet principles. I see that I do not waste any single opportunity to learn about Jesus and pass on that knowledge to others. All the time after class and my holidays are spent for the work of Evangelisation. My teaching schedule in College is but an extension of this work. This is the mission entrusted to me by my God. To fulfil this mission I have dedicated my whole life," concluded Prof. Alicekutty.
 
 
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