2023 September 8-10. Kobylnica Retreat, Slupsk, Poland
Three day retreat at Salesian Parish at Kobylnice, Poland. Asi and her husband Andzej took the initiative and the Parish Priest and other priests agreed and invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil to preach this retreat. On the first day, on the feast of the birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Jose, basing his teachings on the word of God, spoke about her role in our life. Fr. Jose also addressed the students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
On September 9 morning, Fr. Jose gave a two-hour conference on the Sacarament of Confession. Jesus told Peter: If you do not allow me to wash you, you have no part (patrimony) with me – you have no share in my Father’s property! This washing takes place at the confessional (Jn. 13:1ff.). And in the confessional, the heavenly Father puts on us the first robe of supernatural grace (cf. Lk. 15:1-32).
In the afternoon, Fr. Jose gave a two-hour conference on the Holy Eucharist. He illustrated, as in a drama, that the Holy Eucharist is God’s erotic love and that the Holy Communion is a spiritual intercourse. He also explained the theological aspects of the Holy Eucharist as the New Covenant written on the human heart of Jesus (Jer. 31.31-33).
On September 10th, Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered five homilies Based on the gospel reading (Mt. 18.15-20). During the Holy Mass for the children, he interacted with the children, asking questions and answering them, and in this way explained the difference between the Church and the church building. What makes this church building different from other buildings? One of the children said, there is an altar in this building. What does the altar represent? The tomb of Jesus, the place of the death and resurrection of the Lord. What happens on the altar? The Lord comes, when the priest prays. Where does the priest put the Lord? In the Tabernacle. Does not the Lord who is in the Tabernacle come to dwell in you when you receive the Holy Communion? Yes. What do you become then? A mobile, living Tabernacle carrying the Lord.
Why are we, in the church, called brothers and sisters? Are we born from the same womb (a-delphoi)? Yes. Which is that womb? The baptismal fond. We are born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of the Church. So we are brothers and sisters, gathered in God’s house to praise and thank Him. (photos)
2023 August 24. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Poland
Fr. Jose Maniparambil led the Way of the Cross at the Basilica in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Poland. Then he celebrated the Holy Mass for the members of the Magnalia Dei Charismatic Community. (photos)
2023 July 30. St. Chrystopher Feast, Gdansk
Jesus said seven parables (Mt. 13) to explain different dimensions of the Kingdom of Heaven. The seventh parable is this: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Mt. 13:47-50). This parable explains why there is evil in the world and evil in the Church. Yet, we call the Church ‘holy’ Church. Why? What makes us human? Freedom. Human beings are the only beings with freedom. For example: a dog bites a child and kill it. Why the dog is arrested by police and produced before a court of law? It has no freedom to distinguish between good and evil, and the capacity to choose good and reject evil. So, freedom takes for granted the existence of good and evil. This is why God permits evil. Once again: Freedom makes us human. And freedom is the moral faculty to know what is good and what is evil and the strength to choose what is good and reject evil. So, there should be evil if there should be freedom, and there should be freedom if there should be human beings. So there is evil in the world, and since the Church is in the world, there is evil in the Church. We are also scandalized by the sinful people especially the sins of priests. Actually we are not to be scandalized, but challenged to be on the side of good, without judging the sinners. Why, then, do we call Church ‘holy?’ Even though, the Church consists of sinners, Jesus the Lord decided to be in the Church, especially in the form of the Holy Eucharist. It is the presence of the Lord in the Church that makes the Church holy. And the Lord is present not only in the Church, but he comes to the believers transforming them into a mobile, living tabernacle. It is the presence of the Lord within the believer, even though they are unworthy, that makes them holy. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained during the Holy Mass at 18.00.
He continued: Jesus concludes the Parable Sermon (Mt. 13) with a short parable, the eighth one: “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you understood all these things?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old” (Mt. 13:51-52). Autobiographically, it refers to the evangelist Matthew. But, it also refers to each one us, who is the scribe instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are ‘the householder’ of the Church (Parish Priest is only the guardian), who has to bring out new arguments, new parables to explain the mystery of Jesus and his Church to modern times. For example: suppose somebody insults your wife. Will you side with him or will you protect your wife? If you are a loving husband you will not tolerate somebody insults your wife. Of course, she has some defects. But, you will not allow someone to ridicule her. Love makes the change. Love the Church. And the whole perspective changes. And you will go to any extreme to protect her.
St. Chrystopher Church at Gdansk celebrates the parish feast today, July 30th, 2023. At 12.00 noon, there was the Solemn High Mass and during which Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a homily based on Mt. 13. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Mt. 13:45-46). The Greek word for ‘pearl’ is margarites. And it is a pearl of great price. In the previous parable of the treasure hidden in the field, the man just happened to discover it. In this parable, the man was in search of this pearl of great price. The Kingdom is Jesus Himself. Some people are searching for him, and they find him. In fact, all people including atheists are searching for God. Atheists say: I don’t believe in God! If there is no God, why should they say ‘I don’t believe in Him!’ No human being can avoid the God-Question. It is imprinted in the human make-up, human brain. If you erase it, you fall back to become Chimpanzee or Gorilla!
After the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose was taken in an open car to bless the vehicles, which is a sacred custom in this parish on the feast day of St. Chrystopher, the patron of travels. (photos – 1)
The Holy Mass at 10.30 at St. Chrystopher Church, Gdansk was mainly for the children and their parents. During the Holy Mass two kids were baptized. Fr. Jose Maniparambil began the homily asking some questions to children.
Why these two kids are brought here?
One of the children said, ‘To be Baptized.’
What is Baptism?
Pouring Holy Water on the head.
Just holy water?
Different water.
What is that difference? The children did not answer. Fr. Jose, then, explained that this water is the living water from the open side of Jesus. When we are born of the human parents, we get a human genealogy that ties us to the first man, Adam. But, this genealogy is to be broken, and we have to be tied with the last man, eschatos adam, the future man. We cannot go back into the past. But we can go forward to the future, and the goal of the future is Jesus, the last man. So in Baptism, we share in the mysterious birth of Jesus. He was born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of Mary. We are born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of the Church (the baptismal fond represents it). In this way, we are grafted on the open side of Jesus with the water and blood that came forth from there. After the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose blessed the vehicles too.
On different occasions Jesus delivered many sermons. Matthew the Evangelist collected them, and classified them into five great sermons of Jesus. 1. Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7). 2. Sermon for the Missionaries (Mt. 10). 3. Sermon in Parables about the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt. 13). 4. Sermon on the Church (Mt. 18). 5. Sermon on the End (Mt. 24-25). In ch. 13, there are seven parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, and today three parables are given for our reflection (Mt. 13:44-52). “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” Jesus says (Mt. 13:44). The Greek word for ‘treasure’ is thesauros, which refers to a great bundle of gold or diamond. The ‘Kingdom of God’ or the Kingdom of Heaven’ is not something like the Third Reich, but it is a person, Jesus of Nazareth. A man finds this great treasure – a discovery by accident – eureka! Jesus has presented the parable in such a way that the ‘joy’ can go with any aspect in this parable: joy of discovery! Joy of hiding! Joy of going back! Going of selling everything – that is, the joy of renunciation! The joy of coming back! The joy of buying the field (not merely the treasure)! The joy of having or owning the treasure! Each one of us should decide: what makes us joyful? This is the gist of the homily that Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached for the Holy Mass at 9.00 in St. Chrystopher Church, Gdansk. After the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose blessed the vehicles and the owners of the vehicles responded with a ‘thanksgiving horn!’ (photos -2)
2023 July 29. Mission Retreat, Gdansk – Third Day
During the Holy Mass at 8.30 Fr. Jose Maniparambil illustrated the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34) written on the human heart of Jesus, that is, the perfect, complete, inviolable, irrevocable obedience (Ps. 40:7-9 = Heb. 10:4-6) because Jesus, who is God became man, obedient unto death, death on the Cross (Phil. 2:6-8). This we see in the Garden of Gethsemane: Jesus brings the rebellious human nature to the altar of obedience present within himself, and sacrifices it, conforming his will to the Father’s will. Since it is the obedience of the man who is God, it is criterion for all other human beings, and on this human obedience God steps into any who belongs to Jesus and gives him or her the eternal life for which they are longing.
During the Holy Mass for families and children (at. 12.00 noon) Fr. Jose explained God as family and his revelation in and through families. After the Holy Mass, he make children to close their eyes, and pray for their dad, mom, siblings and so on.
At the afternoon conference (15.00-17.00), Fr. Jose explained Jesus as the Hilasterion (Lev. 16 = Rom. 3:23-25) because He is Son of Man, on whom heaven overlaps and earth overlaps, on whom God overlaps and man overlaps. He is the ladder to heaven. And if we remain touching him, we step into heaven right now. This is what is happening in the Holy Eucharist. He, the charcoal fire (cf. Isa. 6), touches our lips and our sins are burned away.
While preaching a homily for the evening Holy Mass, Fr. Jose Maniparambil presented the Holy Eucharist as God’s erotic loving (One of the altar boys said: it was a mind-blowing homily). And those who enter into the sacrament of marriage, are living the paschal mystery (death and resurrection) on a day-to-day basis. The sacrament of marriage is a homely extension of the Holy Eucharist in the Church.
After the Holy Mass, during the two hours of Eucharistic Adoration, Fr. Jose Maniparambil lay his priestly hands on the people for a fresh healing of the body, mind and soul.
Many were rushing to Fr. Jose to get an autograph on copies of his book, a good souvenir of remembrance and also a means of missionary work and evangelization (photos)
2023 July 28. Mission Retreat, Gdansk – Second Day
In today’s first reading, we heard the text from the Book of Exodus dealing with the Ten Commandments. Literally it is ‘Ten Words.’ Though God said ‘ten words,’ He gave fourteen verses. So, there is a bit of confusion. Secondly, Moses these two tablets and broke them. Therefore, God gave another set of commandments, in which He revised one. In Exo. 20:17 we read, “You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour’s” (Exo. 20:17). Neighbour’s wife is included in the ‘things’ of his house. In the revised code we read, “You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife. And you shall not desire your neighbour’s house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbour’s” (Deut. 5:21). There is a separate commandment about the neighbour’s wife. She is not counted among many ‘things’ of the neighbour. The Catholic follow this revised code. Protestants follow the code written in the broken tablets of Moses! You decide: who is more correct? Fr. Jose Maniparambil raised this question during the homily for the Holy Mass at 8.30 in St. Chrystopher Church, Gdansk.
Then Fr. Jose presented the mediation of Moses as is presented in Exo. 32 and 33 – blot out the sins of my people; if not, blot out my name from the book that you have written (Exo. 32:32). He then connected it to the mediation of Jesus on the Cross: Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do (Lk. 23). Since during the Holy Mass the sacrament of the sick was administered to the people present, Fr. Jose spoke about the sacrament as the fruit of the mediation of Jesus, and he explained by narrating the story of the Ephphatha man (cf. Mk. 7:31-38). Jesus’ put his fingers into the man’s ears and mouth to transmit the Holy Spirit, the first fruit of his mediation for humanity.
In the afternoon conference and homily for the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the difference between the Gift of the Holy Spirit (singular), the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (plural: the seven gifts) and the charismata, the special gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through the Gift of the Holy Spirit, we – having seven gifts – are grafted on the open side of Jesus, who is the man from above, the man of the Spirit. Therefore, we get a new genealogy, the genealogy of faith (Jn 1:12-13). And the new man, the Man of the Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45-48), is introduced through a new woman (Mt. 1:1-16). Jesus the last man, the future man, is a criterion for all other human beings.
After the Holy Mass at 18.00, there was the Way of the Cross led by the Parish Priest. Then there was a procession to the Mission Cross, which was blessed by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. (photos)
2023 July 27. Mission Retreat, Gdansk – First Day
The three-day mission retreat started in St. Chrystopher’s Church, Gdansk with morning rosary at 8.00 followed by the Holy Mass. It is first of its kind in this parish. In the first reading (Exo. 19), the theophany in which the Sinai covenant was given is presented. The people said to Moses: we will obey whatever the Lord commands. Fr. Jose Maniparambil raised a question: what’s a covenant? It’s an agreement between two parties. Here an agreement between God and us. But, why do we need a covenant or agreement with God? Fr. Jose explained logically the final phase of life (life beyond biological life) with many examples. All human beings, whether they are believers or atheists, long for a life which is not subject to the laws of death and decay. God is ready to give it. But, in our freedom we can say ‘Yes’ to God or ‘No’ to God. He needs our consent. This demands an agreement, a covenant. If we agree, he now comes to us in the form of Holy Communion. And we carry the Lord. We become mobile, living tabernacle. That is exactly the meaning of the Church: Church is Holy Spirit given to the believers in Jesus.
Fr. Jose developed the theme further in the afternoon conference. He explained the difference between the Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit basing his teachings on Jn. 7:37-39; 19:30, 34 = 1:18; 20:21-23; 20:24-29; Acts. 1:3-4 and Acts 8:14-18. To prove that Church is Holy Spirit given to the believers in Jesus, Fr. Jose illustrated his experience during the underground mission in Saudi Arabia.
During the homily, Fr. Jose narrated the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 15 and 22), the two ways of cutting a covenant, and the need for a new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34) and the new covenant written on the human heart of Jesus. We carry the Lord exactly as Mother Mary carried the Lord to the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
After the Holy Mass (at 18.00), there was Eucharistic Adoration. Everyday during the retreat, after the Marian Apel (at 21.00), Fr. Jose gave a short reflection on Mary as the Ark of the Covenant (cf. Rev. 11:19-12:1). (photos)
2023 June 23. Tolo, Nafplio, Greece
Fr. Jose Maniparambil and his Polish friends stayed at Tolo Hotel in Corinth. There Fr. Jose gave a lecture on St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, a letter written with tears and blood. Then they went to Nafplion, the old capital of Greece. They visited Kapodistrias Square, Plateia Trion and St. George Square. The port on the top of the mountain was built to keep away the Turkish attack of the city.
Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass at the Catholic Church in Nafplio. He also delivered a homily for the Holy Mass. Then they visited another church in Nafplion.
In the evening, they spent time at the Nafplion Harbour enjoying ice cream with coffee. (photos)
On 24th June the entire group returned to Warsaw, and got dispersed. Each one went to their respective home.
2023 June 22. Corinth, Greece
The Blue Star Ship from Patmos arrived at Piraeus port in the morning. After disembarking, they went straight to Geraneia, a mountain in modern Corinth. There is monastery on the top of mountain. They spent time in the chapel – decorated with beautiful iconography. From the top of the mountain, they saw the Corinthian Canal connecting the Aegean Sea with Ionis Sea.
Then they went to Loutraki-Perachora to have a closer look at the Corinthian Canal, which is six kilometres long.
Call it a day. The visit to ancient city of Corinth. Fr. Jose Maniparambil and his Polish group visited the archaeological site of ancient Corinth, the ruins of the different temples, the place where St. Paul used to preach, the Sisyphus mountain. There Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass, and delivered a homily focusing mainly on the St. Paul’s mission in Corinth. (photos)
2023 June 21. Lipsi Island
On 21st June, 2023 Fr. Jose Maniparambil and his Polish friends boarded a small ship going to Lipsi Island. They spent time in prayer in the Orthodox Church in Lipsi, and spent time on the beach. At 15.00 they returned from Lipsi. At midnight they boarded another ship, Blue Star, to return to Athens. (photos)
2023 June 20. Hora in Patmos Island
Fr. Jose Maniparambil and his Polish ‘fan club’ visited Hora, the capital of Patmos Island. It is the highest place in the Island and it is built like a labyrinth not only to be protected from pirates, but also to be protected from the Sun.
They also visited the Convent of the Nuns in Hora and bought some souvenirs. In the chapel of the convent, there is a special icon of Blessed Virgin Mary, which has three eyes instead of two.
On their way back to Hotel Hellinis, they paid a visit to the Baptistry of St. John (Skala), where he was baptizing the indigenous people of Patmos Island in the first century. (photos)
2023 June 19. Skala, Patmos Island – Second Day
Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated the Holy Mass at the private chapel of the Orthodox Church (near Hotel Hellinis). Then he gave a lecture on the Book of Revelation. Mr. Marcin, son of Maciek and Ewa translated his class. (photos)
2023 June 18. Patmos Island – First Day
The Blue Star ship boarding Fr. Jose Maniparambil and his Polish friends started its journey from Piraeus Harbour in Athens at midnight on 17th and reached Patmos port at 10.00 on 18th June, 2023. The bus took them to Hotel Hellinis. After a short break, they went to visit the Cave of Revelation, the Sinai of Europe. Nikolas, the tour guide, explained history of the Cave and its importance for all, especially Christians. While inside the Cave, they read the Scriptures (Rev. 1) and spent half an hour in silent meditation.
Then they visited St. John’s Basilica and the museum nearby. The panoramic view from the top of the mountain gives some insight into John’s presentation of ‘beast from the sea,’ and ‘the beast from the land.’ Both the sea and land could be seen in a wonderful ‘light’ of illumination.
In a public place, closest to the Cave of Revelation, Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated the Holy Mass and explained a text from the Book of Revelation. He focused on the word ‘Kyriake,’ the Lord’s Day instead of Sabbath Day. (photos)
2023 June 17. Athens City
After breakfast at Mati Hotel, Fr. Jose Maniparambil and his Polish friends went to Athens Catholic Cathedral (dedicated to St. Dionysus), where there was a diaconate ordination of an Indian. There they met some people from India, including some nuns of the Congregation of Mother Teresa. Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass at the Cathedral and delivered a homily in which he gave a brief history of St. Paul’s life. A lady from the United States went forward to Fr. Jose to have his hands lay over her.
Then the whole group visited the Olympic Stadium in Athens. After passing by the Hadrian gate, they reached Acropolis. On the way, they saw the ancient theatre. Though it drizzled, it did not affect the tour of the place. On the top of the acropolis, they visited the Parthenos (Athena) temple under renovation and the Old Temple. From the acropolis they watched St. George’s Church, built on another mountain, which is actually taller than the Acropolis.
While visiting the Areopagus, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a lecture on the importance of the place and what St. Paul did on this rock – all his teachings were based on Acts. 17. (photos)
2023 June 16. Warsaw to Athens
Michal’s family welcome Fr. Jose Maniparambil and his friends in their home on June 15, and on the next day morning they took them to Warsaw airport. Twenty-four Polish people including Fr. Jose were on a pilgrimage to Athens, Corinth and Patmos. After a short prayer at the Warsaw Airport chapel, they boarded the Aegean flight. From the Athens airport, they took a bus to the Mati Hotel in Nea Makri. Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass at the Hotel before dinner. After the dinner, all sat together to share their experiences, especially with Fr. Maniparambil. (photos)
2023 June 8. Rozlazino – Corpus Christi
Solemnity of the Corpus Christi. The Most Solemn Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Marcin, the new priest. Fr. Slawek, the Parish Priest welcomed all. Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered the homily. In his sermon, Fr. Jose referred to a word of Jesus, who said: “He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me” (Jn. 13:18). Jesus was citing a text from the Septuagint Old Testament, where the Greek word for ‘eating’ is esthio. This refers to ordinary eating of human beings. But Jesus replaced it with another word, trogein, which literally means to gnaw or chew, and is usually used of animals. Why did Jesus use this crude term? It is to suggest that Judas, who betrayed Jesus, shared not merely an ordinary meal in the Last Supper, but a sacramental meal. Jesus uses this word four times in his sermon on the Bread of Life (Jn. 6). This is to suggest a very important thing: The proper response to the Bread of Life is to ‘eat’ literally (not metaphorically ‘to learn’) so that the Lord in the Holy Eucharist and the believer really become one flesh.
This Corpus Christi feast in Rozlazino parish has another significance. It is the proper conclusion of the Parish Eucharistic Congress. And in the Eucharistic Congress, we spend time in Eucharistic Adoration. Why do we place the Lord in a monstrance and put him in our front immediately after receiving him in the Holy Communion? In other words, the Lord in the tabernacle comes to us and remain within us, and then why do we need Eucharistic Adoration? Jesus becomes one with his believers in the Holy Communion, which is a spiritual intercourse, and remaining in that embrace, he stands in front of his father because Jesus is the mediator between God and humans (1 Tim. 2:5). Jesus tells his father: I am hundred percent human; I represent all my beloved brothers and sisters whom I have embraced in the Holy Communion; and I have given you the perfect and inviolable obedience, which is the real sacrifice you were demanding from human beings; on my obedience, which is a criterion for all human beings, please give them the eternal life for which they are longing. It is this scene (cf. Rev. 4-5) that is re-enacted during the Eucharistic Adoration.
We could also bring to our mind another picture of heaven that is presented in the Book of Job. God is seated on his throne in his heavenly courtroom. Angels have their seats. Human beings are on trial. The Satan, the attorney general accuses human beings and say to God: human beings are sinners. This means that they obey me, not you. Therefore they belong to me and so send them to my kingdom, the hell. At that time, the first Advocate (Parakletos) of human beings stands before the heavenly throne and say to the Father, the Judge: It’s true that human beings are sinners and they deserved death as a punishment. But they have already satisfied the punishment: I have died for them. And then Jesus shows his five wounds as a proof. This is the ‘receipt’ of the payment that he paid to release the sinners. At that time, the Holy Spirit, another Advocate (), stands and confirms what Jesus said. And we, the human beings, are acquitted. This is re-enacted during the Holy Eucharistic Adoration. Heaven is presented in the Church. We have to pay the fees for the Advocates, and the fees is “faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6).
After the Holy Mass there was the Eucharistic Procession. As is the custom, there were four stations, and each station prayers, gospel reading and blessing. Afte the gospel reading in each station, Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a short sermon, and in each sermon he gave not only an interpretation of the Scripture, but also an action plan for the next ten years, especially preparing for the holy year 2033, the 2000th anniversary of the death of Jesus. (photos)
2023 June 7. Rozlazino Parish Eucharistic Congress – 3rd Day
What is eternal life? Jesus said: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (Jn. 17:3). What is knowledge? Let us take an example of a flower. If we really want to ‘know’ the flower, we have to consume it. Otherwise, we only know something about the flower. If we want to know it, including its taste, we should consume. This means that knowledge involves a union. When the Bible say ‘Joseph did not know Mary,’ it means that he did not have (sexual) union with Mary. If we need to have eternal life, we need to enter into ‘physical’ union with God the Father and God the Son, and the Son instituted the Holy Eucharist to make it a possibility. This is why Jesus insisted to eat his flesh and drink his blood and become one flesh with him. In this sense, the Holy Communion is a one to one union, the divine bridegroom enters into his human brides and this is a spiritual intercourse.
When people were listening to this conference of Fr. Jose Maniparambil (on the second day of the Parish Eucharistic Congress) many were crying. They said that they did not know until now how deep the relationship with the Lord is. They were really touched and moved. (photos).
2023 June 6. Rozlazino Parish Eucharistic Congress – 2nd Day
Why the Catholics are not panic whenever there is a media hype regarding the Second Coming of the Lord or the end of the world? The reason is simple: they see the Lord coming a second time everyday in the Holy Eucharist. As Pope Benedict XVI repeatedly said, every Holy Mass is a foretaste of the Parousia. And the Lord comes not only on the altar but to each believer and dwells in their body making them a mobile, living tabernacle.
This idea Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained by drawing the attention of the audience to the conversion of Scott Hahn, a Lutheran pastor, who returned the Catholic Church. Quoting St. John Paul II he said that the Lamb’s Supper – the Holy Mass is Heaven on Earth. (photos)
2023 June 5. Rozlazino Parish Eucharistic Congress – 1st Day
During the journey to Horeb, the mountain of God, Elijah slept under a broom tree (1 Kgs. 19:5-8). In the Bible, tree is a symbol of the Cross, which is presented as the Tree of Life. For example, John uses the Greek word xylon in the Book of Apocalypse to refer to the Tree of Life. Literally xylon means ‘wood.’ In Greek there is another word, dendron, which means a ‘tree.’ A tree is alive, a wood is dead. However, John uses xylon, a wood. The timber that gives life is a dead wood! In this sense, St. Peter writes: He “Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness– by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Pet. 2:24).
While Elijah sleeps under a symbolic tree, an angel touches him, wakes him up, asks him to get up and eat. The angel had brought bread from heaven! Elijah eats and drinks and walks forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. Since we are in the mother’s womb forty weeks, number ‘forty’ is used in the Bible for a period that is required to become a new baby ( a new creation). On the mountain of God, Eljah meets the Lord in the sound of sheer silence. Later, he was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kgs 2). The entire scene is a prefigure of the Holy Eucharist.
Jesus told Nathanael and others: You shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man” (Jn. 1:51). Jesus is the ladder that Jacob saw in a dream (Gen. ), the real Tree of Life (cf. Rev. 22:1-2), upon whom the angels of God ascend and descend, and he gives us bread of the angels. If we get strengthened by this, we become a new creation, a new being (symbolized in the time frame ‘forty days and forty nights), and taken to heaven in the fiery chariot of the Holy Spirit right now. The heaven comes us before we go to heaven. (Photos)
One of the participants told Fr. Slawek, the parish priest, that he couldn’t sleep because he was meditating on the message delivered during the homily.
2023 June 4. Rozlazino, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Feast of Love. Today is the feast of love. This is how Fr. Jose Maniparambil started his homily during the Holy Mass. God is love. All religions agree on it. If God is love, God has to be more than one person. If not, God will be a narcissist. Love by its very definition takes for granted the existence of more than one person. And the Bible reveals that one true God is three persons (not three individuals).
God should not be defined by the Pythagorean mathematics (1 + 1 + 1 = 3), but by the indefinable notion of love. Yet Pythagorean mathematics can also be used to look into the mystery of the Holy Trinity (1 x 1 x 1 = 1). Some other material examples, though they have limitations, can throw some light on the mystery of God. An ATOM contains proton, electron, neutron, but it is one atom; a switch contains the same.
God is God (Jn. 1:1); the Son is also God (Jn. 1:18; Col. 2:9). For example, the Father calls the Son, ‘O God’ in Heb. 1:8. And Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as equal to the Father and the Son: baptize them into the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19). Our God is a Family – a family of love. Let our families too become a school of love and faith. (photos)
2023 June 4. Nowcz Parish Eucharistic Congress – 3rd Day
After the multiplication of loaves of bread, Jesus made a long sermon on the Bread of Life (cf. Jn. 6). In the first part of the sermon, Jesus insists on our response in terms of ‘coming’ to him and ‘believing in’ him. We have to ‘go’ to him and ‘get into’ him. We have to go to him, and listen to his words and believe in him. Therefore, in the first part of the sermon, ‘the Bread of Life’ refers to the Word of God.
In the second part of the sermon, our response to the Bread of Life is presented in terms of ‘eating’ and ‘drinking.’ Therefore, ‘the Bread of Life’ refers to the Holy Eucharist: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life” (Jn. 6:54). This is a shocking love. Many were scandalized (Jn. 6:60). “The Jews therefore quarrelled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” (Jn. 6:52). Many of his disciples deserted him (Jn. 6:66). There was a rift among the Twelve. An d Jesus said of Judas: “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And one of you is a devil” (Jn. 6:70). Jesus asked the Twelve: “Do you also want to go away” (Jn. 6:67)? Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).
In the history of the Church we see many people scandalized at Jesus’ words about the Holy Eucharist, that we have to eat his flesh and drink his blood, and deserted him. They followed the example of the Jews who defected Jesus or the example of Judas, who betrayed him. But we in this church in Nowcz have followed the example of St. Peter. We tell the Lord the same words of Peter: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). Let us be brave enough to continue and grow in this faith and loyalty. This is the summary of the message of Fr. Jose Maniparambil on the third day of the Parish Eucharistic Congress. (photos)
After the Solemn Holy Mass, there was the Eucharistic Procession, in the special Fatima Monstrance. Fr. Jose explained the significance of both the procession and the monstrance. Blessed Virgin Mary, immediately after conceiving the Son of God in her womb, rose in haste to the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and Elizabeth and John in her womb were jumping for joy and were in the Holy Spirit. After the receiving the Lord in the Holy Communion, we too walk in haste to announce our joy to the whole world.
In the Book of Apocalypse, we see a scene: when the temple of God was opened in heaven, the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple (Rev. 11:19). And as we gaze, there is a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under his feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Rev. 12:1). This scene is presented in the Fatima Monstrance. We have Mary’s statue from Fatima apparition. He is clothed with the sun; under her feet, the moon. The twelve stones on her crown are taken from twelve meteors. The stone inside the crescent is from the moon (from NASA, they got it). We know that a ‘Fatima’ is related Prophet Mohmmad. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen observed that Mary appeared in Fatima to suggest that crescent (Islamic symbol) will not prevail over the Cross. And the ‘sun’ is a god for Hindus. But, Mary wears the sun as a clothe! (photos)
2023 June 3. Nowcz Parish Eucharistic Congress – 2nd Day
After the second multiplication of loaves of bread, Jesus and his disciples got into a boat to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. The disciples had forgotten to take bread, except one loaf. While in the boat, Jesus warned them about the ‘yeast’ of the Pharisees and Herodians. Jesus used the word ‘yeast’ in its metaphorical sense of false teaching that spoils the society. But the disciples took its literal meaning – yeast used to ferment the dough. Jesus got wild with them and asked them many questions (Mk. 8:14-21).
They had taken ‘ONE BREAD.’ This refers to Jesus in the boat. But disciples do not realize His significance. They are still confined to material things. They are not able rise above the material world. We need material bread. But that is not enough. Why? Let us ask some questions. Do animals go to school? No. Do animals go to the Church? No. why not? They have no soul. We are soul, spirit and body. We have a soul with a spirit, which has a body. Therefore, we have to feed the soul and body, not merely the body like the animals. If we do not go to the school and church, what does it mean? We are just animals! We have not yet become human beings. We bear the mark of the beast (Rev. 13:18), and we are simply concerned about ‘business’ – buying and selling (Rev. 13:17).
This takes us back to the first chapter of the Bible. God gave us the Sabbath Covenant – six days for us and one day for Him. This is a fair covenant. But, if we get stalled on the sixth day, and do not spend one day with God in a week, we bear the mark of the beast, that is the number of a man, 666, and are just concerned about ‘buying and selling’ – merely about the body like animals.
2023 June 3. Even Empty Churches Are a Positive Sign
During the Babylonian captivity, God left the temple of Jerusalem and went with his people to Babylon. Ezekiel narrates it in four chapters (Eze. 8-11). Later Jesus cleansed the temple. It was a prophetic declaration that God is living not in material building but in human beings. By the sacrament of Baptism, our body is transformed into the temple of the Holy Spirit. By the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist our body becomes a living, mobile tabernacle. We carry the Lord. Even those who stopped going to the church are expanding the church in the sense that the church looks for new ways of taking the Lord to them. The Lord goes out of his temple! He goes with his people! Therefore, empty churches are also a positive sign for the church. (Photos)
This is the summary of the talk delivered by Fr. Jose Maniparambil during the night Eucharistic Adoration at Rozlazino Parish Church.
2023 June 2. Nowcz Parish Eucharistic Congress – 1st Day
Martyrs and Saints beneath the throne (altar) in heaven (Rev. 6:9-13; 8:1-4). During the half an hour silence, prayers of the saints are put in the censer held by the angel. As the smoke rises to the throne, the prayers of the saints too rise to the throne. This is what is going on in heaven right now. The altar in this church in Nowcz is built on the remains of 600 people who were killed in the Second World War. Many of them were declared saints and martyrs. Here too, as in heaven, the saints and martyrs sit beneath the throne (altar) in heaven, and put their prayers held by the altar boy (who represents the angel in heaven). As their prayers rise to the throne, our petitions too reach God.
In 1 Kings 18.21-39, we see prophet Elijah builds an altar with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of people. In other words, the people are the altar. In the original reading the word ‘stone’ is used in the singular: twelve stone. Though they are many, they are built into one people, one altar. And the fire comes down to this altar. After this, Elijah sleeps under a broom tree, and angel wakes him up and gives him bread and water, and then Elijah walks forty days and forty nights to reach Horeb, the mountain of God. There he meets the Lord in the sound of sheer silence (1 Kings 19.5-8). Later, Elijah is taken to heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2). These incidents prefigure our life in the Church. We are made into an altar and the Lord comes to us in the form of Holy Communion. After receiving the Lord, who is the bread of the angels, we become new being, new creation, represented by the phrase ‘forty days and forty nights’ (which represents forty weeks that we spend in our mother’s womb to become a child), and then we meet the Lord in silence, and will be taken to heaven in the fiery chariot of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave this beautiful teaching during the first day of the Parish Eucahristic Congress in Nowcz. (photos)
2023 June 1. Dziecielec Parish Eucharistic Congress – 3rd Day
Jesus said: And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (Jn. 17:3). Knowledge is eternal life. What is knowledge? If you want to ‘know’ a flower in the truest sense of the term, you should know its taste too. And to know the taste, you have to consume it. Therefore, knowledge involves a kind of union. Entering into a union with the heavenly Father and His Son, whom He sent to this world is the eternal life. And this union is not merely spiritual, but ‘physical’ (not material). This is what happens in the Holy Communion. The Lord enters into a physical union with us. He becomes one with our flesh and blood. And to become one with our flesh and blood, he becomes flesh and blood in the Holy Eucharist. These thoughts were shared, with some concrete examples, during the two conferences on the occasion of the Parish Eucharistic Congress in Dziecielec. (photos)
2023 May 31. May 30. Dziecielec Parish Eucharistic Congress – 2nd Day
When Jesus taught the Lord’s prayer, he put one of the petitions like this: Give us today our daily bread. The Greek word that we translate as ‘daily’ is epiousion. In Greek ousia means ‘substance.’ So the prayer is: Give us today our substantial bread. Church fathers maintained that the substantial bread is ‘tomorrow’s bread.’ What is tomorrow’s bread? It is the bread that we eat in the wedding banquet of the Lamb, which takes place in heaven (cf. Rev. 19). God himself becomes our bread, our life. So the prayer is: Give us today tomorrow’s bread. We ask for two types of bread: daily bread (for the body) and tomorrow’s bread (for the soul). And Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist to give us today tomorrow’s bread. This is the gist of the two conferences that Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached in Dziecielec Filial Church in the context of the Parish Eucharistic Congress.
After the Holy Mass, there was the Eucharistic Procession, at the conclusion of which Fr. Jose highlighted two things. 1. After conceiving the Lord in her womb, Mary went in haste to the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth, to praise the Lord together. We too, in imitation of Mary, after the receiving the Lord in the Holy Communion, walk in this treat to proclaim the wonders of the Lord. 2. During the Second World War, this church was occupied by the Protestants. But now it is Catholic. At that time, nobody believed that this would happen. It is a sure guarantee that our prayers would be heard, and the Lord gives the fruit in His time.
2023 May 30. Dziecielec Parish Eucharistic Congress – 1st Day
Prophet Elijah decided to travel to the Mountain of God in Horeb (Sinai), the very place where Moses met God. On the way he sleeps under a broom tree. In ancient times, ‘tree’ was used as a symbol reaching to the three layers of the world: branches to heavens, trunk to the earth, and the roots to the underworld. Then an angel wakes him up, asks him to eat and drink, and the bread is brought by the angel. Elijah wakes up, eats, drinks, and walks to the mountain of God forty days and forty nights (1 Kgs. 19:5-8; 2 Kgs. 2). There he meets God in the sound of sheer silence, and then he is taken to heaven in a fiery chariot.
This is a prefigure of the Holy Eucharist, which is the bread of the angels, and the bread from heaven. Today, the priest stands in the presence of the angel, and wakes us up, asks us to eat the bread from heaven, and be taken to the heaven. This is the summary of two conferences by Fr. Jose Maniparambil on the first day of the Parish Eucharistic Congress at the Filial Church in Dziecielec. (photos)
After the conference, the Holy Mass there was also Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In imitation of Elijah, people spent time in silence to listen to the whisperings of the Lord.
2023 May 29. Parish Eucharistic Congress Popowo – Day Three
Jesus’ disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than One Loaf with them in the boat (Mark 8:14). This One Bread refers to Jesus Himself, who is God who became man. Yet, the disciples were worried that they had no material bread. And Jesus scolded them (Mark 8:15-21). We need two types of bread: 1. Daily bread for our daily sustenance. 2. Substantial bread (tomorrow’s bread), that is, the heavenly bread to feed our souls. Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist to give us tomorrow’s bread today. And Jesus chose and anointed Fr. Slawek as a priest and appointed him as our Parish Priest to give us tomorrow’s bread today. As St. John Marie Vianney said, “A priest is a man, whom God obeys!”
It’s a great joy to know that he celebrates his 55th birthday tomorrow, and he has been our Parish Priest for over 28 years. He is a man who have travelled out of Poland 173 times, to different destinations and in each place he looked for a chance to preach the gospel, bring people to Jesus, baptize them and sustain them both materially and spiritually. This is the summary of Fr. Jose Maniparambil’s message for the third day of Parish Eucharistic Congress at Popowo Filial Church.
The special monstrance was used for the Eucharistic Adoration, and after that there was a symbolic ‘breaking of the bread’ as a sign of a Agapaic Meal. (photos)
2023 May 28. Feast of the Pentecost – Popowo
When did Jesus give the Holy Spirit to the apostles – on the Day of the Resurrection (cf. Jn. 20:21-23) or on the Pentecost (the fiftieth day) after the Resurrection? If Jesus communicated the Holy Spirit on the Day of Resurrection, what happened on the Pentecost? Fr. Jose Maniparambil began his homily on the 2nd Day of the Parish Eucharistic Congress, Popowo with these questions. He explained in very clear terms that the Lord, while hanging on the Cross, handed over His Spirit to the Beloved Disciple (Jn. 19:30), who was standing with Jesus’ Mother (cf. Jn. 19:25-27), and then breathed on the other ten on the Day of the Resurrection (Jn. 20:21-23), and then asked Thomas to put his hands on the pierced side of Jesus (Jn. 20:24-29) to be born anew in water and blood (Jn. 19:34). The forty days between the Resurrection and Ascension were days of appearance of the risen Lord, learning about the Kingdom of God and sharing salt, that is, entering into the permanent covenant of the Holy Eucharist (Acts. 1:2-4). Then they spend ten days of intensive prayer, and on the fiftieth day, there was the external manifestation of the Holy Spirit (Acts. 2), whom they received immediately after the Resurrection. This is not merely a past mystery, but a present mystery: By the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Eucharist, we are grafted to Jesus on his open side, and by the Sacrament of Confirmation, there is the external manifestation of the Holy Spirit. It can be compared Mother Mary’s experience: she conceived the Lord in her womb and after 40 weeks delivered the Lord. The apostles conceived the Holy Spirit and after forty days delivered the Holy Spirit in a labour pain of ten days – thus a total of fifty days.
After the Holy Mass, there was the Eucharistic Procession to the nearby chapel. And there Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained how each believer becomes a living, dynamic monstrance in imitation of the Virgin Mother of God, who carried the Lord in her womb to the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and in her presence John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit.
In the evening, a group of seventy two people belonging to the Light and Love movement gathered in the Parish Church at Rozlazino for the Holy Mass, and for a conference. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the difference between the GIFT of the Holy Spirit, gifts of the Holy Spirit (seven gifts) and the charismata (special gifts). (photos)
May 27. Parish Eucharistic Congress, Popowo – Day One
Based on 1 Kings 18-19, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained how the Holy Eucharist, the bread of the angels, the bread from heaven, is pre-figured in the life of prophet Elijah. See note on May 30 and June 5 (Photos)
2023 May 24 Slupsk
Mirek and Violetta drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to their home in Slupsk, Poland where he stayed for a couple of days. Many friends visited him. (photos)
2023 May 14. Marriage of Madzia and Andrii
English novelist and poet Mary Ann Evans (pen name: George Eliot) wrote “What greater thing is there for two human souls then to feel that they are joined for life – to strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in silent, unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?” Madzia, a friend of Fr. Jose Maniparambil got married to Andrii, a Ukranian Greek Catholic deacon (going to be ordained a priest) in a Latin Catholic Church in Ustka. Ukranian Catholic Bishop blessed their marriage in the presence of many priests including Fr. Jose Maniparambil. It was an occasion of knowing the richness of the Catholic liturgies, varieties of ways of worshipping the Lord and the different cultural elements that unites and divides. (photos)
2023 May 13. With Special Children, Slupsk
How beautiful it is for brothers to live together – this verse from Ps. 133 was the topic of the day. Fr. Jose Maniparambil asked the children in the Special School in Slupsk, Poland, whether anyone could read this verse written on the board. Some children volunteered. The Psalm continues like this: It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments (Ps. 133:2). Why is it like the ointment running down Aaron’s beard – Aaron being the High Priest? This ‘living together’ is in the participation in the divine liturgy, in which our Lord comes as a guest to live within us in the form of his body and blood.
Children sang many hymns, danced and waved flags of different colours. They watched Fr. Jose’s early life, presented in slides format.
After lunch, some parents of the special children gathered around Fr. Jose Maniparambil, listened to his words. Fr. Jose told them: I know one Sr. Rubina CMC. She began a school for the special children by name Madonna. She used to say: these children are not merely ‘special children,’ but ‘God’s special children.’ Why? We all have one invisible guardian angel. But these children are very important people before God. They need one invisible guardian angel and two visible guardian angels – the parent and teacher. The President or Prime Minister of a country have visible body guards because they are VIP’s. So too these children of yours. The price is very high. But, it demands a lot from you, your whole life. Fr. Jose continued: Why special children? It is a mystery. However, the Lord guarantees the presence of some people in heaven – special children directly goes to heaven. Your families are represented in heaven. (photos)
2023 April 28-30. Plock Charismatic Community Retreat
I believe in Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church. When we hear about the ‘holiness’ of the Catholic Church, we often think that this a classical joke. Why the Church is called holy when all its members are sinners?
Simon Peter said to the Jesus, “Depart from me, Lord, depart from me; I am a sinful man” (Lk. 5:8). Jesus said to him, “Follow me” (Jn. 21:19, 21). Jesus is a friend of the sinners. He came to call the sinners. He eats with sinners, then and now. It is this decision of Jesus to be with the Church (whose members are sinners) that makes her holy. The Lord decided to be with the Church and within her members in the form of the Holy Eucharist. It is the living presence of the Lord with and within the Church that makes her holy. Church is ‘Holy Spirit’ given to the believers in Jesus. Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church. And this Church grows through ‘house churches.’ This is how Fr. Jose Maniparambil began the retreat at Studnia, Plock for Fr. Adam’s Charismatic Community (photos -1).
“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house” (Philm 2). Paul writes this letter from prison in Ephesus and it is actually addressed to a woman called Apphia. Most probably, Apphia was the wife of Philemon, who was a young well-to-do respected Christian of a town in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor, probably Colossae. It seems that Paul converted these couples (Philm 19). They owned an early Christian ‘house-church,’ large enough to accommodate the Christians of the locality. Paul’s greeting is significant: “the Church which meets you in your house.” This house is that of Philemon and his wife Apphia.
There are divergent opinions with regard to the identity of Archippus: whether he was the son of Apphia and Philemon, or an elder (priest) in charge of missionary activities (cf. Col 4:17). Paul calls him a ‘fellow-soldier.’ Paul affirms that Philemon was his ‘dear friend’ and ‘fellow-worker.’ This suggests that while Paul served in Ephesus, Philemon and his wife Apphia worked to build up the Church in Colossae. One can deduce without doubt that Apphia served in a semi-official position in the Church in her home, and had a great role in decision making and decision taking. In any case, she is the only woman mentioned by Paul among those to whom he addressed a Letter. This is an example of the Church growing through ‘house churches.’
Paul mentions a certain Phoebe, a deaconess, in his Epistle to the Romans. He writes, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.” Cenchreae was a seaport a few kilometers east of Corinth (cf. Acts 18:18). The meaning of her name ‘Phoebe’ is ‘bright,’ or ‘radiant.’ She was Paul’s emissary and the carrier of his Epistle. “I commend to you our sister Phoebe,” this is a recommendation and praise by none other than Paul the Apostle himself. Of course, the word ‘sister’ is used not in the sense of blood relationship, but a familial spiritual relationship. Paul asks the Romans to welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for saints and help her in whatever she may require from you. What a great role she must have played in the Church that Paul recommends so highly like this! Paul’s mention of her as “a deacon of the church at Cenchreae” calls our special attention. First of all, the Greek word diakonos can refer to an ordained minister of the Church (Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8) or to a ‘servant,’ or ‘assistant’ (cf. Rom 13:4; 15:8). Use of the word ‘diakonos’ with the phrase ‘of the Church’ denotes, most probably, some recognized position. Although at that time the title had not yet acquired a specific ministerial value of a hierarchical kind, it expresses a true and proper exercise of responsibility on the part of this woman for this Christian community.
Euodia and Syntyche of Philippi: In Paul’s correspondence to the Church at Philippi, we read his words: “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” We do not know in what circumstance that Paul writes this. One thing is certain: Paul bids these two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to resolve their personal differences before tensions become more serious. They may be causing dissentions in the Church, and Paul asks them to agree with each other in the Lord. At one time they contended at Paul’s side in the cause of the gospel. But, they were not in harmony with each other. Paul’s entreaty to mutual agreement suggests that these two women played an important role in that community. (photos-2)
These testimonies bear witness to the existence of ‘House Churches’ in the early Church. It is through these house churches, which remained closely united with the Apostles and Apostolic Succession that the Church expanded its mission. Today it is the duty of the Charismatic Communities to take the role of House Churches. (photos-3)
Over sixty persons participated in this retreat organized by Fr. Adam. The music band helped a lot to make the retreat a heavenly experience. On 29th, the retreatants greeted Kasia Polak who celebrated the name day. She translated the sermons of Fr. Jose. (photos-4)
2023 April 27. Bible Evening, Tluchowo
The finance minister of the Queen of Ethiopia asked Philip, How can I understand (the scriptures) without an interpreter (Acts. 8:26-40). After the multiplication of bread, Jesus himself interpreted the meaning of ‘Bread of Life.’ Jesus is the bread that gives us life, which is beyond biological life. Everyone, whether believer or non-believer, longs for a life which is not subject to the laws of death and decay. And Jesus came to give this life, which he called life in abundance. And to have this life, we have to consume the flesh and blood of the Son of Man. Jesus meant literal eating. He used the crude term trogein, which literally means ‘gnaw’ like the animals eat. This is the only way to become one with Him. For eternal life is knowledge (Jn. 17:3), and knowledge implies union – becoming one. This Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained by indicating vegetative life, animal life, human life and the final phase of life.
After the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, the priests laid their hands on the people as a sign of anointing of the Holy Spirit and a healing on three levels: body, mind and soul. (photos)
2023 April 26. Bible Evening, Sierpc
Following the martyrdom of Stephen, there was a widespread persecution. Many believers, except the Apostles, were scattered and those who were scattered began to preach the gospel outside Judea (Acts. 8:1-8). What made them preach the gospel with so a daring spirit? It was their union with the risen Lord through the Holy Eucharist that made them so courageous.
They were convinced of the words of Peter, who said to the Lord: Where shall we go? You have the words of Eternal Life (Jn. 6:60-69).
Jesus is the bread of life, the bread that gives us a life which is not subject to the laws of death and decay. Why do we need it? First of all, all human beings, whether believers and non-believers, long for this life. This is why nobody wants to die. Biological life ends with death. But we don’t want to die. We long for a life which is beyond biological life. Secondly, even the process or evolution of life from lower beings to higher beings demand that it reaches its final phase. And the final phase cannot be ‘mere life’ because ‘mere life’ dies. The final phase should not be governed by the laws of biological life, but laws of love and spirit. Jesus came to give us this Spirit, the Spirit who gives us life.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained very logically and with examples of vegetative life, animal life, human life and final phase of life (eternal life). When we become one with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, we become a Mobile, Living Tabernacle carrying the Lord – going out to preach the Word of God, which is the Bread of Life.
After the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, priests laid their hands on the people to heal on the three layers of existence: body, mind and soul. (photos)
2023 April 25. Bible Evening, Glinojeck
In the context of the Bible Week, around a thousand people gathered in the Catholic Church at Glinojeck, Poland to listen to Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Fr. Probosz welcomed him to the Holy Mass, homily and the conference. Fr. Jose spoke about St. John Mark, the Evangelist, and the spiritual journey of St. Peter as presented in the Second Gospel. Fr. Jose drew a picture of St. Mark sitting at the back of the Cross and presenting the theologia crucis – the Cross as the Rupture of Love, from where the living water and living blood flows, that is, the baptism and the Holy Eucharist.
During the conference, Fr. Jose Maniparambil presented Peter’s discipleship, especially his humility (cf. Jn. 21:1-15), which made him one of the greatest saints of all times.
After the Eucharistic adoration, priests lay their hands on the people as a sign of integral healing (Greek: hiaomai – wholistic healing of body, mind and soul) by Jesus. (photos)
2023 April 24. Evening Retreat, Duninow, Plock
Poland celebrates its patron saint’s feast today, the feast of St. Wojczek, who was instrumental in converting pagan Poland to Catholic Poland over a 1000 years ago. Jesus told his disciples to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and ends of the earth (Acts. 1:8). When the Greeks went to see Jesus, he revealed a mystery of his personality: the grain of wheat should fall to the ground and die in order to produce new life. The Greeks would see Jesus after his death and resurrection. And the grain of wheat that fell to the ground and became the bread of life is Jesus himself. And that is the Holy Eucharist.
We face almost similar problems that Saint Wojczek had faced. Some are leaving the church to live like pagans. But it also gives us an opportunity to become another Wojczek and evangelize those who are leaving the Church. This is the summary of the homily of Fr. Jose Maniparambil during the Holy Mass in Duninow Church. After the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose led the Eucharistic Adoration. Fr. Rafal (Probosz), Fr. Adam and Fr. Jose lay their hands on the people for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. (photos)
2023 April 21-23. Why Charismatic Communities? Kalwaria Paclawska Retreat
Church is a community. Why do we, then, need another Charismatic Community? Family is a community. Why do we, then, need another Charismatic Community? These were the questions that was to be addressed in this retreat. And Fr. Jose Maniparambil dealt with these questions with a galore of examples from the Bible. Members of two charismatic communities – Source of Life and In the Shadow of the Cross – were the participants. (photos-1)
Blessed Virgin Mary was the closest to Jesus biologically. But Jesus asked her to become a member of the eschatological family (cf. Mk. 3:31-35; Lk. 2:41-52). Jesus chose the Twelve, who had biological families, to form a new community of disciples, and he ordained them as priests and patriarchs of the New Covenant community (Mk. 3:13-19).
There were different House Churches in the Early Church. For example, 1. the house of Philip the Deacon and his four virgin daughters who were prophesying (Acts. 21:9). 2. The house of Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:19). They were fellow-workers with St. Paul (Rom. 16:3). In that letter Paul writes, “Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord” (1 Cor 16:19). Hence we come to know the most important role that this couple played in the environment of the primitive Church: that of welcoming in their own house the group of local Christians when they gathered to listen to the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist. It is exactly this type of gathering that in Greek is called ‘ekklesia’ – the Latin word is ecclesia, the Italian ‘chiesa’ – which means convocation, assembly, gathering. (Photos-2)
Fr. Jose insisted upon the apostolic succession and magisterium of the Church and also importance of tithing for an advancement of the gospel through small charismatic communities. He even stated the Church is entering a new phase: Instead of national churches, the Church is becoming more active in small vibrant communities. (photos-3)
On 21st Friday, Fr. Jose Maniparambil prepared some Indian food at the house of Lucja and her husband, both of whom are musicians. Fr. Piotr joined for lunch. (photos-4)
2023 April 14-16. With Jesus in the Boat, Mausz-Kaszuby Retreat
“Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat” (Mk. 8:14). Though Jesus’ disciples had the ONE BREAD with them in the boat, that is, Jesus Himself, they were still worried that they did not have bread.
“Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow” (Mk. 4:36-38). Though Jesus was in the stern of the boat, sleeping on a pillow, his disciples thought that they were perishing in the stormy sea.
“Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away…For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened” (Mk. 6:45, 52). Jesus disciples did not recognize Him walking on the water because they did not understand the meaning of the multiplication of loaves of bread (Mk. 6:30-44). (photos)
Based on these three verses in the Gospel of Mark, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a retreat. And the theme of the retreat: With Jesus in the Boat. Step by step, Fr. Jose took the whole retreatants to the green pastures of the New Covenant: Why a covenant? Why do we need this agreement? How did the ancients cut a covenant? The hidden promise in Abrahamic Covenant (Yahweh Yireh – the starting point of monotheism), Sinai Covenant, New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah and then finally how this New Covenant, written on the human heart of Jesus, and the Holy Eucharist as a possibility for Jesus to enter into us ‘physically’ to lift us into the final phase of life. (photos)
The retreat started on 14th Friday evening and ended on 16th Sunday with lunch. On Saturday evening, after the Eucharistic Adoration and supper, there was a bonfire near the lake. On Sunday, Mercy Sunday, after the solemn Holy Mass, Fr. Jose laid his priestly hands on the people, blessed water, salt and so on, and there was the veneration of the relics of Saint Faustina. (photos)
2023 April 9-10. Resurrection Sunday and Wet Monday
Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday) is an incredibly important holiday for all Christians, and this is especially true for Polish people because it is the most significant religious celebration in the country with deep roots in Christian faith. It is a time of not only celebrations but also spiritual renewal, hope and new beginnings. Nature too play an important role. Easter is an important marker of the changing seasons and the arrival of spring. Snow is melting, flowers are blooming – a natural sign of new life emerging. This is also the meaning of the Resurrection of Jesus – he entered into a new form of life in order to that those who belong to him can also step into this final phase of life. Sylwia and her husband Mariusz took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to their parish in Olsztynek, where he concelebrated the Holy Mass. Then they took him to there newly built home, where they had breakfast together.
The day after the Resurrection Sunday is called ‘Wet Monday,’ on which people in Poland sprinkle water on others, at home, at the Church, at other public places, almost like ‘Holi Festival’ in India on which they spread colours on others.
On 13th Sylwia and Mariusz dropped Fr. Jose at Ilawa Glowna railway station, from where the latter goes to Gdynia to preach a retreat at Kaszuby. (photos)
2023 April 2 Palm Sunday
The Holy Week is one of the most joyful weeks in Poland, inscribed in Polish tradition and culture for centuries and generations. Spectacular Palm Sunday Processions (Hosanna Processions) are a common sight on Palm Sunday. Alicja took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the Catholic Church at Stawiguda, where the latter joined Fr. Thomasz to celebrate the Palm Sunday with the parishioners. (photos)
2023 March 24-April 13 Olsztynek
On 24th March, Kasia Polak took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the house of Alicja in Olsztynek – Zielona Restauracja, Restaurant with a Green Stove. This is something like a home for Fr. Jose, where the story of his stay in Poland took a decisive turn. This is the starting place of hope and dreams, coming true. It’s not a place, but a feeling. One day, Fr. Jose prepared Biriyani (first time in his life). On March 31st Alicja drove him to the Church in Stawiguda to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration. (photos)
2023 March 19-22. Work of God: Lenten Retreat, Sosnowiec, Poland
March 22. The Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Church Sosnowiec and Fr. Jose Maniparambil administered the Sacrament of the Sick to all the participants of the Holy Mass both in the morning and evening (some did not come forward to receive). Fr. Jose explained one of the dimensions of the Sacrament of the Sick. When the centurion said to Jesus ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented,’ Jesus replied, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The term Jesus used for cure is therapeuo (cf. therapy), which originally means to attend and to treat medically. It refers to physical cure. But the centurion replied and said to Jesus, ‘No. Only speak the word, and my servant will be healed’ (Mt. 8:8). The term centurion used for healing is hiathesetai, which is a stronger and sublime term. It means wholistic healing, not merely bodily cure. It is these words of centurion that we repeat just before receiving the Holy Communion. We need healing of the body, mind and soul – a wholistic healing. And Jesus touches us with chrism (cf. Jn. 9:6) and heals us. This is the Sacrament of the Sick.
During the Holy Mass for the children, Fr. Jose Maniparambil asked them: Suppose you get, food, clothing, shoes and all other material things, will you be happy? Or will you long for something else? One girl said, “Yes. We long for family.” “We long for love,” another said. “We want friends,” another said. This is because we, human beings, are not merely material beings or animals. We have a soul and the soul needs food exactly as the body needs food. Therefore Jesus taught us to pray: Give us today our daily bread, and tomorrow’s bread. The Greek word Jesus used is epiousion, which has this double connotation. And Jesus provides tomorrow’s bread today in the Holy Eucharist.
March 21. Retreat for children. “Do you have some questions to me,” asked Fr. Jose Maniparambil. There were tens or hundreds of questions: Does God exist? Do we have any prove? Will God perish? Is God confined to one planet? Did God have a beginning? Why did the angels rebel against God? Is not possible for angels to rebel now also? Why can’t we do good or evil after our death? Why do we die? What happens when we die? How does the Holy Water get its holiness? Is the theory of evolution right? Where do we come from – God or animals? These and similar questions were poured in. And Fr. Jose listened to all their questions, and answered them. Finally he told them: You are quite young. All your questions are about God. This means that you take God-Question seriously. One of the reasons is that people at home or your friends put pressure on you through their discussions. You are confused, perhaps. But remember that it is written in the Bible that fools deny God’s existence. Let us not be fools. Who is that much intelligent as to disprove God’s existence? After all, we are limited human beings. So, please ease out your mental pressure by trusting in God.
After the retreat for children, Fr. Jose Maniparambil visited the nearby school for the mentally disabled children. (photos-1)
March 20. Two Types of Knowledge. During the retreat for children, Fr. Jose Maniparambil some children to go forward. Placing them in front of others, Fr. Jose raised a question: Are they handsome? Others said, “Yes.” How did you measure their beauty?, He asked them. They had no answer. Then Fr. Jose asked those who were on the dais, “How will you prove that you are beautiful?” “We don’t know,” they admitted their inability. When you approach the God-Question, you should not use the same approach that you use to study stars, planets and other material bodies. Those things are studied by science. The question about Truth, Beauty, Love – these are the subjects of our spiritual wellbeing, and should be approached with a different mindset. These realities are to be lived, felt and experienced by a relationship. God is known through relationship. (photos-2)
March 19. (Jn. 9:1-41). Work of God. Why is this man blind from his birth? He is born blind not because of his sins, nor because of the sins of his parents, but the work of God may be manifest in him. What is the Work of God? Jesus healed many people, sometimes from a distance, by a word, by a touch and so on. In Jn. 9, Jesus heals a man born blind in a special way. He spat on the ground, and made clay with the saliva and he applied this ‘chrism’ on the eyes of the blind man and asked him to go and wash in the pool of Shiloam. The evangelist provides the meaning of the word Shiloam as ‘One Who is Sent,” which is a title for Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the chrismation (anointment with chrism) was not merely for medical purpose. Jesus uses material things to effect a spiritual reality. He uses visible things to effect an invisible reality. This is what we call a sacrament. (photos-3)
Jesus is the sacrament of the Father: “One who sees me, sees my Father” (Jn. 14), He said. Because Jesus is the Sacrament, the Church which is his extension, is also the sacrament. Because the Church is the sacrament, seven special moments in the life of the Church is sacrament. This is the work of God. Jesus wants to anoint all human beings all ages to bring them to the knowledge of God. For this purpose he instituted the sacraments. (photos -4)
On March 15, Fr. Jose Maniparambil took flight from Kochi to Warsaw via Abu Dhabi and Munich. A man from India recognized Fr. Jose at Abu Dhabi airport and provided him with food and drink. A girl from Uganda helped him to find a comfortable place to continue writing his next book. (photos-5)
On 16th Kasia and Ela Polak welcomed him at Warsaw and Jasiu Polak drove him to Sosnowiec on March 19 to preach the Lenten retreat both for adults and children. (photos 6)
2023 March 14. Online Bible Class – Apocalypse -6
The risen Lord’s letters to the angels (the bishop) of the church in Pergamum and Thyatira were discussed during the sixth Online Bible Class on the Book of Apocalypse for the members of the Akademy of Talents, Poland.
2023 March 13. Online Bible Class – Ephphatha -6
Gospel (Greek: evangelion) is the good news of victory in war. What is the war? The war is between God’s party and Satan’s party. This is presented exactly in the middle of the Gospel of Mark (8:27-33). This is the plot of the Drama of Salvation. And this plot is developed all throughout the Gospel. This was the subject of the sixth Online Bible Class named Ephphatha for the members of the Akademy of Talents, Poland.
2023 March 12. Sacraments of Initiation, Madathumpady
As part of promoting Catholic population, which has been dropping drastically for the last few decades, the diocesan bishop baptizes the fourth child of Catholic couples. Jissan and Nitha had their fourth child. But they told their parish priest that they would like to invite Fr. Jose Maniparambil to administer the sacraments of initiation for their fourth child. Fr. Jose had been a parish priest in St. Augustine’s Church Madathumpady only for five months. Yet, the parishioners had great love for him. The decision of Jissan and his wife was a sign of their respect for Fr. Maniparambil.
During the Homily Fr. Jose explained why these three sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist – are administered together and the meaning of each sacrament.
After the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose Maniparambil visited Ponnus and Minnus in Puthenvelikkara. Ponnus celebrates her fourth birthday today. Ritto, their father, drove Fr. Jose back and forth.
2023 March 11. Get Together, Ollur
- L. Antu, a technician at Doordarshan (official TV of India), has been a friend of Fr. Jose Maniparambil since 1991. The former invited the latter for a get together at his residence. Antu extended the invitation to some other friends too. They were all colleagues at St. Antony’s Church, Perambra, where Fr. Jose served as an assistant parish priest. Fr. Jose Maniparambil was instrumental in bringing Antu and his wife Sindhu together to the sacred covenant of Christian marriage. (photos)
2023 March 5. Madathumpady and Mala
After celebrating the Holy Mass at St. Augustine’s Syrian Catholic Church at Madathumpady, Fr. Jose Maniparambil visited JOVAJI house at Mala. (photos)
2023 March 3. Class on the Holy Eucharist, BLM, Aloor
Why did Jesus say: this is the blood of the New Covenant? What is this New Covenant foretold by prophet Jeremiah? Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained in a session that lasted for two hours the following things during a retreat at Better Life Movement, Aloor. 1. Why do we need a covenant? 2. What is a covenant? 3. How did the ancients cut a covenant? 4. Why did Jesus use a piece of bread to cut the New Covenant? 5. What is this New Covenant? 6. What is our role in it? Photos
2023 February 24. A Girl’s Dreams
Joicy from Madathumpady and her daughter visited Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Biblia Academy. Fr. Jose asked the girl what she wanted to become. The girl answered: “I want to become a police woman.” Fr. Jose encouraged her and said, “Try to become a police officer.” (photos)
2023 February 18. Hebron, Kattappana; Idukki
The Hebron Home for the Aged in Kattappana, yet to start, is envisaged as a lovely garden to trigger positive memories from the past. A supervised personal care, adult foster facility, nursing home and so on are part of the project of D’Cruz and his wife Jonia. D’Cruz had been Airport Director in many places including Kochi International Airport. One of their dreams came true when Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated the Holy Mass at their residence in Kattappana. Fr. Jose and his staff Beena, Moly and Flegy reached Hebron on 18th and spend the night there. It happened to be the birthday of Fr. Jose and Sr. Anjo CMC, and so they prepared cake and candles, and rang up to Sr. Anjo, who is in Iraq now, to join the celebration.
Fr. Josemon, Jaison, and Joshy – all of them belong to MSFS congregation and students of Fr. Jose Maniparambil – were present. Next day, Fr. Maniparambil visited their monastery and the parish church, and celebrated the Holy Mass. On the way back on 19th, Fr. Jose and his staff visited Idukki Dam. (photos)
2023 February 16. Twenty-fifth Death Anniversary, Mala
Today Fr. Davis Kalappurakkal celebrated the Holy Mass at St. Stanislaus Forane Church, Mala, on the occasion of the 25th death anniversary of his father. Many priests were also present. Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a homily: What happens when we die? What is the Catholic Church’s teaching based on the Word of God?
2023 February 14. Neighbours’ Gathering
All priests in the neighbourhood of Biblia Academy gathered at the Academy to have an agape meal. Frs. Manjaprakaran, Chakkorya, Parampath, Tinto Kodiyan and John Paul Iyyanam had a fruitful theological discussion with Fr. Jose Maniparambil. The staff of Biblia – Beena, Moly and Flegy – surprised Fr. Jose by anticipating the latter’s birthday celebration, that falls on the 18th February. The priests asked Fr. Jose many theological and biblical questions, and his answers were, as usual, erudite and clear. (photos)
2023 February 11. Requiem Holy Mass for Rosily Paulose
Frs. Prem, Davis Kalappurakkal and Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated the Requiem Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Muthrathikara on the occasion of the 33th Day of Demise of Rosily, the eldest sister-in-law of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Fr. Jose preached a homily on Catholic understanding of death and Purgatory.
2023 February 9. Requiem Holy Mass for Rosily John
Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated the Holy Mass on the third day of demise of Rosily John, sister of the former, at the Syrian Catholic Church, Vendoor, Trissur Dt. Fr. Liju Manjaprakaran joined the Holy Mass. “As Christians we agree with St. Paul who said, I prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8), Fr. Jose said in the homily. Further, Fr. Jose explained very well on “what happens when we die?” Even small children of Roopa were repeating the message of Fr. Jose.
2023 February 7. Rosily Back to Eternal Home
Losing a family member is a heartbreak that changes you forever. No matter if they pass away because of an illness or it’s a sudden death, their loss always leaves us heartbroken. Yet, we know that for a Christian, death is a transformation because we know that He is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive” (Luke 20:38). Rosily John, sister of Fr. Jose Maniparambil went back to her eternal habitation today at 1.44 a.m. He had been visiting her in the hospital everyday since she was admitted for over a month. The assistant parish priest heard her confession two days ago, and Fr. Jose gave her the Holy Communion.
On 8th February, Auxiliary Bishop Tony of Trissur paid a visit at Rosily’s home and prayed for the repose her soul. And the funeral was presided over by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. (photos)
On 4th Fr. Jose made a video call to Fr. Francis and asked him to speak, and Rosily said to him: Kunjechi is going. She knew that she was going back to her heavenly father. Sr. Anjo CMC too spoke to Rosily and consoled her and promised her prayers.
2023 February 5. Marriage of Philjohn and Anchu
The Sacrament of Marriage is an invitation to enter physically into the erotic love of God with a deep passion and radical acceptance that cultivates a blissful bond between a man and a woman. Fr. Jose Maniparambil said it in a homily. He was participating in the wedding ceremony of Philjohn and Anchu at St. Joseph’s Church, Aloor.
2023 January 27. Visit to Madonna Special School
Fr. Jose Maniparambil has been a friend of Madonna Special School, Potta since his priestly ordination in 1989. Late Sr. Rubina and Fr. Jose were very good friends, and shared many thoughts in common. The children of this school called Fr. Jose ‘our achan,’ ‘our father.’ And Fr. Jose visited the children of this school and spend some time together with them. (photos)
2023 January 26. Matrimonial Golden Jubilee
Blow the ram’s horn (Hebrew jobel, from which comes the word jubilee) on the occasion of the fiftieth year of liberation. This trumpet indicated the beginning of the jubilee year. Three things were highlighted in the jubilee year: 1. One God only: worship the one true God, Yahweh. 2. The land belongs to God, respectfully use it. 3. There is only one people of God. Respect each and everyone. The golden jubilee of Romi’s parents was the occasion in which Fr. Jose Maniparambil noted this. He continued: Matrimonial Golden Jubilee is the occasion when we thank the Lord for keeping and transmitting these three bedrocks of human life on earth: one God, one Land and one People. (photos)
2023 January 26. Hail Holy Rucha
Sr. Grace Maria welcomed Fr. Jose Maniparambil to their temporary home in Mulayam. She invited her community members (Monastery of Holy Rucha, of which Sr. Grace Maria is the foundress) to listen to Fr. Jose, feel free to ask questions and so on. Fr. Jose asked the name of each nun, and made a biblical comment on each and every name. It was totally a different experience. The session lasted for about three hours. (photos)
2023 Jan. 15. MTNS Leaders Meet, Kochi
At a short notice, over 200 people belonging to Mar Thoma Nazrani Sangham (MTNS) gathered in NSS Auditorium in Kochi to discuss about the future course of action after the first session of the 31st Synod of Bishops. Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered the keynote address. “Solving liturgy crisis is not the chief aim of MTNS,” Fr. Jose said, “but fulfilling the dream of Second Vatican Council which envisaged the Church as the people of God. And the time has come when we really experience it. Many shepherds went astray, and the sheep are leading them back to the right path of Christ. Clericalization (clergy domination) is a thing of the past. Secondly, we have to design a short, middle and long term plan for the next 20 years, 30, years, 50 years and 500 years in such a way that the Church preaches the Gospel of Yahweh to all people in India and abroad.” (photos)
Many others also shared their views. Copies of Fr. Maniparambil’s book by name Liturgy Crisis – Ernakulam-Ankamaly Archdiocese were distributed to the participants.
2023 Jan 12-13. Blessing of the New Building, Bangalore
Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a flight from Kochi to Bangalore. He blessed the new building of the National Printing Press at Bommasandra owned by Johney John. Over 80 people, many of whom were Hindus, participated in the blessing ceremony. Fr. Jose also blessed the new office of NPP at Koramangala, Bangalore. (photos)
2023 Jan. 8. Matrimonial Golden Jubilee, Nellayi
Did it take fifty years to turn marriage into gold? No. Even after fifty years, their marriage relationship remained as pure as gold. Choorackal Thomas sealed his matrimonial covenant with his wife Margaret (alias Mary) in 1973. During the Golden Jubilee Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Nellayi, Fr. Jose Maniparambil (whose eldest sister is Margaret) explained the biblical understanding of jubilee and how it was lived out by Thomas and Margaret.
After the Holy Mass, there was a grand reception and a festal banquet and many entertainments. (photos)
2023 Jan 8. Funeral of Rosily, Muthrathikkara
The eldest sister-in-law of Fr. Jose Maniparambil passed away on 7th January, and on 8th was the funeral. Bishop Pauly Mar Kanookkadan said the office to the dead and Fr. Jose Maniparambil presided over the funeral ceremony. Fr. Antony Maniparambil gave a short homily. (photos)
2023 January 4. Meeting of ‘Black Cats’ at Mala
Fr. Jose Maniparambil knew Sony Vadayil since a teenager. The latter invited Fr. Jose to his house to have a dinner. Sony’s wife Sini is a fan of Fr. Jose and listens to his YouTube videos. Sony invited some of his friends in Puliparambu, who have been known as ‘Black Cats of Maniparambilachan.’ (photos)
2023 January 2. Francis at Biblia
Francis Kachappilly and his family (Bangalore) visited Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Biblia Academy. Thomas Chakkalakkal also happened to come there. Francis and Thomas were former parishioners of Fr. Jose. (photos)
2023 Jan. 1. Wedding of Nidhin and Konchita
Irinjalakuda Bishop Pauly Mar Kanookkadan blessed the marriage of Nidhin and Konchita at St. Mary’s Church, Muthrathikkara. Nidhin is the nephew of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Fr. Francis Maniparambil and Fr. Justin Kanjoothara too participated in the ceremony. The reception was in Orchid Auditorium near the Church. (photos)
2022 Dec. 31. Pope Benedict XVI called to Eternal Rest
An era comes to a close. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI returned to his heavenly home. We loved Benedict XVI. We loved his theology. We trusted his fatherly care for the Church. For Fr. Jose Maniparambil personally Benedict XVI was very dear. He translated six books of Benedict XVI, including the world famous Introduction to Christianity and the trilogies Jesus of Nazareth. Pope Benedict XVI was one of the world’s leading theologians and was a pivotal and long-serving Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith during a crucial time in modern Church history. Pope Benedict was a great teacher of the faith and was a true father for the Church in our times. He was also the first pope to resign in over 700 years, an act of exemplary humility. Fr. Jose Maniparambil published a video on the last minutes of Benedict XVI.
2022 Dec. 28. Betrothal of Nidhin and Konchita
In the afternoon, Fr. Jose Maniparambil presided over the Engagement Ceremony of Nidhin and Konchita at St. Antony’s Church, Perambra, and participated in the reception at Cosmos Club, Chalakkudy. (photos)
2022 Dec. 28. Wedding of Jerome and Mariya
For Jerome, Biblia Academy of Fr. Jose Maniparambil is the ‘Tharavadu’ (Father’s Home). Himself, his brother and his mother (who earlier belonged to Ezhava Community), accepted Jesus as their saviour and Lord and were baptized by Fr. Jose Maniparambil a few years ago. Now Jerome ties the knot with Mariya. Bishop of Punaloor expressed his desire to bless their marriage, and he did do it, while Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a stunning homily on the Sacrament of Marriage. It took place in Fort Kochi, Mundamvely Church at 11 a.m. Biblia Staff Moly and Flegy accompanied Fr. Jose to Kochi to participate in the wedding ceremony. (photos)
2022 December 25. Christmas at Biblia
It’s five years since Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated Christmas in his own house, Biblia Academy. The staff prepared a Christmas Tree and Crib. It was celebrated on 23rd December. (photos)
2022 December 17. Kalamassery MTNS Meet
A meeting of the leaders of Mar Thoma Nazrani Sangham (around 100 persons) was convened at Kalamassery Government Rest House. Since there was some security threat to Fr. Jose Maniparambil from the dissidents of Ernakulam-Ankamaly Archdiocese, Mr. Renjith drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Biblia Academy to this place. Fr. Jose gave a lasting plan for MTNS, even determining the future of India.
2022 Dec. 10. Online Bible Class
In the morning, Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated Requiem Holy Mass for Benny, husband of Beena (biblia staff) at St. Thomas Syrian Catholic Church, Anathadam.
In the evening, Fr. Jose led an online Bible Class organized by Bangalore Charismatic Youth. (photos)
2022 Dec. 5-6. Online Bible Class
Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered two-hour lecture each on the Gospel of Mark and the Book of Apocalypse for the two batches of the Akademy of Talents, Poland.
2022 December 2. Land Registration
Biblia Academy’s sister concern is Logos. It has a new building (construction not completed). It stands on 6 cent land. And 5 cents were added to this existing land on 02. 12.22 as the process of registration was completed on this day. (photos)
2022 Nov. 28-29. Online Bible Class
Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered two-hour lecture each on the Gospel of Mark and the Book of Apocalypse for the two batches of the Akademy of Talents, Poland.
2022 Nov. 26. Baptism at East Puthenchira, Kerala
Fr. Jose Maniparambil travelled from Katowice to Warsaw on Nov 21, stayed in Ela’s house, and next day took a flight to Kochi through New Delhi. And on Nov. 26 he administered three sacraments of initiation to the third child of Rupa and Ajish at Puthenchira East Church. Rupa is Fr. Maniparambil’s niece. (photos)
2022 November 22. Back to India
Alicja, Mariusz, Sylwia, Viola and her husband, Ela Frist and her daughter Kinga – all gathered at a Hotel in Warsaw and then went to the airport to see off Fr. Jose Maniparambil, who was flying back to India for about three months. At the airport chapel, Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass. (photos)
2022 November 12-19. Two Paintings of Fr. Jose
The Footprints of Jesus, Jesus on Cross – these were two paintings that Fr. Jose Maniparambil completed these days. (photos)
2022 November 9. Viola from Germany
Viola from Dortmundu, Germany visited Fr. Jose Maniparambil in Katowice. Viola organizes retreats in Germany. She received a copy of Effatha, the Polish edition of Fr. Maniparambil’s English Book Ephphatha: Gospel of Mark. It was translated into Polish by Kasia Polak and published by Recolligere, a publishing firm of Jaisu Polak. (photos)
2022 October 29. Consecration of the Church, Nowy Targ
In connection with the Consecration of the Church in Nowy Targ, Poland, Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered six homilies at the parish church there (6.30; 8.00; 9.30; 11.00; 12.30; 18.00). During the Holy Mass for the children Fr. Jose asked a question: Is not God everywhere? They said in one voice: ‘Yes.’ Then what is the difference between God’s presence in the Church? Some of the children gave a very intelligent answer: In the Church, God’s presence is sacramental presence. This is a special presence different from His presence in other places. (photos)
2022 October 28. Agnieszka from Ludz
Agnieszka from Ludz visited Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Katowice. She has been to India on a pilgrimage in the footprints of St. Thomas and also to Greece and Patmos in the footprints of St. John. (photos)
2022 Oct 24. Online Class on the Book of Apocalypse
Another batch of students of Akademy of Talents attend an online class on the Book of Apocalypse. Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave the first lecture today and Kasia Polak translated it. This is the first of the nine lectures.
2022 Oct 24 Online Class on the Gospel of Mark
Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a two-hour lecture on the Gospel of Mark for the second year students of the Akademy of Talents. This is the first of the nine lectures in a span of nine months.
2022 Oct 21-22 Priest as Mediator. Retreat at Slemien
The train journey of Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak on 21st October was like reading a book, which has all the ingredients to keep you entertained till the destination, Zywiec. From there, Marcin and Renata drove them to Slemien. Next day, 22 Saturday 2022, Fr. Jose preached a one-day retreat on the role of priests as mediator in the life of a Catholic. Based on Exodus 32 (Moses as mediator) and 1 Kings 18 (Elijah as a mediator), he presented the purpose of priest as mediator.
He also cited the example of St. John Marie Vianney who taught his parishioners who a priest is: a priest is one whom God obeys. During the Holy Eucharist the priest raises his hand and tells: come Holy Spirit and transform these mysteries…and God obeys his word.
The faith and hope of St. John Paul II are also inspiring: In 1979 he went to Poland, which was under communist regime, and raised his hands and prayed to the Holy Spirit: Pour out your power and cleanse this land. Exactly in a decade, in 1989, Berlin Wall fell, communism fell. (photos)
2022 Oct. 14-16. Don’t Be Afraid! Retreat at Mausz
“I don’t love journeys; but the Lord forces me to travel. If I have to choose the means of travel, I always choose train journeys, which are quite exciting, most relaxing and comfortable,” Fr. Jose Maniparambil used to say. Kasia Polak always booked a ticket for him in the silent cabin, and a seat with a table. Fr. Jose sleeps for some time, and then get immersed in work on the laptop. This time Kasia and Fr. Jose Maniparambil travelled to Mausz to preach a retreat, organized by Iwona (the pharmacist) and her husband Gnieve. The retreat started on Friday evening and came to a close on Sunday afternoon.
Angel Gabriel told Mary: Don’t be afraid. Do not be afraid to enter into the mystery of God. Don’t be afraid to welcome the Lord as your child. Do not be afraid to be drawn into the bosom of the divine mystery. The same message was given to Joseph. Don’t be afraid to accept Mary, who belongs to God. Assume the responsibilities: Marry Mary. Adopt her child. Protect the Lord! Pope John Paul II’s first message was the same: Don’t be afraid.
Fr. Jose drew a distinction between good works and love of the neighbour. When we do good to others, this is just a good work. But, when we impart God while doing good to others, this is called love of the neighbour.
Using the prayer book of Fr. Jose (Way of the Cross in Polish), the retreatants made a Way of the Cross around the lake. (photos)
On 17th Monday, Iwona’s son and his wife drove Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak to Gdansk, from where they took a train to Katowice.
2022
2022 September 18. MTNS First Meeting
Mar Thoma Nazrani Sangham convened their first General Meeting in Ernakulam. Fr. Jose Maniparambil sent a video message, keynote address, lasting 17 minutes which was showed during the meeting. What is the meaning of the word ‘laity,’ its biblical basis and what are their role in the Church. This was the content of the video.
2022 September 5. Ephphatha in Polish
Kasia Polak translated the book by name Ephphatha: Gospel of Mark into Polish. This book is written by Jose Maniparambil. Recolligere, the publishing house of Jasiu (Jan Polak) published it.
2022 August 26-31. Retreat at St. Joseph’s, Gdansk
Agatha and her father Jasiu put Fr. Jose Maniparambil on the train from Katowice to Gdansk. Father Marcin received him at the railway station in Gdansk, Poland. For the last three years, Fr. Jose have been preparing the people of St. Joseph’ parish, Gdansk to dedicate themselves to Mary in order to serve the Lord. This year is their final commitment to the Blessed Virgin.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about the heavenly liturgy by relating Luke 14:1, 7-14 and Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24. He also explained the meaning of Queen Mother based on 1 Kings 3:19 and John 2, John 19 and Revelation 11-12.
Maciek, Ewa and Marcin from Zukowa brought the books of Fr. Jose; Beata and Marek from Pruzscz Gdanski and Kasia from Tczew came to participate in the retreat. “Mary visited Elizabeth not merely to serve, but the preach the Gospel of the New Testament; this is a new and real interpretation of the Word of God and I am hearing it first time,” said Kasia from Tczew. “Your preaching was so sweet that you have found a place in their hearts,” Fr. Marcin told Fr. Jose. (photos)
2022 July 31-August 4. Poznanie Jesuza Retreat, Rybakowo
Charismatic Community by name Poznanie Jesuza based at Poznan in Poland gathered together in the forest near Rybakowo for a period of five days and nights in connection with their centenary celebrations. Though an intense retreat, it also had lots of a family get together. 130 persons from over 50 families participated. Fr. Radek, the spiritual father of this community, led the spiritual activities.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil was invited to give his inputs especially to give answers to their questions regarding the Church, Papal infallibility, Biblical basis of Blessed Virgin Mary’s Assumption, honouring of the relics of the saints and so on. He also led a session only for men to explain ‘the bride-chamber’ of their spiritual life. (photos)
2022 July 27. Painting to Janusz-Kasia
Kasia Polak took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Poznan, to the house of Janusz-Kasia Peplinski. Fr. Jose presented one of his paintings to Janusz and Kasia. Janusz and Kasia Peplinski gifted the latest iPhone to Fr. Jose. (photos)
2022 June 27. Priceless Pearl: Tychy Evening Prayer Meeting
On 27th June, a certain Michal drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Tychy, where the latter gave a homily on Jesus’ parable of the pearl. He drew the attention of the hearers to the different aspects of this parable and the different dimensions of the kingdom of God. For example: “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls” (Mt 13:45). Is the kingdom of heaven like a merchant or like his search? Or his search for fine pearls only? Then “on finding one pearl of great value, he went in joy and sold all that he had and bought it” (Mt 13:46). Is the kingdom of God like finding one pearl of great value? Is the kingdom like his joy of finding it? Or the joy of selling everything (renunciation)? Or the joy of purchasing it?
After the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose led the Eucharistic Adoration in which all the inmates of the Bethlehem Community (Home for the Homeless) participated. Fr. Maniparambil laid hands over all the participants. (photos)
2022 June 24-26. Discernment Retreat, Czestochowa, Poland
On 21st June, Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated the Holy Mass at Salesian church in Slupsk. Then Viola and Mirek drove him to the railway station, from where he travelled back to Katowice (almost 700 kilometres). On 24th Friday, Jasiu drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Katowice train station, from where the latter went to Czestochowa.
Isa and her husband Piotr welcomed Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak and took them to Olsztyn Retreat Centre. Discernment and Charisms – this is the topic of the retreat. First, how to discern what is good and what is evil? What is the tree of knowledge good and evil? How do we get access to the tree of life? How do we become the source of living water (based on John 7:37-39)?
Secondly, Fr. Jose chose many texts from the Old and New Testament, and gave a systematic way of discerning the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
2022 June 17-19. Agape, Metanoia, Diakonia: Duninowo Retreat
Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a retreat on the theme: Agape, Metanoia and Diakonia. Some people, including a priest, from Germany also were among the participants. There were forty people in total. Based on Hosea 11:8, Exo 32, Jn 13:1, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the meaning of Agape. It is that type of love which goes to any extreme to save one’s own. This demands from us a conversion, a turning toward the Lord in anything and everything. This is the real metanoia.
Based on Gen 22 (The Lord will the Lamb, Himself, for the sacrifice) Fr. Jose presented that God’s Agape goes to any extreme to protect his own. This is manifested on the Cross, which is the rupture of love. We are grafted to him, the real Olive Tree (Rom 11), the ‘true Vine’ (Jn 15:1), on open side by living water and living blood. Therefore, we shall serve the Lord first and then his people (an example for this: Simon’s mother in law).
2022 June 16. Corpus Christi
Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered the homily at Duninowo parish church during the Holy Mass at 8.30. He also participated in the Eucharistic Procession. At 16.00 Fr. Jose delivered another homily at the Station Church of Duninowo parish.
2022 June 15. Aegean flight from Athens to Warsaw (at 5.30 a.m.) had the honour of having Fr. Jose Maniparambil on board. At the Warsaw Airport chapel the pilgrims had the Holy Mass. Then Kasia Polak and Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a train to Slupsk, where Viola was waiting for them. After taking them to her house, shed drove them to Duninowo.
2022 June 8-14. Patmos-Athens Pilgrimage
June 14. The Polish pilgrims had breakfast at the Ship’s restaurant. After disembarking the ship at 11.30, they arrived at Adrian Arch in Athens. Then they visited the Areopagus and Acropolis. Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a lecture on the Athenian Speech of St. Paul (Acts. 17). (photos)
June 13. After breakfast and the Holy Mass, the pilgrims visited a building under UNESCO. After spending some time there and in the public square, they went to Kampos Beach. Afte supper, they walked around the city. There they could see the place where St. John baptized people. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the meaning of Palm Leaves in the Book of Apocalypse (Ch. 7). At 12.50 in the night the Polish group of pilgrims boarded a ship from Patmos to Athens. After a stopover at Loros Island, the ship is expected to reach Athen at around 11.30. There were rooms in the ship to sleep. (photos)
June 12. After breakfast at Esthiotorio restaurant (near Hellenes hotel), the Polish pilgrims had the Holy Mass at the Orthodox private chapel. Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered the homily based on Rev. 1.18. There was a woman from Great Britain too to participate in the Holy Mass.
Then the pilgrims went to the Cave of Apocalypse for a third time – a time for silent meditation. After that, Fr. Jose recorded two videos for his YouTube channel.
Then all went to Ammos Beach. There also Fr. Jose recorded a video, with the sea as background. (photos)
June 11. After the Holy Mass at the private chapel near Hellenes hotel, the group of pilgrims visited the Cave of Apocalypse for a second time. They read Ch. 1 of the Book of Apocalypse aloud, followed by an hour of silence. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained chapter 7 of the Book of Apocalypse.
Fr. Jose made a short video for his YouTube channel. After that the entire group went to the Palace and Monastery of the Orthodox church. The icon of Mother Mary there has trikkannu (triple eye).
In the afternoon, the group went to Meloy Beach. On their return, they went to the private chapel again for a session on the Book of Apocalypse. It was a continuation of the explanation on Ch. 7 of the Book of Apocalypse. (photos)
June 10. After breakfast at Hellenes hotel, the pilgrims went to Lipsis Island on a ship by name Star. It was one hour journey by the sea. There is an Orthodox church in Lipsis Island. The door of the Church is very narrow. It was constructed so in order that the war horses of Ottoman Empire do not enter the church.
In connection with the icon of Blessed Virgin Mary inside this church, lots of miracles are reported. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained Rev 11-12 and connected it with the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Ark of the Covenant.
In the afternoon, the group spent time in the sea and on the beach of Lipsis Island.
After their arrival at Patmos Island, they had the Holy Mass in a private Orthodox Chapel near Hellenes hotel. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained different meanings of the mysterious number 666. (photos)
June 9. The pilgrims from Poland including Fr. Jose Maniparambil visited the Cave of Apocalypse in Patmos Island. They entered the cave and prayed and sang there, and spent time in silence; then they sang some psalms. Patmos Island is known as the Holy Land of Europe and Cave here is known as the Sinai of Europe. St. John spent 18 months in this Island. Though he was an exile here, he enjoyed some freedom. We can see in the Cave a place where he lied down to sleep. This is the same place where he had apocalyptic visions. The Cave itself is a volcanic opening. On the Cave there is three-edged rift, which is believed to have happened at the time of the apocalypse (a theophany) and the three gaps symbolize the Holy Trinity. An Orthodox priest is present always in the Cave. Photography is not allowed inside the Cave. Near the Cave, Fr. Radek celebrated the Holy Mass and Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a homily. Fr. Jose drew the attention to the use numbers in the Book of Apocalypse. In the afternoon, they spent some time on the beach named Paralio Agriolivado. (photos)
June 8. Darek Frist drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to Warsaw Choplin airport. There thirteen Polish friends of Fr. Jose Maniparambil including Fr. Radek gathered together. They celebrated the Holy Mass at 8.00 at the Airport chapel. Then they took a flight (Aegean) to Athens.
After alighting the flight, they took a bus to reach the port by name Pireus. On the bus, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the meaning of the word ‘Apocalypse,’ unveiling of the virgin! In a wedding context – the wedding banquet of the Lamb (Rev. 19).
Then the pilgrims boarded a ship from Drapetzona to Patmos Island. It was eight hours journey by the sea. Fr. Jose Maniparambil continued, as usual, to work on his Bible translation on board. The ship arrived at Patmos island at 2.00 on the 9th. Then they were shifted to the hotel Hellenes. (photos)
2022 June 6. Slemien Evening Retreat
Slemien is one of the first places in Poland which invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil to preach a retreat. It was in 2010 that he first visited this place. Renata and Marcin continues to invite Fr. Jose. This time he spent an evening preaching and praying. (photos)
2022 June 5. Pentecost Sunday Nowy Targ
When did the apostles receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? What happened on the Pentecost Day? Jn 19:30 and Jn 20:21-23. The Holy Spirit was given at the time of Jesus’ death and on the day of the Resurrection. Then to Thomas eight days later. The risen Lord appeared to them for forty days and nights, taught them the kingdom of God and made them enter into permanent covenant (eating salt with them – synalizomenos). Then they prayed intensively for ten days. Then there was the external manifestation of the Holy Spirit, whom they receive on the day of the resurrection. Their tongues became like flames of fire of the Holy Spirit. (photos)
2022 June 3-4. Nowy Targ Retreat
On 2nd June Thursday 2022 Fr. Jose Maniparambil took an Emirates flight from Kochi to Warsaw through Dubai. Darek, his daughter Kinga and Kasia Polak welcomed Fr. Jose at the Warsaw airport, and took him to Darek’s house in Warsaw.
On June 3rd June Friday Kasia took Fr. Jose to Krakow, where a certain Michal from Nowy Targ was waiting for them. He drove them to Bukovina Takczanska, to the house of Ania and Wojtek. This place is near Tatras mountain ranges. On the side of the mountains lies Slovakia.
In the evening, Ania and Wojtek drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the Catholic Church, Nowy Targ, where the latter began to preach a retreat to the members of the Charismatic Community. This community has been preparing for an inner healing and this Pentecost retreat is the climax. An interesting ceremony was: the members proceed to the Cross, touch the Cross in reverence and symbolically shed away the old man or woman in them, and then proceed to the Baptismal Fond in order to touch it to remind themselves that they have been born anew from above, from the Holy Spirit. At the end of the Holy Mass, there was the laying of hands for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (photos)
2022 May. Programs of Fr. Jose in India
May 28. In the evening, Fr. Jose Maniparambil participated in the blessing of the annexe of Antony’s house by Fr. Francis Maniparambil. Antony is the second eldest brother of Fr. Jose.
May 28. Holy Mass and homily at Vendore Catholic Church in connection with the Golden Jubilee of Rita-Antony. Rita is the youngest sister of Fr. Jose’s mother.
May 26. In the evening, a few Lay leaders, who are friends of Cardinal George Alencherry visited Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Biblia Academy, Aloor and discussed many aspects of the present liturgical crisis in Ernakulam-Ankamaly Arch-diocese.
May 26. At noon Fr. Jose Maniparambil participated in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the aunt of Sr. Anjo CMC, held in JOVAJI residence, Mala.
May 26. In the morning, Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated Requiem Holy Mass for Rev. Sr. Rubina CMC at Potta and office to the dead at her tomb in Chowka. Sr. Anjo and some other nuns accompanied Fr. Jose to visit the tomb of the latter at the cemetery in Parappukkara. (photos)
May 22. Fr. Jose Maniparambil participated in the ceremony of ‘Exchange of Ring’ between Nithin and Konchita. Nithin is the nephew of Fr. Jose. The ceremony was organized at a hotel in Chalakkudy. Fr. Jose explained the meaning of the ceremony by referring to Erousin and Nisuin, the Jewish custom.
2022 May 16. Mr. D’Cruz and his wife Jonia had a stopover at Biblia Academy to meet and greet Fr. Jose Maniparambil. They also visited the new building site (Logos). D’Cruz was the airport director in Kochi. (photos)
2022 May 15. Arleena, daughter of Rijo and Anju was baptized and confirmed in the Holy Spirit by Jose Maniparambil, at St. Mary’s Church, Muthuratnakara. She also received the Holy Blood of Jesus. Riju is the nephew of Fr. Jose. (photos)
2022 May 14. The Requiem Holy Mass for Mariyam, the mother of Fr. Jose Maniparambil, who died on 2021 May 19. It was presided over by Fr. Francis Maniparambil and Fr. Antony Maniparambil concelebrated. Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a homily on the fate of those who die in Christ: what happens when we die? Where are the saints now? What are they doing? (photos)
May 12. Requiem Holy Mass for Rinto Peenickaparambil at St. Thomas Church, Anathadam, celebrated by Fr. Jose Maniparambil.
May 11. Fr. Jose Maniparambil paid a visit to the house of Moly and Joy Madona, whose son Joyal celebrate his birthday. Fr. Jose prayed and extended birthday greetings. (photos)
May 10. Online bible class for the second batch on the Gospel of Mark (Ephphatha) for the members of the Akademy of Talents, Poland. (photos)
May 9. Online bible class on the Gospel of Mark (Ephphatha) for the first batch of Akademy of Talents, Poland.
May 9. Gilta’s Engagement. Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a homily during the Holy Mass in connection with the betrothal of Gilta, daughter of Sajini and Joy, the immediate neighbours of Biblia Academy.
May 8. Parish Day, Muthuratnakara. Fr. Jose Maniparambil inaugurated the Parish Day festival at Orchid Auditorium, Muthuratnakara (Muthrathikkara). (photos)
May 8. Fr. Jose Maniparambil participated in the pre-betrothal ceremony of Gilta (Save the date). This ceremony is known as ‘Sweetening the Bride.’ Gilta is an immediate neighbour of Biblia Academy. (photos)
May 7. In the evening, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a lecture on the meaning of prayer in connection with the night vigil of Jesus’ Youth members at BLM centre, Aloor. (photos)
May 7. First Holy Communion of Anna at St. Mary’s Church, Nellayi. Anna is the second daughter of Flegy-Nelson, the nephew of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Fr. Jose gave a homily during the Holy Mass. (photos)
May 6. Funeral of the mother of Bishop Sebastian (Joby) Pozholiparambil. Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Fr. Francis Maniparambil participated in the ceremony and prayed for the deceased. In the evening, Fr. Jose Maniparambil participated in the meeting of Nostalgia Social Vision.
May 5. Requiem Holy Mass at Pazhukkara Catholic Church for the brother of Moly Joy, one of the staff members of Biblia Academy. (photos)
May 1. First Holy Communion of Joykuttan’s son at St. Thomas Church, Anathadam, Aloor.
2022 April 19-22. Priests’ Retreat, Bialagora
On 18th April, Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a train from Katowice to Gdynia. From there a certain priest drove him to Bialagora. On 19th morning, Fr. Jose Maniparambil recorded two online classes for Isa’s community. In the evening, Fr. Jose started the retreat for priests. Basing on Ex. 32-33 and Hos. 11:8, He explained the meaning of the Wrath of God and the need for a mediator.
During the morning session on the 20th, Wednesday Fr. Jose focused on the different dimensions of covenant. Why do we need a covenant? Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 15) – Binding of Isaac (Gen 22). The Lord will provide the lamb himself for the sacrifice. And starting of monotheism. And the difference between the concept of El and Yahweh.
During the noon conference Fr. Jose dealt with the New Covenant as envisaged by prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 31:31-33) – written not on stone, but on the human heart of Jesus. During the evening conference he related it with the Holy Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration.
Auxiliary Bishop of Pelplin celebrated the Holy Mass on 22nd April Friday, and Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached the homily on Jn. 21. (photos)
2022 April 22-24. Laity Retreat, Bialagora
The Retreat for laity began in the evening of April 22nd. Fr. Jose Maniparambil is the retreat preacher. Different dimensions of Jn. 21 was the main focus. Catholic Church as a communion of churches, ad-extra, ad-inter and ad-intra dimensions of the Church, and the primacy of love – these were presented by him.
On 24th Sunday, Fr. Jose explained different connotations of the Greek word esplangnizomai (Hebrew: rehem) in the parable of the Good Samaritan. The lightning of mercy hit his heart that it was wide open from where compassion flowed in the form of oil and wine.
During the general conference in the evening, Fr. Jose Maniparambil illustrated different dimensions of the justice of St. Joseph because the community was known as Joseph’s Home. During breaks, the participants had light time on the beach. (photos)
2022 April 13. Online Retreat for Bethlehem Community
The Bethlehem Community in Tychy, Poland gathered for praise and worship. Fr. Jose Maniparambil broke the word of God for them online.
2022 April 11-12. Online Bible Class – Akademy of Talents
The seventh online session for both batches of Akademy of Talents, Poland was held on 11th and 12th April. Fr. Jose Maniparambil presented the Gospel of Mark as a Drama. Like a play, Mark uses a plot, characters, setting and themes to convey the gospel message.
- April 3-6. Lenten Retreat, Biala Parcela
April 3. Jesus Appreciates Woman’s Beauty. Jesus bent down and wrote down. The Greek word is kategrapho, which can mean sculpturing. Instead condemning the woman caught in adultery, Jesus was appreciating her beauty. He looked not at her sins, but at her personality. Jesus attitude emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and compassion, and the ways of looking at realities. Fr. Jose Maniparambil was explaining the different layers of meaning of Jn. 8:1-11. (photos)
In the evening retreat on the Passion of Christ, Fr. Jose explained the biblical notion: Without bloodshed no forgiveness of sins.
April 4. How to Become the Light of the World. In Jn 8:12-20, Jesus says, I am the light of the world. God is light; God is spirit; God is love; He is the supreme being with absolute Reason or Light, absolute Freedom or Spirit and absolute Love. Jesus is total from the Father and totally for others, and nothing for himself. In this way only he is the light of the world. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). How much we come closer and closer to Jesus, that much we become the light of the world. We show the path, the light, for the world to walk. (photos)
April 5. Two Unique Men: Jesus said, “You are from below; I am from above” (Jn, 8:21-30). In 1 Cor 15:45-48, St. Paul describes two men who are criterion for all other human beings: man of the flesh (Adam) and man of the Spirit (Last Adam/Christ).
April 6. Into the Name. At 8.00 and 11.30, there were Holy Mass for the children. At 10.00 the Sacrament of the Sick was administered during the Holy Mass. During children’s Mass, Fr. Jose Maniparambil presented the Gospel in this way: All these days, the gospel readings are from John’s Gospel, chapter 8 (today’s reading: Jn 8:31-42). Yesterday we heard in the gospel Jesus say: “You will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he” (Jn 8:24). Tomorrow we will hear Jesus say: “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am” (Jn 8:58). Fr. Jose Maniparambil began the homily with a question to the children: “With what words did the Parish Priest begin the Holy Mass?” One of them answered: “In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
What is the second commandment? You shall not take the name of your God in vain.
What is the ‘Name’ God? What is the ‘Name’ of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?
Yahweh.
What is its meaning? I am who am. This is what Jesus says, “I am” or “I am he.” Jesus is the bearer of God’s name.
Why three persons (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) have one name? God is one, but three persons. God has only one name, Yahweh. (photos)
2022 April 2. Mission of Charismatic Community, Legnice
On 31st March, the Parish Priest of the Lubin Salesian Parish drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Fr. Jarek, Polkowice. On 2nd April Saturday all charismatic leaders of Legnice Diocese gathered in Polkowice to listen to Fr. Jose Maniparambil, who explained the importance of mission based on the Acts of the Apostles. The slides that he used were highly helpful. While his class was going on, Bishop Andrzeja came to the lecture hall, and listened to the talk for about 20 minutes. Fr. Jose gave some practical tips for evangelizing others based on his experiences in different parts of the world: the Holy Land, India, UAE, Greece, Germany and Poland. Bishop Andrej also insisted on each one’s role in evangelizing the community, especially our Ukranian guests (migrants – one out ten is a Ukranian, he said).
After lunch with the Bishop and others, Romek drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to a place called Biala (pronounced: Biyawa). Photos
2022 March 26-30. Lubin. Ministry of Reconciliation – Katallages.
On 26th March, Marcin Polak dropped Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Katowice train station. A certain Lukasz received Fr. Jose at Lubin station and took him to the Salesian Parish. Fr. Jose began the Lenten Retreat with the evening Holy Mass at 20.00. “God made him a sin, who knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:17-21) – this was the topic of the homily. Based on the prayer of Moses in Ex. 32-33, “Blot out the sins of my people; it not blot out my name from the book that you have written,” and Jesus’ prayer on the Cross, “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they do,” Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the meaning of the mediator and the need for a mediator. (photos)
On 27th Sunday, the homilies during the Holy Mass at 08.00; 10.00; 12.00; 15.00; 20.00 were made use of by Fr. Maniparambil to speak about Katallages, the Greek word for reconciliation. It means ‘exchange,’ ‘profit in exchange;’ ‘change in relationship,’ ‘from enmity to friendship,’ ‘restoration of relationship and growth (change) in relationship.’
Sliva – the Cross – is the locus of reconciliation – two loves stretch Jesus apart, and fills the gap between God and man, and between heaven and earth: the four dimensions of the cross. And then water and blood, Holy Spirit and Salvation, Baptism and Eucharist flow out. This is what we profit. Jesus exchanges his life, and we gain from this exchange. Will we allow Jesus to embrace us and fill the gap between us and God.
Bishops and priests are Minsters of Reconciliation. Stewards of God’s mystery. Ambassadors of Christ. Not only official representatives, but prolonging the mission of Christ. By the sacraments of initiation, we are grafted to Jesus, the true Vine, the true man of the Spirit (1 Cor 15:45-48). Jesus is the head of the new humanity (Mt. 1:16). We are grafted to him (cf. Rom. 11). (photos)
During the conference at 13.00 for the parents of children preparing for the first Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation, Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about the Holy Spirit ‘throwing’ (Greek: ekballo) Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Satan.
Fr. Maniparambil preached the Passion Homily at 19.00. He invited the audience’ attention to the question raised by Plato in his writing the Republic: why do we persecute the most righteous man? Why do we crucify him? And why did all the people say: Let his blood be upon us and our children (cf. Mt. 27)? What is the difference between the blood of Abel and blood of Christ?
On Monday (28.03. 2022), Fr. Jose Maniparambil based his sermon on Isa. 65:17-21, the New Heaven and New Earth. He spoke scientifically how this world is being transformed from biosphere (world of life) to noosphere (world of the mind), and finally to pneumosphere (world of the spirit). Even Heaven’s nature changed. Jesus retained the five wounds in his risen body. He was taken to heaven with his risen body. Therefore, the flesh is the hinge of salvation. Our body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the tabernacle of the Lord is transformed into a spirit-love being – a spiritual body. (photos)
Addressing the students preparing for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about the biblical basis of the sacrament. He took Luke 3:21-22 as the foundation text: After his baptism, Jesus was praying. Then the Holy Spirit descended on him in the bodily form of a dove. This is what happens to us, when we receive the sacrament. Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit (cf. Mt. 1:18; Lk. 1:32-36). Yet he needed to be anointed by the Holy Spirit (cf. Lk. 4:18). We are born anew from above, from the Holy Spirit, in the sacrament of baptism. But we need further anointing of the Holy Spirit. This happens through the sacrament of confirmation.
At 09.00 and 18.00, during the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about healing from sickness and healing through sickness (Cf. Jn. 5:1-14; 9:1-3). This is a theme that Fr. Jose has preached in many places, and he has a written a book about it: Do You Want to Be Healed?
At 19.00 there was a general conference for all parishioners. One of the questions raised was: why Ukraine war? Why did God allow it? Fr. Jose Maniparambil drew their attention to the presence of violence during time of the birth of Jesus: Innocent children were martyred (cf. Mt. 2:13-22). Pontius Pilate killed people who were worshipping in the Temple (cf. Lk. 13). Where do these innocent people reach, when they are martyred? Now they sit beneath the throne in heaven (Rev. 8:1-5; 6:9-13). What do they do? They put their prayers in the censor held by the angel. As the smoke rises, their prayers also rise and reach the throne of heaven. They become our mediators by their prayers. They join their prayers with the prayer of the one and only mediator – Jesus Christ.
On 29th Tuesday, Fr. Jose Maniparambil had different sessions with young people: at 10.40, 11.40 and 12.40. He approached the question of Incarnation and Resurrection from a rational perspective, or even scientific perspective: making use of some of the findings of theory of evolution, Fr. Jose explained the possibility and necessity of Incarnation and Christ’s resurrection as the final evolutionary leap of humanity to the final phase of life (among the students were some who were inclined to protestant teaching). (photos)
On 30th Wednesday, during the conference at 9.00 and 18.00 Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about the ‘time of favour’ based on Isaiah 49:8-15. In time of favour, on the day of salvation, I will deliver you, and I set you as a covenant (= 2 Cor 6:2), God promised. To substantiate this, Fr. Jose spoke about the Abrahamic covenant (cf. Gen. 15 and 22): Yahweh Yireh – the Lord will provide the Lamb, HIMSELF, for the sacrifice. (photos)
At 19.00, during the general conference for the parishioners, Fr. Jose Maniparambil dealt with the theme: Why there is evil in the world? Who is the ruler of this world? What happened to the ruler when Jesus was lifted up on the cross?
2022 March 14-15. Online Class – Ephphatha: Akademy of Talents
On March 14 and 15 were the sixth session on Ephphatha for both batches of the Akademy of Talents, Poland. Fr. Jose Maniparambil presented the Plot of the Gospel Drama as a war between God’s Party and Satan’s Party. Jesus and angels on one side, Satan and the wild beasts (beast from the sea, and the beast from the land) on the other side engaged in a colossal and eschatological war. And the war is won by Jesus on the Cross.
2022 March 9. Online Session for Tychy Community
Walk through God’s Word. Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered an online lecture on Jesus the New Testament Jonah (cf. Lk 11:29-32) to the Bethlehem Charismatic Community of Agnieszka and Michal at Tychy, Poland. In the Old Testament, Jonah saved the pagan community in the ship by exchanging their life with his life. He saved the pagan community in Nineveh by the proclamation of God’s word. Jesus, the New Testament Jonah, saves the humanity both by the proclamation of the Gospel and by giving his life as ransom for many to fulfil all righteousness of God (cf. Mt 3:15).
2022 March 2-7. Lenten Retreat, Walcz
On Tuesday 1st March 2022 Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a train from Katowice to Wroclaw and from there to Pila. A certain Cappucin brother picked him up from Pila and took him to Walcz.
Biblical Roots of Ash Wednesday. On 2nd March, Ash Wednesday Fr. Jose delivered five homilies during the Holy Mass at 7.30; 9.00; 15.00; 16.00 and 19.30. He went deep into the biblical origins of Ash Wednesday. Ash is a sign of our mortality: you are dust and to dust you shall return (cf. Gen 3:19); It’s a sign of repentance (cf. Job 42:5-6); Joel 2 speaks of ‘sub’ (pronounced shub in Hebrew), which literally means ‘to turn’. It has three implications: turn away from sin, turn to God and then God will turn away from his decision of punishing us. Ashes is a sign of intercession (cf. Dan 9:3); it is a sign of prayer and penance (1 Mac 3:47) and it is good to avert national calamities (Esther C; 14:12). Then Fr. Jose connected it with the sign of the Tav – the Cross – in Ezek 9.4. (photos)
From Thursday to Saturday (March 3-5), Fr. Jose preached the Lenten retreat on the Covenant. Gen 15; Exo 19; 32 and Jer 31 were the basic texts that he used to explain the need of the covenant, meaning of covenant, ways of cutting the covenant, need for the new covenant and the uniqueness of the new covenant.
On Thursday after the morning conferences for the retreatants, Fr. Jose Maniparambil was taken to the school, where he addressed two batches of students. There he explained God’s presence in this world by explaining the Big Bang Theory of the origin of the universe. (photos)
In the evening, there was also a healing prayer along with the Holy Mass and laying of hands on the people. (photos)
On Friday Fr. Jose led the Way of the Cross in the morning and in the evening.
On Saturday after the morning conferences for the retreatants, Fr. Jose gave three online lectures for 600 pupils in the school. He tried to convince the young minds about God’s intervention in human origin by explaining the theory of evolution. This aspect he has developed in his book, It’s Consummated. (photos)
After the evening retreat, some friends of Jose from Pila took him to a restaurant in Pila to have dinner together. (photos)
On Sunday 7th March, Fr. Jose delivered homilies during the Holy Mass at 7.00; 8.30; 10.00; 11.30; 13.00; 18.00; 19.30. The Holy Mass at 11.30 were for the children and their parents. After the Holy Mass children came forward to have the laying of hands of Fr. Jose. At 17.00, there was an hour called ‘Hour of Passion.’ Fr. Jose explained the contrasting relationship with the three attractions of Adam and Eve, three temptations of Jesus, three falls of Jesus on the Way of the Cross and three vows in religious life.
2022 February. Online Class on the Acts of the Apostles
Apologia to the Jews and Gentiles (Acts 25-26). Here we have the last and fullest apologia of Paul – His defense of faith in Christ Jesus to Herod Agrippa II (a Jew and king) and Porcius Festus (the Roman, Gentile, governor). On taking charge of his office, Festus went to Jerusalem; the Jews spoke to him about Paul. Festus asked the Jewish authorities to go to Caesarea, where he would conduct the trial. There in Caesarea, Paul expressed his desire to be tried in Rome, not in Jerusalem. Festus replied: “You have appealed to the emperor; to the emperor you will go (Acts 25:12). It would look bad for Festus to send Paul to Caesar with no clear charges against him. Festus believed that Agrippa with his knowledge of Jewish customs and laws, could help Festus write out some charges that would be specific enough for Caesar Nero to consider (Acts 25:13-25, esp. v. 26-27). Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself” (Acts 25:22).
Paul’s Apologia in his Kerygma: Summary of his defense: the resurrected Christ speaks through his witnesses to Jews and Gentiles. Paul did not abandon the ancestral faith of Israel (this was the Jewish accusation). Paul lived a life according to and for the hope of Israel. And this hope involved the resurrection from the dead. He is a trained Pharisee (26:5) under Gamaliel (22:3; Gal 1:14). The doctrine of the resurrection he now preaches is both a classic tenet of Pharisaic theology (23:8) and a central doctrine of the Hebrew Scriptures (26:22-23). Christ himself quoted Moses (Exo 3:6) to defend the doctrine of the resurrection (cf. Mt 22:32).
2022 February 14-15. Online Class for the Akademy of Talents
The fifth session for two batches of the Akademy of Talents were held on 14th Monday and 15th Tuesday, February 2022. In Mark 16:6-7 we read, But he [the young man] said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you”. Greek: proago = go before, precede, lead forth, lead the way. 1. Spatially: go in front of. 2. Temporally: come first or happen before. 3. Figuratively: go ahead of time (1 Tim 5.24. sins preceding sinners to the judgment go ahead of time). Here the Lord precedes the believers in the act of proclamation of the Gospel. Proago is a technical term for a shepherd going ahead of the sheep, leading forth, leading the way…And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before [proago] you to Galilee” (Mk 14:27-28). They are to follow the risen Lord who continues to lead his people in their future tasks.
2022 January 26. Online Class for Tychy Bethlehem Community
Agnieszka and Michal organized an online session for their Bethlehem Charismatic Community. Fr. Jose Maniparambil presented the Parable of the Sower (the scripture reading for the day) as a drama that unveils both the mystery of Jesus and the mystery of the victory of God’s kingdom.
2022 January 24. Online Class on the Acts of the Apostles
The fourth online class on the Acts of the Apostles for the charismatic community of Isa and Piotr was held on 24th Jan 2022. Paul’s apologia is his kerygma: the resurrected Christ speaks through his witnesses to Jews and Gentiles. Paul did not abandon the ancestral faith of Israel (this was the Jewish accusation). He is a trained Pharisee (26:5) under Gamaliel (22:3; Gal 1:14). The doctrine of the resurrection he now preaches is both a classic tenet of Pharisaic theology (23:8) and a central doctrine of the Hebrew Scriptures (26:22-23). Hopes of bodily resurrection and national restoration are blended together in Eze 37 and Hos 6:1-2, where the redemption of all Israel from sin (exile) to covenant sonship (return) is described as the resurrection of the body from death to new life. Israel’s hope in the resurrection (24:15) has become history in the personal experience of the Messiah (25:19), who is the first of an entire company of saints to be raised again in glory (1 Cor 15:20-23).
2022 January 17-18. Online Class for the Akademy of Talents
Fourth session for two batches of the Akademy of Talents were held on 17-18th January, 2022. The ‘end tragedy of fear’ as seen in Mk 16:8 was explained. Aristotle, Poetics, states that the purpose of tragedy is to arouse ‘terror and pity’ and thereby effect the catharsis of these emotions. What is catharsis? 1. Catharsis converts excess emotions into virtuous dispositions. 2. Catharsis is a moral lesson in which the fear and pity excited by the tragic hero’s fate serve to warn the spectator. 3. Experience of fear vicariously in a controlled situation, the spectator’s own anxieties are directed outward, and, through sympathetic identification with the tragic protagonist, his insight and outlook are enlarged. 4. Catharsis, the purification or purgation of the emotions (especially pity and fear) primarily through art/drama. Tragedy then has a healthful and humanizing effect on the spectator or reader. In his works prior to the Poetics, Aristotle had used the term catharsis purely in its literal medical sense (usually referring to the evacuation of the katamenia – the menstrual fluid or other reproductive material) from the patient. In Poetics, it is a medical metaphor – not exactly purification or cleansing, but purgation: the human soul is purged of its excessive passions. While it is apparent that the emotions (fear and pity) associated with the events in a tragedy are felt by the audience, it is probable that Aristotle understood pity and fear to be qualities of the action or events themselves. As the drama completes itself, it is the action that is purged of (these emotional qualities).
2021 Dec 20-21. Online Bible Class on the Gospel of Mark
Class on the Gospel of Mark for two batches of Akademy of Talents. In a dramatic turn of events, Pontius Pilate gave the choice of release of the prisoner to the crowd, not knowing that many of them are bribed by the religious authorities: Whom do you want me to release, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus Christ. The full name of Barabbas is Jesus Barabbas. “So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’” (Mt 27:17). Literally Barabbas means ‘son of the father’ (Bar + abbas = son of the Father). He is a criminal and he represents criminal children. Jesus Christ is the innocent Son of the Father (Mk 1:11; 9:1-9). The criminals demanded the release of the criminal son, and the innocent son was put to death. In other words, it is the death of the innocent son that releases the criminals from their punishment. The Son of Man, the Son of God, gives his life as a ransom for many (Mk 10:45).
2021 Dec 11-14. Advent Retreat. Sosnowiec
On Saturday 11th December, Jasiu drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Sosnowiec, where the latter started the Advent retreat with the Holy Mass at 18.00. The retreat continued during the Holy Mass at 08.00; 10.00; 11.30; 18.00 on Sunday 12th December and on Monday the 13th and Tuesday the 14th during morning and evening Holy Mass.
The major points of meditations were: Mt 1:1-16, God introduces a new man, the perfect of the Spirit (1 Cor 15:45-48) through a new woman, Mary of Nazareth, who is born not in the line of sin of Adam (cf. Lk 1:28). This is suggested in the break in genealogy (cf. Mt 1:16). Biblical roots of Mary’s Immaculate Conception – chaire kecharitomene (cf. Lk 1:28); The five difficulties Mary had to welcome the Word of God into her life (cf. Lk 1:26-27); Jesus’ birth in a manger in a home, not in an inn (cf. Lk 2:7). (photos)
2021 Dec 7. Follow-Up Class for Katowice Parish
After the Holy Mass at 18.00, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a lecture on the prayer life of Jesus. Basing on Luke 6, Fr. Jose presented a picture of Jesus’ spirituality which contains: the ascending process in prayer, the horizontal dimension of prayer and the descending process in prayer. (photos)
2021 Dec 6. Online Class on the Acts of the Apostles
During the Apostolic Time, first we have the Programmatic Speech of Peter (Acts 2). The Pentecostal Sermon of Peter is in parallelism with the programmatic speech of Jesus in Nazareth (Lk 4:16-30). After the Baptism (Lk 3:21-22), Jesus delivers a sermon announcing his program of establishing God’s kingdom on earth.
After the Church’s Baptism (the Pentecost), Peter makes a programmatic speech, addressed to the totality of Israel: Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians (Acts 2:9-11) – symbolic of all nations of the known world.
The second is the Kerygma of the Good News to Israel (Acts 3:12-26). This is Peter’s Temple Sermon. It is a proclamation of the Gospel in connection with the healing at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple of Jerusalem, the first miracle in the Acts of the Apostles. The goal of the Sermon is a summons to Israel to repentance and believe in Jesus, the anointed Messiah, the end-time Prophet and Saviour of the world.
The third is the Speech of Stephen (Acts 7). This is the longest sermon in the Acts of the Apostles. According to some theologians, this is the grandest of all sermons. Stephen’s Sermon is an Indictment of Israel. Stephen makes a sweeping recapitulation of Jewish history: counterpoint between God’s Gracious Acts and Stubborn Resistance by God’s People. It is a very aggressive speech. This will open the way for the gospel to go out of Jerusalem to Samaria in Ch. 8.
The fourth is Peter’s Kerygma to the Gentiles (Acts 10), a Kerygma of Universal Forgiveness (the insistence is not on repentance, but on forgiveness). The conclusion of Peter’s sermon matches the conclusion of Paul’s sermon to Gentile Athenians (Acts 17:30-31).
2021 Dec 2. Dialogue with Youngsters. Zukowo
A few young people, under the leadership of Marcin, gathered in the Assumption Church, Zukowo. They had some questions regarding the Bible and the Church. Fr. Jose Maniparambil answered them. The session lasted for over a hour.
One of the questions: Is the Old Testament God a cruel one, supporting wars and an angry one punishing his people? Fr. Jose asked them a question: Suppose God does not punish evil what would it imply? It would mean either God is disinterested or he sides with evil! In that case, what difference is there between Satan and God? God is infinitely holy. It is his holiness that is revealed through his wrath against evil. However, God does not want to destroy his people. He reveals what happens in his heart when he sees evil: “My people are bent on turning away from me. To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst” (Hos 11:7-9 ). This is a text from the Old Testament. God’s people has committed sin. He has to reprimand them. He raises his head to punish them. But, his start stops his hand. Then he beats himself. That’s the Cross. Pope Benedict XVI writes in Deus Caritas Est (no. 10): “God’s passionate love for his people—for humanity—is at the same time a forgiving love. It is so great that it turns God against himself, his love against his justice. Here Christians can see a dim pre-figurement of the mystery of the Cross: so great is God’s love for man that by becoming man he follows him even into death, and so reconciles justice and love.” Is the Old Testament God a cruel one, and angry one? No. Not at all.
When Fr. Jose reached the home of Maciek, he recorded three videos for the Malayalam YouTube channel and uploaded. All were concerning the liturgical issues of the Syro-Malabar Church.
On Thursday 2nd December, Maciek dropped Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Gdansk train station, from were the latter started the journey at 9.54 and reached Katowice at 16.00.
2021 Nov 28-30. Advent Retreat, Zukowo
On Saturday 27th November Marcin dropped Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the Katowice train station. By 18.10 the train reached Gdansk, and Maciek picked up Fr. Jose to his home, which is very close to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Zukowo. (photos)
On Sunday 28th November Fr. Jose preached the advent retreat during the Holy Mass at 7.00; 8.30; 10.00; 11.30; 13.00; 18.00 and 20.00. All homilies lasting for half-an hour with translation. Fr. Maniparambil focused his teaching on Jer 33:14-16, the scripture reading for the day. Many came to believe that Tree of David (Davidic dynasty) had been cut off with the Babylonian captivity, the final stage of which happened in B. C. 587. Jeremiah who witnessed to this greatest tragedy in Israel’s life, revealed God’s will in these words: In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land (Jer. 33:15). The Hebrew word for ‘Branch’ is tsema. It has three meanings: 1. Geographical: the renewal of the earth. 2. Historical: a holy remnant shall return from the Babylonian captivity. 3. Messianic: this tsema (shoot) from the house of Judah is a reference to the Messiah-King. The New Testament immediately recognized that this Messiah-King is Jesus of Nazareth, who is both David’s son (Mt 1:1) and David’s Lord (Mt 22:41-46) at the very same time, who is the King of kings (Rev 19:16), who rules the world from the Cross, his throne (Jn 19:19). (photos)
At the Holy Mass at 11.30, during which there was a baptism of a child, Fr. Jose added: We are grafted to this branch (tsema) by baptism and the Holy Eucharist. (photos)
The advent retreat continued during the Holy Mass at 6.30; 9.00; 18.00 and 20.00 on Nov 29 Monday and Nov 30 Tuesday. The presence of very small children with lamps in their hands participating in the morning Holy Mass was a matter of inspiration. Fr. Jose interpreted the process of the children as an imitation of shepherds visiting the manger of Jesus and their proclamation of the Gospel (cf. Lk 2:8-20). (photos)
2021 Nov 23. Online Class for Katowice Parish
The main focus of this two-hour lecture was the mediation of Moses (Exo 32). God revealed how justice and mercy work within him through prophet Hosea (11:8): “My heart is blocking me.” A glimpse of this is revealed through the mediation of Moses.
2021 Nov 22. Online Class on the Acts of the Apostles
During the Apostolic Time (Acts 1-12), we have four major sermons. 1. Programmatic Speech of Peter in Acts 2. The Pentecostal Sermon of Peter is in parallelism with the programmatic speech of Jesus in Nazareth (Lk 4:16-30). After the Baptism (Lk 3:21-22), Jesus delivers a sermon announcing his program of establishing God’s kingdom on earth. After the Church’s Baptism (the Pentecost), Peter makes a programmatic speech, addressed to the totality of Israel: Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians (Acts 2:9-11) – symbolic of all nations of the known world. Kerygma of the Good News to Israel. Acts 3:12-26.
- Peter’s Temple Sermon (Acts 3). It is a proclamation of the Gospel in connection with the healing at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple of Jerusalem, the first miracle in the Acts of the Apostles. The goal of the Sermon is a summons to Israel to repentance and believe in Jesus, the anointed Messiah, the end-time Prophet and Saviour of the world.
- Speech of Stephen (Acts 7). This is the longest sermon in the Acts of the Apostles. According to some theologians, this is the grandest of all sermons. Stephen’s Sermon is an Indictment of Israel. Stephen makes a sweeping recapitulation of Jewish history: counterpoint between God’s Gracious Acts and Stubborn Resistance by God’s People. It is a very aggressive speech. This will open the way for the gospel to go out of Jerusalem to Samaria in Ch. 8. 4. Kerygma to the Gentiles (Acts 10).
- Peter’s Speech to Cornelius (Acts 10:34-43). A Kerygma of Universal Forgiveness (the insistence is not on repentance, but on forgiveness). The conclusion of Peter’s sermon matches the conclusion of Paul’s sermon to Gentile Athenians (Acts 17:30-31).
During Sub-Apostolic Time, we have four sermons. 1. Paul’s Kerygma to Israel (Acts 13:16-41). Paul and Barnabas in Antioch (present day Turkey). Paul’s missionary sermon to Jewish listeners in the context of his first missionary journey with his companions. The Word goes to the Israelites first. This is part of the salvation-history purpose and necessity. The rejection by Israel begets the mission to the Gentiles! (cf. Rom 11:11-12).
- Speeches in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). The Apostles and the Presbyteroi (Acts 15:4): first and second generation executives of the mother church share the deliberations. Paul’s missionary experience necessitated the council. Peter speaks first. In the council, the Apostolic voice is heard first. His sermon is a summary of his experience with Cornelius (Acts 10). James confirms. James follows the steps of Peter. Decision of the Council: Good News of Jesus should go out of Israel. The Word goes to the nations, the gentiles.
- Kerygma to the Gentiles – Paul at Areopagus (17: 22-31). As in Lk 4:16-30, there are three types of reactions: some accept the gospel; some reject it; some defer the decision for a future moment. Paul’s sermon gives us some insights: how to evangelize the pagans. He starts with their religion and literature and gradually leads them to Jesus, especially his resurrection. The sermon reveals the great opportunity and immense stumbling block for any mission to the Gentiles.
- Farewell Discourse of Paul (20:18-35). Paul’s Farewell Discourse to his missions. This is the ‘testament’ (last will) that he leaves behind. This is Paul’s speech to the ‘Christians’ (other speeches were for ‘Israel’ and ‘Gentiles’). It announces the end of his mission and the onset of his passion: the hinge between mission and passion, paralleled after the Lord’s own life. This marks the end of the Church’s first generation, that of the founding witnesses, and a transition from their ministry to the subsequent generations.
Acts 20:17. From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, asking the presbyteroi of the church to meet him (Acts 20:17). Acts 20:28. Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you episkopoi, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. (Acts 20:28). The collegial leadership of the Church is entrusted with care of the missions and care of the flock. This unbroken chain of church leadership is known as apostolic succession: Jesus – Apostles – Paul – Episkopoi/Presbyteroi.
2021 Nov 15-16. Online Class on the Gospel of Mark
On 15th November the first batch of Akademy of Talents had the second class on the Gospel of Mark. On 16th November the second batch had the same lectures.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil had given the students two homework. 1. Compare Mk 1:1 with Mt 1:1 with Lk 1:1-4 with Jn 1:1 and find out the purpose of each Gospel according to the respective author. 2. Mk 1:2, “As it is written in prophet Isaiah…” But in Is 40:1ff., we don’t see the full text. Where did Mk get the other parts of the prophecy? Why did he attribute it to Isaiah? After hearing the findings of the students, Fr. Jose made his comments and observations. Then he presented the Gospel of Mark as a drama.
2021 November 11. Spiritual Preparation for Christmas, Tychy
On Thursday 11th November 2021, Fr. Jose Maniparambil concelebrated the Holy Mass at Tychy Catholic Church, delivered a homily and participated in the Bethlehem charismatic community gathering. (photos)
2021 Nov 5-7. Retreat at Salesian Church. Gdansk
Basing on Lk 16:1-8, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave the following message: Jesus is a friend of the sinners. He sits with sinners. He eats with sinners. This is a criticism levelled against Jesus (and also his Church) then and now. Jesus justified his action by telling them three parables of mercy: parable of the lost sheep, of the lost coins and the Prodigal Son (Lk 15). Now in Lk 16, Jesus tells his disciples the parable of the dishonest but shrewd steward. This is significant. Jesus’ disciples, symbolized in the returning prodigal son, are called to be stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor 4:1-2).
Charges were brought to his Owner that this steward was squandering his property (Lk 16:1). The Greek word for charges’ here is diaballow which can mean ‘charges were brought with an evil intention,’ or ‘false charges were made against him.’ Anyway the steward is accused of squandering the wealth like the prodigal son (Lk 15:13). And the steward took some measures to secure his future. Jesus commends on the shrewdness of the steward (not his dishonesty, if he were dishonest), his last minute efforts to secure his future, and set it as an example for all disciples to make friends by almsgiving in order to be received into eternal habitations (Lk 16:9). Look at that: when enter heaven, all those whom we helped would stand in rows to welcome us! (photos)
On 6th Sunday, Fr. Jose gave different dimensions of the incident of the poor widow’s offering as recorded in Mk 12:41-44. Jesus sat opposite to the Temple Treasury and observed how people put in their offerings. The Temple Treasury consisted of thirteen brazen chests in the shape of a trumpet and it stood in the Court of Women of the Temple of Jerusalem. Nine chests were for the appointed temple-tribute and for the sacrifice tribute (money-gifts instead of sacrifices) and four chests for free-will offerings. A poor widow put in two small copper coins. Jesus called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mk. 12:43-44). First of all, God regards the disposition of the mind, not the magnificence of the gift. Secondly, the offerings of the rich people though great in respect of this widow, bore but a small proportion to their estates. The widow’s offering was the whole of her income for that day or the whole money in her possession at that time. Her offering sprung up from self-denying love. That’s the greatest. A final note: just before this episode, we see Jesus criticizing the lawyers who devour the houses of the widows (Mk 12:38-40). This widow is a victim of such scribes and lawyers, who were highly religious. The unjust behaviour of religious leaders does not deter the widow from her devotion to the Lord and his Temple. (photos)
On the last day of the retreat, at the initiative of the assistant parish priest, there was a short procession to the Cross in front of the church, where they burned their ‘wounds’ which written on paper. (photos)
2021 Nov 4. Evening Meeting with God. Prouszcz Gdanski
On October 31 Sunday, Fr. Jose along with Marcin visited Fr. Christopher, the parish priest of Zukowo parish. Adam and his wife Marisza were also present. (photos)
On 4th November a certain Ela and her husband picked Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Zukowo and drove him to Prouszcz Gdanski, where the charismatic community of Beata and Marek had gathered under the leadership of their assistant parish priest. Fr. Jose delivered a homily. (photos)
Then they drove him to the Salesian parish in Gdansk.
2021 Oct 22-24. Retreat: Family Apostolate. Bialygory
White Mountain – that’s the meaning of the Polish word Bialygory, pronounced biyawe-gure (bialy = white; gory = mountain). Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a three-day retreat for the diocesan animators of the family apostolate.
On 21 Oct 2021 Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a train from Katowice to Tchew. Basia picked up Fr. Jose from the train station and drove him to her home. On the way, they had dinner at the house of Marius and Kasia. Their children are very much friendly with Fr. Jose. (photos).
On 22nd Friday Fr. Slawek drove Fr. Jose to Bialygory, where the second batch of the Family Apostolate Animators (a hundred of them) had gathered. Fr. Jose began to preach a retreat for them. The homily was based on Rom 7:15-25. The struggle within us between the law of the flesh and the law of the spirit. We cannot by ourselves alone cannot get up from the pit of sin. Paul says: I thank God the Father for giving me Jesus Christ. (photos)
In the first conference, after supper, Fr. Jose focused on Marriage as a bodily participation in the Erotic Love of God. Marriage is a Sacrament. Sacrament means ‘Paschal Mystery.’ And Paschal Mystery is the celebration of death and resurrection. Marriage is a day-to-day participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the means for sanctification. (photos)
On 23rd Saturday there were four conferences and a homily. Fr. Jose shed some light on the following:
Rocket of Love. The Couples’ Way. The role of Reconciliation in love. (based on Mt 18:21-22, 23-35; Lk 7:36-50). Love goes to any extreme to protect one’s own (Jn 13:1-5). Faith as the fuel for launching the rocket of love. Faith as ‘standing’ and ‘understanding.’ Faith as ‘Symbolum.’ The Mystery of a Child’s Birth, and the role of Catholic couples. (photos)
On 24th Sunday, during the last conference (Conf. 6) Fr. Maniparambil spoke about the Prayer as the next fuel for launching the rocket of love. He based teaching on Moses’ mediation for Israel, Abraham’s mediation for Sodom and Gomorrah and Jacob’s struggle with God and finally on Jesus’s prayer on the Cross: Father, forgive them…During the homily, he explained the Cross as the rupture of love. (photos)
The participants were very happy. Many bought copies of the books of Fr. Jose and wanted to have his autograph. (photos)
After the retreat, Fr. Slowek drove Fr. Jose to Zukowo, where the latter stayed in the house of Maciek and Ewa.
2021 Oct 18. Online Class on the Acts of the Apostles
The charismatic community of Piotr and Isa organized a year-long online bible class on the Acts of the Apostles. Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave the first lecture on the structure of the Acts. It is through a literary structure that an author communicates his experience of Jesus, the Word become flesh. He presented four perspectives with regard to the literary design. 1. Focusing on the central cities, the broad story of Acts stretches from the Holy City of Jerusalem in the East (1:4) to the Imperial City of Rome in the West (28:14).
- Focusing on the leading figures, Chs 1-12 narrate the leadership role of Peter in establishing the Church, while 13-28 narrate the missionary efforts of Paul in expanding the Church.
- Focusing on the geographical movement of the Word, Jesus’ mandate in Acts 1:8 outlines the course of the entire book: “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”
- Focusing on the sermons, the Acts of the Apostles can be divided into three parts.
Part A. Chs 1-12 Apostolic Period represented by Peter: Gospel in Judea, Samaria: the Word grew (12:24).
Part B. Chs. 13-20 Sub-Apostolic Period represented by Paul: Gospel to the nations.
Part C. Chs. 21-28 Post-Apostolic Period represented by the Passion Journey of Paul to Rome, which ends with an open note Acts 28:31. Paul “welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
The graphics that Fr. Jose presented were of very great help for the students.
2021 Oct 17. Homily at St. Anne’s, Nowy Targ
Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a homily at St. Anne’s Church, Nowy Targ during the Holy Mass at 16.00 on Oct 17th Sunday. This wooden church was built in 1219 and renovated in 1779, and this is situated in the middle of a huge cemetery. (photos)
In the first reading of today (Isa 53) we hear about a Servant of Yahweh, who takes upon himself the punishment of others. In the Old Testament, we have a picture of a such man: Moses. When the people of Israel worshipped the golden calf, thus violating the first commandment, Moses said to them: You committed a great crime. However, I shall stand before the Lord for your sake. Then he went to the mountain and said to the Lord: blot out the sins of my people. If not, blot out my name from the book that you have written. God heard his prayer and took the sins of his people and put it on Moses, and eventually Moses became a heap of sin and died on the other side of the river, without entering the Holy Land.
God made Jesus to be a sin, who knew no sin (2 Cor 5:21), and he too died outside the Holy City.
When we are ready to serve others, even to the point of losing our life, we become great both in this world and in the world to come.
2021 Oct 17. Homilies at St. Catherine’s, Nowy Targ
Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered seven homilies during the Holy Mass at 16.00 on 16th Saturday, and at 06.30; 08.00; 09.30; 11.00; 12.30 and 18.00 on 17th Sunday at St. Catherine’s Church, Nowy Targ. In the second reading (Heb 4), Jesus is presented as the High Priest of humanity. In the Book of Apocalypse, chs. 4 and 5, there is a picture of heaven. Between the Throne and the four living creatures, the Lamb stands as the mediator. He stands for humanity before His Father and tells Him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And then he offers his life as the ransom for us. This is what is the message of the gospel today (Mk 10:32-45). Ransom is the money that is paid to release a criminal or a captive or a slave. Jesus gives his life to release us from our punishment. (photos)
Message for us today: If a husband or wife is ready to give his or her life as a ransom for the welfare of his or her family, and if s/he does it with good will, then s/he will be joyful because of the happiness of others. This is the real joy; this is the real greatness.
2021 Oct 15-16. Discernment. Nowy Targ Retreat
On 14th Oct Thursday, Marcin drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Katowice to Nowy Targ, near Zakopane mountains. There Fr. Jose preached a retreat on Discernment. On 15th Friday evening, after the service at the church, all community members gathered in Kasia’s restaurant to enjoy a dinner. (photos)
In 1 Kings 13:1-34 there is an interesting event. When Solomon died (921 B. C.) his kingdom divided into two: Northern Kingdom of Israel and Southern Kingdom of Judah. Jeroboam, king of Israel set up many altars for pagan gods in his kingdom. One of the altars was in Bethel. God inspired a prophet from Judah to go to Bethel and speak against Jeroboam, who himself was offering incense for the pagan god. The Judean prophet spoke against Jeroboam and the altar there. The king was angry, and he took the hands from the altar and pointed towards the prophet and ordered: ‘Seize him.’ But the king’s hand dried up, and he couldn’t draw it back. The king asked the prophet to pray and heal, and the prophet did so. Then the king invited the prophet to his palace to eat with him. But the Judean prophet said, “Even if you offer half of your palace, I cannot come and eat with you” because the food served in the king’s palace had been already offered to pagan gods.
When the Judean prophet left the place, a prophet from Bethel went to meet him, and told him a lie that an angel said to invite the Judean prophet for a dinner. The Judean prophet accepted the invitation, which was against God’s word of prohibition, and he was killed by a lion, which was a punishment from God.
The Judean prophet repeated four times what the word of the Lord revealed to him. So, he was sure of the revelation. He was sure of God’s will through His word. Therefore he was not supposed to accept the invitation of the Bethel prophet, even if he said an angel appeared to him. No appearance, no angel, no dream, no vision takes precedence over the revelation in the word of God. To discern God’s will, we should know the word of God deeply. (photos)
After the evening Holy Mass, during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Fr. Jose laid his hands on the retreatants for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Then as he walked in the aisle of the church with the Blessed Sacrament, people cried aloud for the healing of the world, the world where God came to live as a man (cf. Jn 1:14).
2021 Oct 11-12. ART Online Bible Class
Academy of Talents (ART, Koszalin) organized a nine-month Online Bible Class for two batches – each 40 to 50 students. The first session for the first batch was on 11th October, on the Gospel of Mark, which was conducted by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. He did the same for the second batch on 12th October. During the class, Fr. Jose divided the batch into four groups and gave them workshop. After hearing their inputs, he gave his observations. The class is mainly based on his book, Ephphatha: Gospel of Mark. (photos)
2021 Oct 10. Personal Meeting. Rzeszow
On 10th Sunday October, Kasia Bobola took her doctor friend to Grein Hotel where Fr. Jose Maniparambil stayed. The doctor wanted Fr. Jose to bless here newly brought Volvo Car, and he blessed it.
After the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose had lunch at the house of Ewa, the owner of the Grein Hotel. (photos)
Then Fr. Jose took a train and reached back in Katowice.
2021 Oct 9. Debice Company Retreat, Rzeszow
Pawel drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Debice, where there is a unit of Metkom Company, Rzeszow. There he celebrated the Holy Mass, blessed the company, and then preached a retreat for them – managerial staff and workers. There were some people from Ukraine, who belong to Russian Orthodox Church. They told Pawel that they were edified by the way that Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass, careful about the meaningful rituals and rubrics. (photos 1)
During the retreat, Fr. Jose explained in detail how to speak about God to those people who do not believe in God. This was one of their questions. He gave examples from theory of evolution, big bang theory, genetics and many others examples. He also shared one of his experiences. In his own words:
I boarded a flight. When I was approaching my designated seat, a man sitting in the next seat, cleared my seat and wiped it. When the flight took off, I opened my laptop and began to work. After some time, he just smiled, and asked, ‘What are you working on?”
“It’s a book on the Bible?”
“What is Bible?”
“It’s a book on God.”
“Who is that guy?”
I asked him, “Which country are you from?” He was Russia. I asked him again, “I saw you wiping my seat when I was coming to my seat. Why did you do that?”
“May be I was concerned about you, or because of my love for you.”
“Where did you get this faculty of love? Did you get it from any animal?” This opened the gate for a great conversation. And the purpose of dialogue is not to convert, but to scatter the fire of the Holy Spirit in them. God will do the rest.
Then Fr. Jose visited an Expo in Rzeszow city, where Metkom company had put up a stall. (photos 2)
The President of the City (City Mayor) visited the stall and had a chat with Pawel and Piotr, the owners of the abovesaid company and Fr. Jose Maniparambil. (photos 3)
2021 Oct 8. Metkom Company Retreat, Rzeszow
In the morning, Pawel drove Fr. Maniparambil from Grein Hotel to Metkom Company to preach a one-day retreat to all the workers. Some of them had already given a few questions to Fr. Jose in order that they get answers: 1. How to discern God’s will in everyday life? 2. How to recognize God’s intervention in day to day life? 3. How to speak with someone who does not believe in God? 4. What is the role of fathers at home?
One of the things that Fr. Jose said is that the hero or the role model of children – boy and girls – is their father. And if he is absent, or is alcoholic, he turns out to be villain in the mind of his children. Then the children listen to their peer groups more than those persons at home. And most often peer groups are influenced by malicious social media.
Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass for them and with them in the company. The owners of the company Pawel and Piotr and their family members also participated in the retreat. After the retreat Fr. Jose went to the House of Piotr. His wife Agnieszka and children welcomed him. (photos)
2021 Oct 7. Personal Meetings, Rzeszow
On 6th October, Maciek drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from his home to Gdansk railway station, and the latter took a train to Rzeszow, a 7.5 hours journey covering almost 800 kilometres. There in Rzeszow Kasia Bobola welcomed Fr. Jose and drove him to Green Hotel of Ewa. On 7th Oct Agnieszka prepared a lunch for Fr. Jose at her house and welcomed him there. (photos)
In the evening, Kasia Bobola brought four of her friends (two couples), who wanted Fr. Jose Maniparambil pray for them for they find it difficult to have children. One of couples had two miscarriages for they share in the same genetic pool. The other couples are married for over 22 years, and have no children. Fr. Jose said: What constitutes marriage is the consent of the couples. The purposes of marriage are two: good of the spouses and procreation of children. Even if they achieved one of the goals, it is important. However, we shall pray and submit ourselves to God’s will. And then he prayed over them.
2021 Oct 1-3. ‘Go Deep.’ Duninowo Retreat
A few Polish people, who have been many years in the US and Germany, gathered together for three days in Duninowo Parish for a retreat. Fr. Jose Maniparambil began the retreat with the celebration of the Holy Mass and a short homily.
In this retreat, Fr. Jose gave three layers of meaning/interpretation for the biblical text Jn 21:1-17. On the Spiritual level, it is a very good text on both leadership and discipleship. Fr. Jose took the members for a pilgrimage through the various incidents in the life of St. Peter, as recorded in the Gospels, and concluded that a real disciple is one to whom the master comes, and the master comes only when the disciple is ready for a total kenosis.
On the theological level of the text, Fr. Jose focused on the three questions of Jesus, especially the different words for love used in those questions, namely agapao (divine love) and phileo (friendly love). In his answers to Jesus’ questions, Peter used only phileo. It is an insufficient love. Yet, the Lord entrusted the leadership of the Church with him, making him the shepherd of the flock of Jesus. The Lord continues this strategy today. None of us has divine love (agapao) for the Lord. But He entrusts his mission with us: Cast the net on the right side!
On a still deeper level, the ecclesiological level, the contest between Peter and the Beloved Disciple is an answer to the problem of primacy of power and primacy of love. (photos 1)
Earlier, on 1st October, Maciek and Ewa from Zukowo had gone to Lubin, Szczecin in order to pick up Fr. Jose Maniparambil and drop him at Duninowo. (photos 2)
2021 Sep 24-26. Discernment. Koszalin Retreat
“I have read the Bible, many times. However, when Fr. Jose Maniparambil narrated a few events from the Books of Kings, they appeared all new to me. It was a big eye-opener for me on the theme of discernment,” Fr. Rafal from Koszalin said. Magda, Madzia and Magdalene along with Fr. Rafal organized a three-day online retreat on ‘Discernment’ for the members of the Academy of Talents. Though only two hundred people registered, the number of viewers (or viewing) crossed a thousand.
Based on 2 Kings 13:14-21, Fr. Jose explained the deathbed discernment of prophet Elisha. Providing a detailed explanation of 1 Kings 13:1-34, he gave the ways to discern the will of God through the word of God. Though unsearchable are God’s judgments and inscrutable are His ways (cf. Rom 11:34), we are given the Holy Spirit has given us his gift of counsel or prudence to discern God’s will for us and for others.
St. John tells us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jn 4:1). Jeremiah (ch. 23) provides us some seven hints to test a prophet. 1. Moral conduct and integrity (Jer 23:13, 14). 2. Purity of worship (Jer 23:14). 3. God has to send and appoint (Jer 23:21). 4. Check the purpose of prophecy – to be famous or to gain money! Voice of the people might not be the voice of God! (Jer 23:16-18). 5. True prophet is one who stands in the council of God (23:18, 22; Mt 28:19). 6. In what form a prophecy of discernment is given – vision, dream or God’s word (Jer 23:32). God’s word has precedence over a vision or dream. 7. You get revelation (God’s word) through a very personal and intimate relationship with Him and His word – both written in the Bible and preserved in the Church. (photos 1)
St. Paul tells us “Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn [dokimazo] what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Eph 5:8-10). The Greek word dokimazo means to test, examine, interpret, discern, discover, approve, prove, demonstrate. And in Phil 1:9-10, Paul writes, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment [aisthesis], so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” This is the insight to know what is pearl and what is swine (cf. Mt 7:1, 6) and the judgment (decision) not to throw the pearl before the swine. Furthermore, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove [anakrino] what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2).
Based on Acts of the Apostles, ch. 1, Fr. Jose provided a process of discernment. He distinguished the differences between the Gift of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the special gifts (charismata) of the Holy Spirit (Isa 11:1; 1 Cor 12-14). (photos 2)
On Sunday 26th September, Dorotha drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Koszalin to her house in Lubin Szczecin, where he stayed for a few days. (photos 3)
2021 Sept 23. SMS: On Hardness of Heart.
All the members of the SMS charismatic community had been asked to read the book, “666-the Number of Satan!” written by Fr. Jose Maniparambil and translated into Polish by Kasia Polak. After reading the book, they wanted to have a personal meeting with the author to clarify a few questions. They gathered in the Centre for Evangelization in Koszalin.
One of the major questions was based on Exo 4:21, a text which speaks of God hardening the heart of Pharaoh (cf. Rom 11). Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a detailed answer. He spoke for almost two hours on this theme. One of the things that he highlighted is the way ‘God’s Love’ works. God’s pours his love. But, if it falls on closed heart, it hardens the heart. Look, for example, the heart of Judas Iscariot. Jesus loved him. But the heart of Judas was closed. He began to become more and more hardened. This we experience in our daily life too. We love somebody. If s/he does not open the heart, our love hardens his or her heart. Can we stop loving? No. So, love is dangerous or rather adventurous. And we live in a world where many in the new generation are afraid to take this risky journey of life. (photos)
On 23rd September, Mirek, the husband of Beata drove, Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Pruszcz Gdanski to Koszalin, to the Center for Evangelization.
2021 Sept 22. Youth Meeting. Tczew
It was an incredible experience. Three batches of young students, both boys and girls, gathered in a hall in their school at Tczew, Poland to listen the talks of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. He explained very logically how creationism can be understood in the light of the theory of evolution.
Fr. Jose allowed the students to raise questions. Some of the students raised very intelligent questions and Fr. Jose answered all of them.
What is the biggest difference between animals and human beings, according to science? The human beings are the smallest animal with reason, freedom and love. No other animals these three faculties. Where did love and freedom come to human beings? Science does not know. It speaks of a ‘missing link’ between apes and men, and that it was not exactly evolution, but evolutionary leap at this stage. It is Jesus who supplied the missing link. He said, “to whom the logos of God stepped in, he called them gods” (Jn 10:34-35). The animal to which the logos of God (reason, freedom and love) stepped in, and that animal began to become human beings.
On the basis of this, Fr. Jose explained the possibility of incarnation, the necessity of incarnation, the history of incarnation and finally the resurrection as the final evolutionary leap of human beings to the final phase of life. The mind-matter being becomes spirit-love being in the resurrection (1 Cor 15). (photos)
Basia drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the school, and after the lectures, their son drove Fr. Jose back to Pruszcz Gdanski. (photos)
2021 September 21. Don’t Block Children!
“Each time I heard the lectures of Fr. Jose Maniparambil, I had a feeling that I want to hear him more. How logically he explains the truth of our faith, giving examples from science! And he does it such a simple way that even children of seven or eight years old can comprehend,” one of the teachers of the school at Rokitki said.
What is freedom? Fr. Jose Maniparambil. A girl of seven year old said, “It is our capacity to take a decision.” What a wonderful answer! From a child of seven! Indeed the child is the father of man. (photos)
Basia, one of the teachers, invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil to address the children. Fr. Jose gave two lectures for children of 7-9 years of age and two lectures for children between 10-11 years old.
During the homily, based on the vocation of Matthew the Apostle, Fr. Jose Maniparambil said: “Matthew left the customs office and followed Jesus. He left his job. He left his money. He followed Jesus.” Then Fr. Jose asked the boys to raise the hand if they desire to become a priest. Four boys dared to raise their hands. And two girls raised their hands expressing their desire to become a nun!
In the morning, a priest from Tczew picked up Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Pruszcz Gdanski and drove him to his school in Rokitki.
2021 Sept 19. Holy Mass in the Home for the Homeless, Pruszcz Gdanski
Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a homily during the Holy Mass in the Home for the Homeless and also he led the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. (photos).
2021 Sept 16. Sacrament of Confirmation, Pruszcz Gdanski
We are grafted to Jesus, the true vine, by the living water and living blood that flowed from His pierced side. This living water is the Sacrament of Baptism and the living blood is the Holy Eucharist.
After Baptism, when Jesus was praying, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the bodily form of a dove (Lk 3:21-22). This biblical text is one of the biblical foundation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Jose Maniparambil said in his homily at Pruszcz Gdanski, in which more than twenty boys and girls, preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation participated.
Why should we be grafted to Jesus? When we are born of human parents, we are born from below, from the earth, from first Adam who was a man of the flesh. Jesus is the last Adam, a man from above, a man from heaven, a man of the Spirit (1 Cor 15:45-48). We have to cut the line that ties us to first Adam, and we have to get grafted to Jesus, the man of the Spirit, in order to reach the goal that is set for us. (photos)
2021 Sept 10-12. Love, Faith and Mission. Warzenko
“So, you are going to participate in Maniparambil’s retreat. Right?” the parish priest of Pruszc Gdanski asked Beata. “Yes,” Beata replied.
“Switch off your GPS,” the parish priest said, “because he will take you to a higher orbit, where your earthly GPS will not work.”
Beata is the leader of the Charismatic community in Pruszcz Gdanski, Poland. She organized a retreat with Fr. Jose Maniparambil in the Caritas Centre at Warzenko.
Basing on Lk 10:25-37, Fr. Jose spoke about Love of God and Love of the Neighbour as the double clamp of love. They are not standing side by side, but they cannot exist without the other. (photos 1)
St. John presents three dimensions of an encounter with the Lord (Jn 20:1-8). The Beloved Disciple outran Peter, reached Jesus’ tomb first, and he bent and saw (blepo). This is a physical eyesight. Then Peter came behind him, and he into the tomb and observed (thereo). Nothing is mentioned about his faith. Then the Beloved Disciple went into the tomb, he saw (orao) and he believed. This is a spiritual insight. He is the only person among the disciples of Jesus, who believed in the resurrection of the Lord without a miraculous appearance of the risen Lord. (photos 2)
2021 September 4-5. Finger of God. Lubin
It was 18.15 on 2nd September 2021. The Matejko train stopped at Lubin station. Romek went running to pick up Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak, who were travelling from Katowice. Romek drove them to the parish house of Fr. Jarek in Polkowice.
Next day, 3rd September, after the Holy Mass in the evening at the Polkowice parish, Fr. Jarek drove them the Salesian Parish at Lubin. On Saturday 4th September, Fr. Jose gave a talk on God as a Family of Love to the different parish groups. This was followed by the Holy Mass, during which Fr. Jose gave a homily based on Mk 7:31-37. Then there was the meeting of the Neo-Catechumenate Community, the Holy Mass and also a sermon by Fr. Jose. (photos 1)
On Sunday Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered homilies during the Holy Mass at 8.00; 10.00; 12.00; 15.00 and 20.00. At 17.00 there was a conference and adoration.
The theme of meeting of these two days was Ephphatha. Why did Jesus put his finger into the deaf man’s ear? Why did Jesus spit on the finger of the hand and put it in the mouth of the dumb man? What is the finger of God? Basing his arguments on Lk 11:20 and Mt 12:28, he explained that the finger of God is the Holy Spirit. Fr. Jose also referred to the Book of Daniel, in which there is the mysterious writing on the wall by a finger – the finger and palm of God. Jesus put the Holy Spirit into the man’s ears. He put the Holy Spirit into the man’s mouth. And the man and his friends preached about Jesus bringing to him 4000 men beside women and children. Now, during the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose said, the Lord puts into our mouth not merely his finger, but Himself fully in the form of Holy Communion. Will we open new mission areas for Him? (photos 2)
2021 Aug 27-29. Family Apostolate Animators, Pelplin Cathedral
Thursday 26th August. Fr. Slawek, the diocesan director of Family Apostolate, picked Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Marlbork railway station and drove him to Pelplin Cathedral. On the way, he stopped the car to show Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak the Marlbork Castle of Teutonic Order, on the bank of Nogat River, north of Poland. It is a massive structure, the mightiest fortress in Europe, the largest structure ever built with human hands. (photos 1).
On the evening of Friday, 27th August 2021, members of the diocesan family apostolate gathered in the Pelplin Cathedral School to listen to the retreat preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. The retreat ended on Sunday by noon. These members are known as ‘Advisers of Families.’ They are 250 in total, out of which eighty are participating in this retreat. They meet would-be couples three times, between their betrothal and marriage, and give them some teaching for a blessed and fruitful married life. (photos 2)
Basing on his book, “It’s Consummated,” Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke to these Advisers on different aspects of conjugal love. His masterpiece is his way relating the matrimonial love to the erotic love of God in the Holy Eucharist: the Holy Communion is a spiritual intercourse and you need to have a lot of spiritual foreplay for your soul to be aroused, to have a quality union with the Lord. (photos 3).
On Sunday, 29th August, Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass with the auxiliary bishop of the diocese in the Cathedral. The bishop distributed certificates to those who completed a course successfully. (photos 4)
There is a ancient scriptorium in the Cathedral, where antique style of writing and copying is preserved. (photos 5)
Fr. Slawek took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the Bishop’s garden, at the entrance of which is a statue of St. John Paul II, with an inscription of his encyclical, Reason and Faith. In the garden, there is a statue of Guttenberg, with a copy of the first printed Bible. (photos 6)
Afte the Holy Mass, a woman came up with a testimony. She said, “I am the mother of a mentally retarded child. One day my child told me that he can see two guardian angels, not just one. After sometime, I got a copy of the book, 666:The Number of Satan!???, written by Jose Maniparambil. In this book, the author has written that God creates some children, who should have two guardian angels, because they are very special to Him. They are those whom we often call ‘mentally retarded children1.’ They are special children of God.” (photos 7)
Fr. Slawek said, “I am edified the way Fr. Jose combines his mystical teaching regarding the great mysteries of God with the spontaneous charismatic ways of praise and worship. This is a rare combination – mysticism with charismatism in one! Tradition and charisma in one!”
2021 Aug 22. Online Holy Mass for Madathumpady Friends
Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated an Online Holy Mass for his friends from Madathumpady parish. They attended in it from different countries like Spain, Cyprus, UAE, India and so on. (photos)
2021 August 14-16. Mission in Opatowek, Kalisz
On 14th August, during the Holy Mass at 08.00 at Opatowek Parish, Kalisz Diocese, Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a homily based on Mk 7:31-37, the Ephphatha incident. Fr. Karol administered the Sacrament of the Sick.
At 12.00 noon, the Holy Mass was offered for the married couples and betrothed and their children. Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about God’s erotic love and how the couples are invited to enter into this love physically through the Sacrament of Marriage.
At 18.00, the Vigil Mass was celebrated. Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke on the biblical basis of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary.
At 20.00, after the Holy Mass, there was a time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Prayer for Healing. Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about healing based on Mk 10:46-52, the Bartimaeus incident.
On 15th Sunday, Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered homilies during the Holy Mass at 8.00; 10.00; 12.00; 18.00. After the Holy Mass, the Parish Priest took Fr. Jose to the boundary of the parish, to welcome the returning pilgrims. They walked with the pilgrims, and entered the Church to receive the final blessing.
On 16th August, after the Holy Mass and breakfast, Fr. Karolin drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil back to Katowice. During the journey, they visited a certain Piotr and his firm (Ceramic Factory), Karol’s own home and Marta’s Dance School. (photos)
2021 Aug 9-13. Marian Pilgrimage: Opatowek-Czestochowa
On 8th August, after the Holy Mass and lunch, Jasiu drove Fr. Maniparambil from Katowice to Opatowek. (photos 1)
After supper, the parish priest took Fr. Jose to the National Shrine of St. Joseph at Kalisz city and also the Cathedral Church. On the way back, they also visited the Seminary. At the National Shrine, there was a deacon who explained the history of the shrine. A list of 1800 priests who were killed at Decaux Concentration Camp is kept there in the Shrine, out of which a few are beatified or canonized. (photos 2).
Next day, 9th Monday, after the Holy Mass at 7.00, a group of eighty people began their pilgrimage on foot to Czestochowa, almost 125 kilometres from Opatowek. As per the plan, each day they cover almost 25 kilometres. Fr. Jose did not walk with them. The Parish Priest drove Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak to the first station in a forest. The group had a soup for lunch. After that, Fr. Jose delivered a conference on Blessed Virgin Mary based on Lk 1:26-27. This day, Fr. Jose gave two more conferences and led the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. (photos 3)
On Tuesday 10th August, they resumed their Marian Pilgrimage and had a halt at the place called Bialy (White). In his three conferences and a homily during the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose Maniparambil highlighted the Cloud of the Holy Spirit, which overshadowed Mary, the Mother of God (Lk 1:35; cf. Exo 13; 24; 40). (photos 4)
On Wednesday 11th August, Fr. Jose Maniparambil walked a few kilometres with the pilgrims and in today’s conferences, the major focus on the Greek word, Chaire Kecharitomene, Graia Plena, and he explained the biblical ground for Immaculate Conception of Mary. One of the girls, who was also a member of the traffic control, put on herself the make up of an old folk-woman and gave a traditional welcome to Fr. Jose to the group of pilgrims (photos 5).
Marian Pilgrimage to Czestochowa entered the fourth day on Thursday 12th August. Fr. Jose Maniparambil walked a few kilometres with the pilgrims. In all the three conferences, Fr. Jose Maniparambil had been explaining the historical context and the theological meaning of the Emmanuel Prophecy (Mt 1:23; Isa 7:1-15). (photos 6)
On Friday 13th August, Marian Pilgrimage reached the destination, Black Madonna’s Shrine Czestochowa. Earlier this day, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a sermon on Mary at Cana and at Calvary and her pilgrimage of faith from a woman of faith to the woman of perfect faith. At 10.00 Fr. Jose con-celebrated the Holy Mass, which was presided over by the bishop. (photos 7 )
Marta, one of the organizers took Fr. Jose to the Church in Czestochowa and there they waited for the pilgrims to come and then joined them in the final leg of the pilgrimage. At 17.00 they entered the Shrine. The head of the traffic control team, a woman who got married this year, wore her wedding garments and entered the Shrine with her husband. This is the custom followed in Poland. Then at around 19.00 Fr. Karol drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil back to Opatowek. (photos 8 )
On entering the Shrine, Fr. Jose Maniparambil told Mother Mary: “If you will that one day I preach in this place of your choice, I would speak like this: Black Madonna in Czestochowa is not merely a religious place. It is very much connected to Polish history, politics, society and culture. It is very much related to every Polish citizen, whether a believer or not. Therefore, anyone who is against Czestochowa is not an enemy of the Church, but an enemy of Poland. We should think seriously whether we have to vote such people to power!”
2021 3-7. Prosto do Biblii Recording
Twelve episodes for the YouTube Channel Prosto do Biblii were recorded in the studio of Jasiu.
2021 July 30-Aug 1. Bethlehem Retreat, Zawo
Sabina and her daughter Monika drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Katowice to Zawo near Zywiec, Poland. (photos 1).
In the retreat center, run by Carmelite priests, Fr. Jose preached a retreat for the Bethlehem Community of Tychy, which takes care of the homeless people. (photos 2)
After the retreat on 1st August evening, Sabina drove Fr. Jose to Slemien, where another Charismatic Community had gathered. Fr. Jose spoke about God’s way of working based on Jn 11 – the relationship between Jesus and Lazarus family. Then he lay the hands on the people gathered. After visiting the family of Marcin-Renata, Sabina drove Fr. Jose back to Katowice. (photos 3)
2021 July 25-27. Bread of Life: Zukowo, Gdansk
In the Church of the Assumption of Mary, Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered homilies during the Holy Mass at 7.00; 8.30; 10.00; 11.30; 18.00 and 20.00. All homilies were based on the theme ‘Bread of Life.’ Fr. Jose spoke about the different dimensions of the dense term, ‘Bread of Life.’ Fr. Krystof, the Parish Priest, gave a warm welcome to Fr. Jose. (photos)
On July 26, 27 and 28th Fr. Jose delivered homilies during the Holy Mass at evening. On 29th Thursday, Viola from Slupsk went to Zukowo, Gdansk and drove Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak to Katowice.
2021 July 19-24. The Apocalypse: Orlenko Retreat
Mirek and Viola drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Ustka to Zukowo, Gdansk on 17th July. To the Bethlehem Charismatic Community, which gathered in Orlenko Retreat Center, Fr. Jose preached a retreat on the Book of Apocalypse from July 19-24.
Apocalypse, literally means ‘to take away the cover.’ Fr. Jose made a couple (Maciek-Ewa) to act out the lifting up of the face-veil as in a wedding ceremony. When the man did take away the face-veil, and when the audience saw the woman, Fr. Jose said, “This is the typical meaning of Apocalypse. In the Book of Apocalypse, when the veil is taken away, we the see the bride of the Lamb” (Rev 19). The Book of Apocalypse is not mainly about fantastic visions of judgment and punishment, but a preparation for the wedding between the bride and her groom, the Church and her Lord, Jesus Christ.
Secondly, God takes away the veil that covers the heavenly mysteries. At the time of Jesus’ Baptism, the heavens were torn apart. At the time of His death, the temple veil was split into two from top to bottom. What is this temple veil and heaven? Heb 10:20 says that it is the flesh of Jesus. When Jesus was lifted on the Cross, in His movement of Anabainon (cf. Mk 1:10), His side was pierced, the temple veil of heaven (Jesus’ flesh) was torn into two (Heb 10:20), and from there the heavenly mystery of the Holy Spirit ‘descended’ (katabainon) in water and blood (Jn 19:34; cf. Mk 1:10). We get bathed in this mystery of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.
Fr. Jose proposed a structure for the entire Apocalypse, which combined into one the apocalyptic and liturgical material, and elaborated the details of each segment.
And then he explained the meaning of 666 the number of the beast (Rev 13:17-18), and the ark of the covenant (Rev 11:19) and the woman clothed with the sun (Rev 12:1), and the role of saints, the seventh seal (Rev 8:1-4) and martyrs in heaven, the fifth seal (Rev 6). (photos)
2021 July 12-16. God Goes to the East! Ustka Retreat
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isa 40:3). Why does the Lord come to Jerusalem from Babylon? When did He go there? The answer is given in Ezek 8-11. When the Lord saw His people worshipping ‘the statue of jealousy,’ the naked statue of pagan god Asherah, in the Temple of Jerusalem (Ezek 8:1-6), He decided to leave His Temple. Step by step the Lord left His Temple (Ezek 9:3; 10:3). Then finally He left in the direction of the East, to the mountain of Olives, and then to Babylon (Ezek 11:23). Why? The Lord punished His people for their idolatry with an exile to Babylon. Then the Lord also went with His people in exile! He cannot abandon His people! Then He returns to Jerusalem leading His people through the desert. The leader of the Second Exodus is the Lord Himself. (photos)
2021 July 11. Prophet Stands in the Council of God, Ustka Homilies
Economic prosperity during the reign of Jeroboam II (780-746 B. C.) in the northern kingdom of Israel brought with it exploitation, corruption and injustice. God called Amos of Judah to preach against injustice in Israel. Amos went to Bethel in Israel and preached against the king and the priests. Amaziah, the chief priest of Bethel, told Amos to go away and preach in Judah if intends to earn a livelihood. Amos replied and said, “I am not a professional prophet, nor belong to a guild prophets. I myself am a rich man. I don’t need your money. Then why am I here? It is because God appointed me. As Jer 23:28 testifies, I stood in the council of God.” A real prophet is one who stands in the council of God, that is, the bosom of the Holy Trinity, so that he hears the dialogue between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained in his homilies during the Holy Mass at 7.30, 9.30, 11.00, 12.30, 17.00 and 19.30 in Ustka Parish Church. (photos)
2021 July 7. Blessing of Sabina’s Bakery, Katowice Poland
God created the world in six days and on the seventh day he rested from his work (Gen 2:1-3). This is given as an example for all human beings in order that they continue God’s work of creation for six days in a week and on the seventh day they spent time with Him. In this way, our time is sanctified. Indeed, God created man to till the ground and protect it as holy (Gen 2). After the fall, God said to the man: You shall earn your livelihood with the sweat of your forehead. When God became man and pitched his tent on earth, he worked as a carpenter or an architect to earn a living (Mk 6:1-3). He did not turn the stones to bread and eat. Work is the rhythm of creation. Those who refuse to work have no right for food, St. Paul said. This message was given by Fr. Jose Maniparambil when he blessed Sabina’s bakery on 7th July, 2021. (photos)
2021 June 25-27. The Song of Love. Bialystok, Poland
On June 14 Rev. Fr. Zbishek drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Olsztynek to Bialystok, Poland to preach a retreat on the Song of Songs for the members of the Kairos Charismatic Community. The retreat started on June 25 evening and ended by noon on 27th June, 2021. Fr. Jose presented the Song of Songs, the Holiest book in the Bible, as a Ballet (A Music Drama) both as a Royal Hypothesis and Shepherd Hypothesis. According to the Royal Hypothesis, Solomon is the bridegroom and Shulamite is the bride. Solomon had many wives and concubines. But when he met the Shulamite he really knew the worth of a woman of character, a woman of substance. Eventually he embraced monogamy. According the Shepherd Hypothesis, a shepherd boy and Shulamite were in love. But Solomon tried to seduce the Shulamite with his power, money and glory, but in vain. Shulamite preferred sincere love to money and power. (photos)
From this initial literary point Fr. Jose took the retreatants to the Sacrament of Marriage, which is a participation in erotic love of God. What is the sacrament? It is the paschal mystery. What is paschal mystery? It is death and resurrection of the Lord. Marriage is a daily participation in the death and resurrection of the Lord. The wife dies to herself and rises in her husband; the husband dies to himself and rises in his wife – on a day-to-day basis!
During the workshop, the community, divided into five groups and discussed the joy of marriage, problems in marriage and the possible solutions to make matrimonial relationship better. (photos).
2021 June 17. Wrath of God in the Love of God: Fujairah, UAE
The Fujairah Charismatic Community, UAE invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil to give an online talk on the theme: Wrath of God in the Love of God. The meeting started with praise and worship. Then Brother Shibu welcomed Fr. Jose to this community. Fr. Jose began with a few questions: Do you discipline your children? Do you scold them? Sometimes, beat them? The participants affirmatively. Do you get angry with your husband or wife? Yes, they said. Why do you do so? Don’t you love them? Yes. You love each other. It’s because you love them sincerely, you scold them or fire at them. Now you understand how God gets angry. How His wrath is included in His love because His love is honest and genuine.
Then Fr. Jose gave a stunning example of God’s paradoxical love based on Ezek 8-11. God’s glory leaves the Temple step by step and it leaves Jerusalem and finally goes to Babylon. Why? God’s people were attracted to pagan gods and pagan modes of worship. If God did not punish His people for their sins, it would mean that God supports evil! And that He is disinterested! God has to restore justice by punishing the guilty. Therefore, God punished His children with an exile to Babylon. Then God also decided to go with them! He cannot abandon His children. Where His people are, there He wants to be. God becomes a resident alien in a foreign land! He will return to the Holy Land when the exiles return!
2021 May 25. Seventh Day Requiem Holy Mass
Today was Seventh Day of the demise of Mariyam Antony, the beloved mother of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. At 3 p.m. Indian time, Fr. Francis Maniparambil, the brother of Fr. Jose, celebrated the Holy Mass in Etawa, Mandhya Pradesh, which was aired online live. Carmelite Nuns from Chennai assisted with songs and prayers.
Fr. Jose, participating in the Holy Mass from Poland, delivered a homily on the theme: What happens when we die? Some of our Hindu friends believe in re-incarnation. What does it imply? When we die, we are incarnated as pig or dog or fox! Inferior beings! In Malayalam they say, naran nariyayi punarjanikkum! Man will be re-incarnated as jackal! And if we are re-incarnated as some animals, we will be served as food in some restaurant! Right? This is one of the worst explanations of life after death. Some of Muslim brethren believe in physical heaven or material heaven. Anything physical or material will have an end, will perish. Right? Therefore, if heaven is material, then it is not eternal.
What is our faith? The moment we die, there is a judgment. And judgment means ‘either or.’ Either the reward of heaven or the condemnation to hell. To go to hell, one has to commit a grave sin with full knowledge and consent and persist in that sin until the end. If the soul gets the reward of heaven, it goes to heaven, and wait there to get the risen body, which will be granted on the last day (Jn 6:39). We believe in the resurrection of the body, not a material body but a transformed body (1 Cor 15). Even if the soul gets the reward of heaven, it cannot see God face to face if it lacks any perfection. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God.’ If the soul lacks perfection, God gives it a grace period of purification, which is called purgatory. They are purified by our participation in the Holy Eucharist and living the Holy Eucharist. The Lord comes to us and becomes one with us even if we are sinners. In the same, if we go to others even if they are unworthy, become one with them in their needs, we live the Holy Eucharist.
2021 May 19. Demise of the Beloved Mother of Fr. Jose
Fr. Jose Maniparambil, staying at this time in Olsztynek, Poland, got up in the morning to hear the sad news of the demise of his beloved mother. She went back to her heavenly home today at 11.10 a. m (Indian time). She was 94. Many of us have met her and enjoyed not only her hospitality but also deep love for and faith in God.
Fr. Jose had made a video call to her the previous day and she was happy and healthy. In fact, last two weeks he was in constant contact with her, not knowing that the Lord will call her today.
The funeral was at 3.30 p. m (Indian time), presided over by Bishop Pauly Mar Kanookadan and some other priests. Fr. Jose attended online from Poland (due to Covid-19 Pandemic protocol) and many friends from Poland, UAE, Austria and so on participated online.
A Bible Class had been scheduled for evening this day. Fr. Jose did not cancel it. He hid his tears, but the pain of his heart was seen on his face, yet he conducted the session. He also cooked Indian food for the participants. It was a great tribute to his mom, who enjoyed serving others with generosity and love (photos).
2021 April 18. Second Dose of Vaccination (Covid-19)
On 16th April Jasiu drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Katowice to Olsztynek, almost seven hours by car. A painting of Fr. Jose was given to Alicja. On 18th, Alicja took Fr. Jose to the doctor in Nidziece who gave him the second doze of Moderna, the Covid-19 vaccination.
2021 April 14. Prosto do Biblii 1000 Subscribers!
English-Polish YouTube channel of Fr. Jose Maniparambil Prosto do Biblii crossed 1000 subscribers’ mark today – within a year.
2021 April 4. Easter Celebration: House Church!
Easter! But the churches remained closed due to Coronavirus global pandemic. However believers find some ways of meeting their Lord. Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass in the House of Kasia’s mother. It happened to be the 60th birthday of Kasia. Her children and siblings had gathered there. (photos)
2021 March 31. Online Bible Class on Mark, Nidziece
The regular two-hour Online Bible Class for Nidziece charismatic community was aired live.
2021 March 25. Is Virgin Conception Unscientific?
Did the first man according to science, according to the theory of evolution, have a human father? No. If, according to science, the first man could be born without a human father, why not the last man (1 Cor 15:45-48), Jesus, according to the Bible, be born without a human father? Is there anything unscientific in virginal conception? This important question was raised by Fr. Jose Maniparambil on the Solemnity of the Annunciation in his homilies during the Holy Mass at 7.00, 9.00, 12.00 and 18.00 in Polkowice Parish, Poland. (photos)
At 17.00 the teachers in the Polkowice school gathered to listen to Fr. Jose Maniparambil, who addressed two major problems faced by teachers. The first is the tension between creationism and big bang theory and the other is theory of evolution and the creation of man. Fr. Jose explained very logically the scientific possibility and necessity of incarnation.
2021 March 25. It’s Consummated! Book Release
The Polish translation of the book ‘It’s Consummated,’ written by Fr. Jose Maniparambil, a thoroughly revised edition of ‘Four Streams of Love,’ was released in a private ceremony by Fr. Jarek by giving away a copy to Romek and Teresa. (photos)
2021 March 21-24. St. Joseph Helps God! Polkowice Parish Retreat
Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered homilies during the Holy Mass at 18.00 on 20.03.2021 and on 21.03.2021 at 7.00, 9.00, 10.45, 12.00 (St. Barbara Church), 12.00 (St. Michael Church), and at 18.00, Polkowice, Poland. On 21st, at 19.30 Fr. Jose spoke to men alone on the crucial question of “Brothers and Sisters of Jesus.”
From 21st Sunday till 24th Wednesday, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a retreat on St. Joseph in Polkowice Parish. The sessions were in the morning and evening. There were special sessions for men, women, teachers and students separately. Why did God send his archangel to dissuade Joseph from his decision to divorce Mary? Not any anonymous angel! But an archangel! So it is a serious matter. This was the focal point of the retreat. Why did God chose Joseph to be the foster father of Jesus? God had promised David that He will build a bayit for him, which will last forever (2 Sam 7:8-19). The Hebrew word bayit can mean ‘a house,’ ‘a palace,’ ‘a temple,’ or ‘a dynasty.’ This house, palace, temple and dynasty is a person, Jesus of Nazareth, who is God the Son. Joseph, who is in the line of Davidic dynasty has to adopt God’s Son so that the promise to David is realized. Joseph helps God to be faithful in His promise! What a great vocation! Today it is our turn (photos).
2021 March 20. Pneumosphere! Class for Teachers in Salesian School
On March 19th evening, after the retreat at Lodz, Romek drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Polkowice. Fr. Jose gave one of his paintings to Fr. Jarek, the Parish Priest, as a present.
On 20th Saturday Fr. Jarek drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the Salesian School, where the latter gave a talk to the school teachers. Fr. Jose focused his teaching on the transition from Geosphere (Milieu of Earth) to Biosphere (Sphere of Life) to Noosphere (Sphere of Mind), and then finally to the Pneumosphere (the sphere of love and spirit). This last sphere is the divine milieu of eternal life. (photos)
2021 March 17-19. The Just Man: Carmelite Cloister Convent, Ludz
Fr. Lukasz drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Bialystok to Ludz. There in the Carmelite Cloistered Convent, Jose preached a three-day evening retreat on St. Joseph. (photos).
2021 March 16. First Doze of Moderna Vaccination
Ewa drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Bialystok to Olsztynek, where Dr. Andrej was waiting at the restaurant of Alicja with Moderna vaccination. Fr. Jose received the first doze of vaccination and then returned to Bialystok.
2021 March 15. Painting of Mine to Elzbieta, Bialystok
Fr. Jose gave one of his paintings to Elzbieta, who is a great soul with genuine love for the poor. (photos)
2021 March 12-15. Retreat on St. Joseph for Kairos, Bialystok
On 10th March, Jasiu drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Bialystok to preach a retreat on St. Joseph. This retreat is only for the members of Kairos charismatic community. There were eighty of them. The retreat started on 12th evening and ended on Sunday by noon.
The Bible testifies that Joseph was a just man. What is the definition of a just man? We have three texts that deal with the just man. First of all, the Psalmist defines the just man as “the blessed man, who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night. He is like a tree planted by the rivers of water [of the Word of God], that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither…the Lord knows the way of the just (Ps 1). Secondly, Jeremiah defines the just man as a man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. He is like a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out its roots by the river [of the Word of God] and shall not see when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green…(Jer 17:8). Finally, in the context of the annunciation of John’s birth, Luke defines a just man as ‘walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless’ (Lk 1:6). From this we draw the following conclusions: 1. Joseph was a blessed man. 2. His delight was in the lase of the Lord. 3. He meditated on it day and night. 4. He walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 5. He was planted by the rivers of living water, that is, both the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. 6. He knew the love that surpasses the law, which Jesus taught later (Mt 5:20). 7. He brought forth fruits of the Holy Spirit in all seasons. He was ever green. He is ever green, even now! (photos)
2021 March 1. Meeting with Archbishop Edward, Koszalin
In the morning, there was an evaluation of the retreat on St. Joseph. One of them commented: “Three days we were in heaven. Now, at the end of the retreat, we are afraid whether we will make crash landing!” Another said, “We thank the Lord who made an ekballo (vehement throw) of Fr. Jose from India to Poland!”
Then Fr. Rafal took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the Archbishop’s House to meet Archbishop Edward. Fr. Jose illustrated his experience of meeting St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In 1991 Sr. Rita, first cousin of Fr. Jose Maniparambil introduced him and his fried priest and said to Mother Teresa, “These are two good priests from Kerala.” Mother Teresa said, “We do not want good priests, but we want holy priests.” Bishop Edward said to Fr. Jose, “I am just going to preach a retreat to seminarians. These words of Mother Teresa are really an eye-opener.”
Fr. Rafal attested that Archbishop, who has a scientific temper, often quotes from Fr. Jose’s book, “It’s Consummated.” (photos)
2021 February 26-28. Koszalin Retreat on St. Joseph
The aspirants for the online retreat were asked to read the apostolic letter of Pope Francis declaring it as the Year of St. Joseph and fill in the questions to register their name. And 300 persons registered. Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached this three-day online retreat on St. Joseph. He began with question? Is Jesus Son of David? Many answered in the affirmative. Then he quoted a text from the Gospel of Matthew (22:41-45): “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?” Jesus himself denies that He is the son of David. But, Matthew calls him ‘the Son of David’ (Mt 1:1). Is there a contradiction? No. Ontologically Jesus is God the Son (Jn 1:18). But if Joseph, who is in the dynastic line of David (Mt 1:20), adopts Jesus as his son, then He shall become legally David’s son. Only in this way that God can be faithful in His promise that he will build an eternal bayit (royal dynasty) for David (2 Sam 7:8-19). This is why God sent His angel Gabriel to Joseph asking him to welcome Mary as his wife and adopt her son as his son. And Joseph consented. It is through Joseph that Jesus the Son of God become ‘Son of David.’
A comment of Fr. Rafal about the retreat would make the point: “As a priest I am not supposed to be surprised at what Fr. Jose preached on St. Joseph. But to be frank, I was surprised on every point because all were new for me.”
Earlier, on 25th February, Jasiu drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Koszalin and the latter stayed in the presbytery of the Cathedral. Fr. Jose gave one of his paintings to the Academy of Rafal and Magdas. Fr. Jose had a meeting with the Cathedral Parish Priest. (photos)
2021 January 21. Online Bible on Mark, Nidziece
The regular two-hour Only Bible Class on the Gospel of Mark for the Nidziece charismatic community went online live.
2021 January 6-7. Role of Laity in the Church, Warsaw Retreat
An online retreat for the charismatic community of Warsaw was organized by Aneta. The theme of the retreat was: The Role of Laity in the Church. It was preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil, who said that there are two main channels of the God’s grace: First, there is the channel of supernatural grace which we receive through the Sacraments in the Church. Supernatural grace means ‘participation in divine life.’ This channel is operative only through the ministerial priesthood. Second, the channel of charismata, special gifts, such as healing, miracles, visions, gift of tongue and so on. In all other Christian denominations, there is only one channel, the channel of charismata. But in the Catholic Church, we have both channels: supernatural grace and the charismata.
Regarding ministerial priesthood, Fr. Jose gave a text from the Acts of the Apostles (20:17, 28). “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the presbyteroi of the church…Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you episkopoi, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Two things stand out. 1. The Holy Spirit has appointed some presbyteroi as episkopoi over the flock, to shepherd them. The word presbyteroi is often translated ‘elders,’ but literally it means ‘priests.’ And the word episkopoi is often translated as ‘overseers,’ but it really means ‘bishops.’ 2. In one biblical text, the priesthood of bishop and priest is identified as one. The Church teaches that there is only one priest namely Jesus Christ, all others whom we call ‘priests,’ are only ‘ministers.’ This is why we use the term ‘ministerial priesthood.’
2020 December 17. Online Bible on Mark, Nidziece
The regular two-hour Only Bible Class on the Gospel of Mark for the Nidziece charismatic community went online live.
2020 December 8-10. Becoming a Torch! Pabienice Online Retreat
“Elijah arose, a prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch” (Sir 48:1), this is how Sirach testifies to the ministry of Elijah the Prophet. Elijah burned like a torch, in whose light the people of Israel found the way back to Yahweh, the one true God. Like Moses, Elijah was also a mediator between God and His people. There are two texts in the Book of Apocalypse that deal with the importance of mediation of martyrs and saints. They are Rev 6:9-11 and 8:1-5. The saints in heaven put their prayers in the censer held by the angel. When the smoke rises, the prayers of the saints rise to the altar in heaven. This happens everyday. And half an hour silence is announced in order to hear the prayers of the saints. Then why do some Christian denominations deny the mediation of saints? This is the gist of a three-day online charismatic retreat was preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil for the community at Pabienice.
Elijah’s meeting with the Lord on Mount Horeb (Sinai) was beginning of a New Era of Prophecy. This new dimension is visible in the incident of Elisha healing Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5).
2020 November 27-28. Prosto do Biblii Recording
Different episodes for the YouTube channel Prosto do Biblii were recorded in these days. The recording was resumed again on December 6 onward.
2020 November 26. Online Class on Mark, Nidziece
The regular two-hours Thursday Bible Class on the Gospel of Mark for the Nidziece charismatic community went online live.
2020 November 20-22. Holy Soil: Relic of Healing! Rzesow Retreat
“But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, ‘I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?’ He turned and went away in a rage” (2 Kings 5:11-12). Naaman thought Elisha would come out of his tent, raise his head toward heaven, wave his hands in the air, and in a majestic way bring down his hands to Naaman and pronounce the word of healing in a loud voice. Many of us think God works miracles in a spectacular way. But Elisha refused to come out, but sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean” (2 Kings 5:10). Naaman was supposed to do a small thing, but he has to do it out of faith. He had to believe in the power of prophetic word. And when he did, he was not only healed of his sickness but could have a meeting with Yahweh, the one true God. As a relic of his meeting with God, he carried some holy soil back to his homeland.
Based on the life of Elisha, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a three-day online retreat for a charismatic community at Rzesow. 1400 persons attended this retreat online.
2020 November 6-12. Online Bible Class for IIS Bangalore, India
Those who pursue Masters’ Degree and Doctorate in Christian Spirituality at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute stay at Indian Institute of Spirituality, Bangalore. Since 2000, Fr. Jose Maniparambil is a visiting professor there, teaching the Gospel of John and the Letters of Paul. This year due to Covid-19 global pandemic, the classes on St. Paul were given online by Fr. Jose. Between November 6 and 12, thirty lectures were given on the topic.
2020 October 17. Wedding of Marcin and Monika
Let there be priests, bishops and even pope from your family! Fr. Jose Maniparambil told Marcin and Monika, delivering a homily during the Holy Mass, celebrated in the context of their Sacrament of Marriage at Katowice, Poland. (photos)
2020 October 13. Online Bible Class on Mark, Nidziece
The regular Two-Hour Thursday Bible Class on the Gospel of Mark for the charismatic community in Nidziece went online live telecast.
2020 October 9-11. Retreat on the Holy Eucharist, Wloszchowa
A certain Piotr drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Katowice to Wloszchowa to preach a retreat on the Holy Eucharist for three days. The church there was built in 1642. In the context of Covid-19 pandemic, Fr. Jose stayed in a hotel to avoid contact with many people who visit the church.
Elijah himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the LORD came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God” (1 Kgs 19:1-8).
Look at this mysterious biblical text. Elijah stays under a tree! He falls asleep! And angel touched him. Then the angel told, ‘get up and eat.’ When he got up, he found miraculous bread. The journey is too long. He went the mount of God. All these symbolise the death (sleep) and resurrection (getting up), and the journey to God for which he needs ‘mysterious bread of the angels,’ which signifies the Holy Eucharist.
This is how Fr. Jose Maniparambil began the retreat on the Holy Eucharist. This actually is the first session of a two-sessions retreat on the same theme. ‘The glimpses of the Holy Eucharist in the Old Testament,’ was the focus of this session.
Based on Mt 22:1-14, ‘the Wedding Garment,’ Fr. Jose preached homilies during the Sunday Holy Mass at 7.30, 9.00, 10.30, 12.00, 15.00 and 18.00. God is not only love; he is a lover. He longs to be one with His beloved. (photos)
2020 October 3. Online Classes on Discipleship
A few classes were recorded for an online course of twelve sessions for Magdalena Dei, the charismatic community of Marcin-Renata. The theme: Discipleship. The first two sessions are dedicated for general notion of discipleship in the Old and New Testaments.
2020 September 26-28. A Reverse Journey! Pabienice Retreat
On 25th September Friday, Jansz and Kasia drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Pabienice. The retreat began in the evening of the same day and ended on 27th Sunday by 5 p.m.
Fr. Jose proposed a different way of reading and reciting the Lord’s Prayer. Instead of starting from the top, begin from the bottom: 1. Deliver us from the Evil One (Baptism). 2. Lead us not into eschatological ordeal (Confirmation). 3. Forgive us our trespasses (Confession). 4. Give us today our daily bread (Holy Eucharist). 5. Let it be so on earth as it is in heaven (Marriage). 6. Thy Kingdom come (Ordination). 7. Hallowed be Thy Name (Anointing of the sick). Our Father in heaven (Death – Heavenly Bliss). It also represents our Exodus from Egyptian captivity of sin to the wedding banquet of the Lamb in the Apocalypse!
2020 September 21. Wedding Anniversary Homily, Poznan
Janusz and his wife Kasia drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Warszenko to Poznan. In the evening, Fr. Jose delivered a homily during the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Radek at Charles Borromeo Parish. It was in the context of the 20th anniversary of wedding of Lukasz and his wife Chrysza. Fr. Jose presented the erotic love of God in a dramatic manner. (photos)
2020 September 18-20. God’s Two Hands! Warszenko Retreat
By evening on 18th September Marek and Beata drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Warszenko Retreat Center, near Gdasnk, Poland. Fr. Darek celebrated the Holy Mass and Jose delivered the homily. Then Fr. Jose began the retreat on “God’s Two Hands: The Word and the Spirit.” The retreat ended on 20th Sunday by noon. The major focus was on equipping the community members for countering the charges of the non-Catholic denominations and bringing them back to the Catholic Church, within a span of next ten years.
Workshop – 1. The most urgent issues that the Church should address in the next ten years. Find out 10, and pick up the most crucial one.
A woman’s testimony: On last Thursday, Fr. Jose told us to see people, not their sins and evils. This made me reconcile with my son. I began to see his beauty, his goodness, and gave him a hug. That was enough for forgiveness.
There was also a workshop. Each group was given some particular passages from the books, ‘Four Streams of Love,’ and ‘666-the Number of Satan?!!!’ They are to read and prepare some questions to ask the non-Catholic brethren. (photos).
On 20th evening, Adam and Mariza (of the Covenant Charismatic Community) took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to their home parish and introduced him to their parish priest.
2020 September 17. Evening Prayer Session Pruszcz Gdanski
In the evening on 17th September 2020, there was the Holy Mass, Homily, Adoration and Bible Conference for members of different charismatic communities at Pruszcz Gdanski, Poland. The homily was delivered by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. (photos)
2020 September 14. Glory of the Cross, Pruszcz Gdanski
On September 13th Sunday evening, Fr. Andrej drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Nidziece to Pruszcz Gdanski, to the house of Marek and Beata. On 14th, Fr. Jose delivered homilies during the Holy Mass at 11 and 18 hours. There were about 25 priests for the Holy Mass. The church there was built in the 14th century.
The Cross is the rupture of Love – a favourite theme of Fr. Jose. Two loves stretch Jesus apart: Love for His Father and love for humanity. And the result is that there is a rupture in Jesus’ body, from where flows Living Water (Baptism) and Holy Blood (Holy Eucharist).
The Church is born in water and blood, in Baptism and Holy Eucharist. In the Sacrament of Baptism, each individual is born from Above (the Holy Spirit) in the living water from the pierced side of Jesus, and in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, they become one with the Lord by receiving his blood. (photos)
2020 September 10-13. It’s Consummated! Nidziece Retreat
On September 7th Leszek and his wife Bozena drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Olsztynek, where he stayed in the parish house. The Parish Priest is the cousin of Iwona, who had earlier interviewed Fr. Jose at Gdansk.
On September 10 Thursday, Alicja drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Olsztynek to Nidziece, where the latter celebrated the Holy Mass. After the Holy Mass, there was a talk by Fr. Jose to the charismatic community there. (photos)
On 11th, it was day of ‘Joy!’ Yes, ‘JOY’ was the topic for the youth session in Nidziece Church. Their animator is Fr. Karolin, the assistant priest. He is a poet, who published a few poems. Fr. Andrej, the Parish Priest, gave a copy of the books of Fr. Jose to all young girls and boys, who participated in the meeting. (photos)
On September 12 Saturday, there was one-day retreat for parents. Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about his vocation and the role of parents in the vocation to priesthood. Many parents were moved and were in tears hearing the childhood stories of Fr. Jose.
On September 13 Sunday, Fr. Jose delivered homilies during the Holy Mass at 7.00, 9.00, 10.15, 11.30 and 17.00. The topic was: “What is the meaning of forgiving seventy times seven” (Mt 18:21)?
After lunch in the house of Anetta, the leader of the charismatic group, there was a recording for the next month’s online Bible Class on the Gospel of Mark.
2020 September 4. Monthly Recollection for Priests, Gdansk
Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a Monthly Recollection for priests in the monastery, Gdansk. There were two sessions, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with a short break in the middle.
What is a Priest’s Role? To bring the Lord, whose time has not yet come, to our time in the Holy Mass. This is what Mary did at Cana. Every priest today carries the same mission of Blessed Virgin Mary.
There are thirteen priests, Missionaries Oblates, in St. Joseph’s Church, Gdansk, Poland. Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached Monthly Recollection for them. During his sermon, Fr. Jose reminded the priests: “We eunuchs are not dry tree (cf. Isa 56:3b-5). Our vocation is to be Mary of Cana today. Mary told Jesus that they had no wine, they had no the best gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that his time had not yet come. But Mary insisted, and Jesus, whose had not yet come, did provide them the best wine, the best gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did what Mary told. Now, we stand in the place of Mary. We, in this Holy Eucharist, ask Jesus to give us the best wine, the best gift of the Holy Spirit. Like Jesus listened to Mary, He obeys us and give us the Spirit, even if his time, the time of the Parousia has not yet come. Our vocation is to be Mary today!”
At the end of the session, Fr. Marcin said, “there is a Polish idiom, ‘pigs were thunderstruck.’ This means that they were all dumbfounded’ by your speech.” (photos)
2020 September 1-6. Jesus Gives us New Wine! Gdansk Retreat
There was a woman by name Ula. She had asked the prayers of Fr. Jose Maniparambil for the healing of her sister’s husband, who had a tumor weighing 11 kilograms. He was healed and discharged from the hospital. Ula along with her friend Ola drove Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak (on 31st August) to Gdansk, Poland, to the Monastery of Fr. Marcin.
Ula and Ola drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak from Walcz to Gdansk St. Joseph’s Church on 31 August Monday. This Ula has a testimony to make. A few weeks ago, she asked Fr. Jose Maniparambil to celebrate Holy Mass in the intention of her sister, who was suffering from Cancer. There was a surgery for her sister, and doctors removed a 11-kilogram tumour from her body, and she is cured of cancer. Her husband also recovered from death-bed, after receiving the anointing for the sick. Praise be to God.
On Sep 1 Tuesday, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a workshop to 70 persons who gathered in St. Joseph’s Church. They were divided into groups of five or six, and had to find out answers for three questions: 1. What should the Catholic Church do in the next ten years? 2. What should this community do to achieve that goal? 3. What should I do to achieve this goal. After the group discussion, leaders of each group presented their findings. Finally, summing up everything, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave them a very concrete mission: Within next ten years we have to bring all our people back to the church. What will you do for it?
On September 1st Tuesday, Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered a homily during the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Marcin. After the Holy Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the community was divided into eleven groups. All groups were to discuss three questions: 1. What should the Catholic Church do on a war-footing in the next 10 years? 2. What should your charismatic community should do urgently in the next 10 years? 3. What will you do to achieve these goals?
After the consolidation of the reports, Fr. Jose asked them all to implement a program of bring back within ten years all people who left the Church. (photos)
On 2nd September, they took Fr. Jose to the Gdansk post-office where the Germans started the Second World War on 1st September 1939. (photos)
On 3rd September Fr. Jose started the retreat. It was on Mary, the Mother of God. Fr. Jose focused his preaching on Lk 1:26-38.
On 4th evening, he preached basing on Lk 5:33-39. Jesus is the New Man who gives us the New Wine. Are we the new wineskin to contain the New Wine of the Holy Eucharist? We are made new wineskins in the Sacrament of Baptism!
On September 5th, the retreat resumed at 2 p.m., and went up to 10 p. m. after the Holy Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Healing Prayers and Laying of Hands followed.
On September 6th Sunday, Fr. Jose preached homilies during the Holy Mass at 7.00, 8.30, 10.00, 11.30, 13.00 and 18.00. After the evening Holy Mass, there was a ceremony of dedicating all as ‘Servants of Mary,’ who is the Ark of the Covenant seen in the vision of Rev 11:19-12:2.
Based on the gospel reading, Lk 5:33-39, Fr. Jose Maniparambil revealed a mystery of Jesus and Mary. The new wine needs new wineskin. Jesus, the true vine (Jn 15:1), the true man, the man of the Spirit (1 Cor 15:45-48) cannot be contained in the old humanity of sin. He needs a new wineskin, a woman of Immaculate Conception,’ and that is Mary.
2020 August 31. Big News! 42% Around the World This Year!
It was a big news! Even in this year of world lockdown and quarantine due to Covid-19 Pandemic, Fr. Jose Maniparambil travelled 16,712 kilometers so far in 2020! An awesome 42% around the world this year! In this month alone Fr. Jose visited 19 new places including 11 cities, traveled 1,609 kilometers. Unfortunately, he walked only 1 kilometer in this month!
After Google map began to watch Fr. Jose’s travel, it is calculated that Fr. Jose preached retreats in 483 places, 207 cities in seven countries! Chwala Panu!
2020 August 29-30. Way of Life, Retreat at Walcz, Poland
On 28th August Marlena and Gosia drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Walcz, 20 kilometers from Pila to a Capuchin Monastery, surrounded by lakes. There Fr. Jose preached in St. Antony’s Church, looked after by Capuchin priests, a one-day retreat for the Charismatic Community by name “Way of Life.” The theme of the retreat was: “Do Not Be Afraid.”
Angel Gabriel told Mary, “Do Not Be Afraid” (Lk 1:30). Afraid not to enter into God’s mystery; Afraid not to enter into God’s plan; Afraid not to enter into God’s mission.
Fr. Jose proposed a plan for this charismatic community: Within ten years, we have to bring our people back to the Church. We have to answer their questions. We have to address their problems. Afraid not!
In the evening, there was a healing ministry in which more than 200 people participated. Parish Priest and Fr. Jose lay their hands above the participants and prayed for them.
A surprise was waiting for Fr. Jose. A few members of a community called Margarita went to him, and offered him a spiritual bouquet of their prayer for him for nine years. Fr. Jose didn’t know that there was community in this city praying for him. They handed him over also a small collection of money – the fruit of their sacrifice (Margaritha is the name of a community, which prays regularly for Catholic priests).
In the evening, there was the Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Healing Prayers open for all. Almost 200 persons participated. It’s a great number considering the global pandemic situation.
On 30th, Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered six homilies during the Holy Mass at St. Antony’s Church, Walcz: 7.00; 8.30; 10.00; 11.30; 18.00 and 19.30. Jesus said to Simon Peter: You are on God’s Side. The word for ‘side’ is phroneis in Greek and it is a term with political connotation: You are not on God’s Party, implying that you are on Satan’s party. The war is between War between God’s Party and Satan’s Party. Which side do you take? Later, Peter would get converted from being a stone of stumbling and become the real Rock of Faith. And then the keys of the kingdom would be handed over to him and his successors. Now it is our turn to take sides!
A group of nine persons (members of Margaretta Community) visited Fr. Jose and handed him over a small amount of money, to celebrate the Holy Mass. They have been praying for Fr. Jose for the last nine years, which he did not know! What all miracles the Lord prepares for Fr. Jose! (photos)
2020 August 21-23. Lesbian Hypocrites! Pila Retreat
On Sunday 16th Piotr and Isa drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Lodz, and from there Gosia drove him to Pila, to the Salesian Parish of the Holy Family. In Lodz Fr. Jose spent one hour in the Carmelite Cloister Convent. On 18th Gosia, Irena and Marta took Fr. Jose to restaurant for a lunch. On 21st onward evening Parish Retreat at Holy Family Church in Pila, run by Salesian priests, One of the things that they asked Fr. Jose was to explain the problem of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender). Fr. Jose explained the genetic factors and so on. But, he focused on the hypocrisy of some of them. He related an experience he had in Berlin, Germany a few years ago. He said, “One day a few lesbians came to me in St. Clemens, Berlin and invited me to go with them to have a coffee with them. I was a bit scared. Yet, as a Catholic priest, I have to be shepherd to them, I thought. So I went them for a coffee. During the conversation, I asked them, ‘When you relate, does someone ‘act’ as a man, to be the dominant partner?’”
“Of course, that’s how it is,” they said.
I said, “How foolish you are! Why a ‘woman’ want to ‘act like a man,’ when there are many real men in the world?” They were not happy with me.
Then I asked, “Does anyone of you have a child?”
They looked at each other – a kind of embarrassment was there on their face. One woman from Turkey said, “I have a child. It lives with its father!”
“Is your child the seed of a woman or a man?” I asked. They were all astounded. I said, “Is not your lesbianism a hypocrisy? You want to have licence to do anything and everything in the name of individual freedom. What about the freedom of that child, and the right of the child to have mother’s love and presence?” (photos)
During the day time, some people came for counselling, and Gosia was their interpreter.
2020 August 10-16. Retreat – Lomza Seminary: Grafting to the Lord
For the leaders of Charismatic Communities, Fr. Rafal and his team of three Magdas organized a retreat for six days at Lomza Seminary, Poland. Fr. Jose Maniparambil was the resource person. Though it was planned for 400 people, due to Coronavirus Pandemic, the number was reduced to 60.
On 10th August, Jasiu drove Fr. Jose from Katowice to Lomza through Lodz – a long journey of seven hours by car. The retreat started on 11th August and ended by noon on 16th Sunday. Each day was assigned to different topics: Grafting (Baptism), Cleansing and Vaccination (Confession), Nourishment (Holy Eucharist) and Fruits (Confirmation – Gifts of the Holy Spirit). Fr. Jose gave biblical foundation for all these sacraments.
For example, what is the biblical basis for the Sacrament of Confirmation? Jesus Christ was born of the Holy Spirit. Right? Yes. Yet, after his baptism, when he was praying, the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the bodily form of a dove (Lk 3:21-22). This is exactly what happens to Christians. After baptism in the Holy Spirit and water, when they remain in prayer, the Holy Spirit descends on them and confirm them. In the Acts of the Apostles (ch. 8), we see the imparting of the Holy Spirit by the laying of hands of the apostles.
Fr. Jose answered many of their questions – especially the questions that Protestants are asking them. At the end of the retreat, many of them said, “This retreat made a u-turn in our thinking.” Magda Plucner said, “It was a revelation.” A woman, in tears went to Fr. Jose and said, “These are not tears of sorrow, but of joy because I really had an encounter with the Lord.” A couple said, “Fr. Jose is the Einstein of the Bible!”
The retreatants were divided into seven groups; three were to discuss the questions raised by those who stopped going to the Church and your answers to them; four groups were to discuss the questions of non-Catholics and your answers. They presented their findings in an amazing manner.
About the retreat, here are some testimonies from the participants. 1. This retreat was a spiritual resurrection for me, an advocate from Warsaw. 2. We have heard in many retreats that we are going to have a meeting with the Lord. But most often we didn’t have. But this retreat was a real meeting with the Lord. 3. A couple said: You are the Einstein of the Bible! 4. If this is the truth of the Catholic Church, all should be brought back to the Church. It’s a vow for us. (photos)
2020 August 5-9. Prosto do Biblii Recording
On August 2nd Janusz Peplinski drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak from Poznan to Katowice. From August 5th onward, there was the recording of different episodes of the YouTube online channel, Prosto do Biblii.
2020 August 1. Seeking a Husband!
A few young women gathered in the house of Janusz and Kasia, Poznan, Poland for a prayer session. They are all looking for a man as a husband. Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a testimony that a couple of weeks back, he met three couples in Gdansk, all of them got their better half through matrimonial bureau. He also explained how arranged marriages happen in India. The parents are not ‘picking up’ girl for their son or a boy for their daughter. They make ‘arrangements’ for the boy to meet the girl of his choice….
2020 July 27-28. Straczno and Nakielno. Afraid Not!
Fr. Andrej invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil to preach evening retreats in three different parishes. The theme of the retreat is: Afraid not! Fr. Jose explained different texts in the Bible and explained why we should not be afraid.
Afraid not to enter into God’s plan for the world (Mt 1:20; Lk 1:13)! Afraid not to enter into God’s mystery (Lk 1:30)! Afraid not to preach the gospel! Afraid not to speak to people about Jesus! Afraid not about the smallness of the believing community. The Kingdom of God is not great cedars in Lebanon, but like a tiny mustard seed (Mt 13:31)! It is like a little bit of yeast that leaven whole dough (Mt 13:33)! (Photos)
2020 July 26. Nakielno. Farmer’s Treasure and Merchant’s Pearl
After the retreat in Olenka near Gdansk on 25th July, Fr. Andrej drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to Nakielno, a village near Walcz in Poland. On July 26th Sunday, Fr. Jose delivered four homilies in four different churches. Basing on Mt 13:44-46, Fr. Jose said: Jesus came to this world with the biggest project: Establishing Heaven’s Kingdom on Earth! How will it be possible? Jesus explains through two little parables.
A farmer, who did not have a field of his own, but a daily wage earner, went to work in another man’s field. While spading he stumbled upon a treasure of great value. He hid it again, went back in joy, sold everything, and bought this field, where the treasure was covered up. The Kingdom of God is like this, Jesus said. Like what? Like the stumbling upon God, the greatest treasure, by accident? Like the Discovery of the treasure by accident? Like the joy of discovery? Like the decision of the one who sold everything? Like the joy of renunciation? Like the joy of buying the field? The reader/listener has to answer.
Another man, this time a merchant (not a peasant), went search of the best pearl. He found it, but didn’t have enough money to buy it. So he made a contract and paid a sum as an advance. He went back, sold everything, and bought the pearl. The Kingdom of God is like this, Jesus said. Like what? Like the merchant’s search? Like his discovery? Like his decision to buy it? Like his decision to sell everything? Like the owning of the pearl?
If we put together these two parables, we get another answer: Go on searching for God. Any time you can stumble upon Him. That moment, God’s kingdom establishes in you and in your surroundings. Therefore, do not store up your treasure on earth (Mt 6:19), where we have only a short life. Invest in heaven’s bank, which has several branches on earth! The people in need are branches of heaven’s bank!
One of the churches, where Fr. Jose preached, is in the name of St. John Nepucian, who is also the patron of his home parish in India. They took Fr. Jose for a boating in one of the biggest lakes in Poland. (photos)
2020 July 26 Straczno. Indulgences: Heaven’s Treasury
Today is the feast day of St. Anne. Fr. Jose Maniparambil was giving a homily during the Holy Mass at St. Anne’s Church, Straczno, near Walcz, Poland. Those who visit this church today are privileged to receive indulgences (literally ‘indulgence’ means ‘to be lenient,’ ‘to forgive’). Fr. Jose explained the meaning of indulgences. Every sin has two effects: the guilt of sin, for which you are liable for eternal punishment; and there is the temporal punishment. When we confess our sins to a priest, we are freed from eternal punishment. But, the temporal punishment remains. In other words, every sin leaves a stain just as any wound leaves a scar. It is not enough that our sins are forgiven; the stain is to be removed. An example would help us to understand: suppose I have stolen some money from a house; I return it to the owner, and go to the confessional, and get absolution from the priest, and I do the penance that the priest gives. My sins are forgiven (I don’t return the money to the owner, the priest cannot forgive my sins. He can only retain it. Jn 20:21-23). But, the owner of the money and his family undergo untold miseries because I stole their money. Their mental agony, loss of business, may be loss of life, humiliation…I am responsible for all these. Even if I try to repair all, still they are not sufficient enough to compensate for their loss. The Church comes to my help to remove the scar by offering the indulgences on the basis that I fulfill some conditions prescribed by the Church (in order to prove that I am open for it).
But, does the Church have the right to give indulgences? Yes. Jesus told Simon: “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:18-19). Look at the words ‘powers’ and ‘keys’ in plural. The powers of Hell will not prevail, because the Church has the keys of the kingdom of heaven, to forgive sins and loose temporal punishment.” The Church can open the treasury of heaven, and give indulgences.
How does the treasury of heaven get all these treasures? The innumerable merits of Jesus, Mary Mother of God, and of the saints canonized and non-canonized add to the treasury of heaven. We too can invest in heaven’s treasury by doing small and great deeds of mercy and by prayer, or even salvific suffering because “I am completing in my body the sufferings that are lacking in the body of Christ” (Col 1:24). (photos)
2020 July 25. Mussafah, UAE. Covid-19 is God’s Blessing!
Fr. Varghese Kozhippadan from Mussafah Catholic Church asked Fr. Jose Maniparambil to give a short online message in this season of Corona virus pandemic. In his message, Fr. Jose insisted on four things: 1. God created human beings to protect the earth (Gen 2:15). But, we did not (even a boy who rides a motorbike unnecessarily for a kilometer adds his share to pollute the earth)! So, God took to himself the responsibility of cleansing the earth. For example, it is reported that premature births have reduced considerably in the last five months, in the season of Covid 19. Why? Pregnant women are free from stress (stress of work); the presence of the husband; less polluted air! 2. Our republic is in heaven. Earth is only an temporary inn. Do not store up treasures on earth, Jesus tells us (Mt 6:19). 3. Lead a simple life. Live your life; don’t try to imitate others; especially, don’t borrow bank loan to build house, posh car and so on. If you have money, you can build a house; if not, don’t start building, Jesus says (Lk 14:28).
And finally, don’t ask some foolish questions like this: why God allow this? Is God so cruel? Ultimately, God give us life and He takes our life. He decides when to take our life, how to take our life and in which place. Did anyone guarantee me that I would live a hundred years or fifty-six years? Everything that I have, including life and lifespan, is a bonus!
2020 July 19-25 Dworek Olenka: Hattorat ha-Adam
After the evening retreat at Pruszcz Gdanski, Poland on 18th July they drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to Dworek Olenka. Fr. Jose preached a retreat for seven days on the theme Covenant to a charismatic community by name ‘Covenant.’ Fr. Jose spoke about the Sabbath covenant with Adam, the Abrahamic Covenant, Sinai Covenant, New Covenant (Jer 31:31-33), and the Davidic Covenant.
When David expresses his desire to build a house for the Lord, the Lord surprises him and us and say that He will build the house for David, or rather the Lord will make David a house: “The LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house” (2 Sam 7:11). And in vs. 19, we read, “May this be instruction for the people.” The Hebrew phrase is Hatorat ha Adam, which literally means, “this is the Law for all humanity.” The Lord makes a universal Torah with David. And this Law is that the Lord will make David a house. The Hebrew word bayit can mean either a house or dynasty. David’s dynasty will become the universal Torah! This was to be fulfilled in and by Jesus, who sits on the throne of David for ever (Lk 1:32-33) as the King of kings (Rev 19:16), who has made us kings (Rev 1:6), and whose kingdom is from the sea to the sea, that is, without borders.
On one day of the retreat, there was a special prayer for the young; for the couples and families. On another day, there was prayer for healing and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit (photos)
2020 July 21. Biblical Flood Story – Guilty of Plagiarism?
There was a request from a Facebook group of Christian apologetics to answer the accusations of some rationalists, who claim that the biblical flood story (Gen 6-9) is a copy of the Babylonian myth of Utnapishtim. Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a video response. He shortly narrated the Babylonian myth and pointed out big contrasts and differences. Atrahasis Epic, written in Akkadian language (written before 18th century B.C.), must have influenced the biblical author. According to this myth, Anu, Enlil and Enki (Ea) were chief gods. When the noise of human beings began to be a nuisance for gods in heaven, Anu decided to destroy human race by a pandemic. Since, some gods and goddesses leaked out this message to their respective devotees, the plan did not work out. Anu called a meeting of gods, and decided to punish humans by a flood, and he made other gods and goddesses swear that they will not betray this time. But, Ea (Enki) leaked out this news to her devotee Utnapishtim (Ziuzudra/Atrahasis), yet without breaking the promise. Ea pretended to speak to a wall, behind which Utnapishtim stood, and he could overhear her message. Utnapishtim made a boat and escaped the flood.
This Ea is also a part of Enuma Elish myth, according to which Apsu was the god of fresh waters (upper waters like rain), and Tiamat was the goddess of lower waters, salt water in the ocean. Apsu and Tiamat, the celestial couples, had many children, the chief among them was Ea. Children’s noise became a nuisance for Apsu, who decided to eliminate them. But, Tiamat did not agree. Knowing their father’s plot to kill them, Ea by black magic made Apsu sleep and killed him. Ea’s child was Marduk. His toy was the wind, and when he played with wind, children of Tiamat in the sea were disturbed. They, under the leadership of Tiamat, wanted to kill Marduk. In the war, Marduk killed Tiamat and divided her corpse into two, and made heavens with one part, and earth with the other part. He fixed a calendar according to which human beings have to provide food for gods.
Compare this story with the biblical flood story. 1. According to the Babylonian myth, it was the noise of the human beings that was the cause for the flood! Is it a moral reason? According to the Bible, it was the unnatural sin of sons of God and daughters of human beings that caused the flood (Gen 6:1-5), and the flood itself was a renewal of the earth through a just man, Noah. 2. According to the Babylonian myth, heaven and earth are created from the corpse of the evil goddess Tiamat, and so the world is intrinsically evil! But the Bible says that God created the world as good and he saw it good. The world is the playground of love and freedom. 3. According to the Babylonian myth, human beings are slaves of gods, to provide food for them! In the Bible, God created human beings as kings to rule the earth – the subdue it. They are gods on earth (cf. Jan 10:34-35). 4. According to the Babylonian myth, there is a war between gods! Is there a peer for God in the Bible? Definitely, biblical author must have received some ideas and words from the existing myths. But, did he copy it? Is he guilty of plagiarism? The Biblical author, using their terminologies, correct their understanding of God and human beings, and present the real truth about God and human beings.
Sometimes, rationalists do not use their rationality!
2020 July 17. Pruszcz Gdanski. Ministry of Reconciliation
By noon Fr. Jose Maniparambil and team started their journey from Ustka to Pruszcz Gdanski, Poland and reached there by 5 p.m. After having lunch in the house of Marek and Ewa, they went to the parish church, where Fr. Jose gave a homily and a conference on the meaning of forgiveness. He gave a new meaning for the word ‘forgiveness’ and also for the phrase ‘seventy times seven.’
Forgiving means the opposite of forgetting! What is the opposite of forgetting? Remembrance! Forgiveness is a remembrance! A remembrance at the altar of heaven so that a simultaneous purification takes in both parties.
Seventy times seven means ‘forgiveness from the heart,’ and if you forgive others from your heart, you will have to forgive once! Always!
After the conference, there was adoration and laying of hands. Other priests joined him. (photos)
2020 July 16. Zoom Conference: Discourses in John’s Gospel
The Church of South India, from Pune (Protestant) and Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore (Catholic) jointly arranged a Zoom Conference (A Certificate Course Through Zoom Online Lectures), and Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a lecture on “Discourses in John’s Gospel.” After a general survey of the Fourth Gospel, Fr. Jose focused on the first discourse of Jesus (Jn 3). When we are born of human parents, we get a human genealogy that ties us to the first man, Adam. The human genealogical chain that relates us to our biological father, grandfather, great grandfather reaches the first man, Adam. And Adam’s decision to declare independence from God and commit sin affects us all, which we call Original Sin (Rom 5:12; cf. Rom 7:14-24), because he is a criterion for all human beings (1 Cor 15:48). This human genealogy of sin is to be broken and then we must belong to the last man, the man of the Spirit, the man from Heaven (1 Cor 15:45), if we have to see His Kingdom and enter His Kingdom. How is it possible? It is through the Sacrament of Baptism.
So, what is the Sacrament of Baptism? It is a participation in the mysterious birth of Jesus. Just as Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of Mary (Lk 1:26-38), we are born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of the Church. The baptismal font in the Church contains the Living Water from the Open Side of Jesus (Jn 7:37-39 = 19:34). It is in this Living Water that we are baptized, not in running water in any river: Jesus baptizes with Water and Spirit (Jn 1:26, 33), that is, the Living Water!
2020 July 16. Niedzice Bible Class: Martyrs’ Blood
In his monthly online Bible class for the Charismatic Community in Niedzice, Poland, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the drama of the Gospel of Mark. In his talk, he explained how martyrs’ blood breaks the vicious circles of evil, and that God has a fixed number of martyrs for this purpose (Mk 6:14-29; cf. Rev 6:9-14).
2020 July 8-12. Gdansk. Fiery Chariot of the Holy Spirit
Fr. Marcin, the Director of the Charismatic Community at St. Joseph’s Church Gdansk, took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to a retreat house by Warzanko lake near Gdansk. Fr. Jose is to preach a retreat for this community. The retreat started on 8th and concluded on 12th. Fr. Jose spoke about “the Fiery Chariot of the Holy Spirit.” An anticipatory scene can be noted in 1 Kgs 19. Prophet Elijah sleeps under a broom tree; an angel wakes him up; when he wakes up, he sees bread and water. He eats and drinks, and sleeps again. The angel wakes him up again and ask him to eat and drink more, for the journey is long. Then he travels forty days and forty nights to Mount Horeb, where he meets God; and later he will be taken in a fiery chariot to heaven; and Elisha, the prime disciple of Elijah, receives a double share of the Spirit of Elijah (2 Kgs 2). Broom tree is a symbol of the Cross; sleeping represents death; angel waking him up symbolizes resurrection; bread and water prefigure the Holy Eucharist. Then Elijah is taken to heaven in a fiery chariot, and his disciple receives a double share of the Holy Spirit. In the same way, Mother Mary and the Beloved Disciple receive a double share of the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 19:30), when they witness to Jesus’ lifting up on the cross, which is His exaltation to the Father (cf. Jn 12:31-32).
There were special prayers for couples to have children, and special prayers to find the right partners in marriage. There was a also a special healing prayer. (photos)
2020 July 7. Gdansk, St. Joseph: Healing Ministry
A friend priest of Fr. Jacek in Ustka drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak from Ustka to Gdansk, to St. Joseph’s Church. It was a church which was built in 1357, destroyed many times, and even set on fire during the World War II.
After a short prayer meeting with the leaders of the Charismatic Community, there was Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Marcin. Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a homily. The Holy Mass was followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which turned out to be a great evening of healing. Some came forward with testimonies of their healing.
Though Corona virus threat was looming large in the atmosphere, there was a great number of participants. Therefore, instead of individual laying of hands, there was a special blessing by the Blessed Sacrament. (photos)
On June 29th, Benon and his wife Iwona went to Gdansk to pick Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak and take them to their house in Ustka. There Fr. Jose finished the translation of the 2 Kings with a brief commentary, and started to work on 1 Chronicles.
2020 June 28. Living Tabernacle of the Lord
Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered six homilies during the Holy Mass at different times in the Salesian Church in Gdansk. During the Holy Mass, two children received first Holy Communion. Fr. Jose explained to the children the meaning of this communion with the Lord. Just as Jesus remained in the womb of Mary, the Mother of God, the Lord wants to remain in us, transforming us into a mobile, living tabernacle. For what? The Lord wants to go to others, especially those in need, riding on you, His donkey! As the Lord comes to us, who are unworthy, let us take the Lord to the people in need, even if they are not worthy and help them in their need.
2020 June 28. Baptism: Grafted to Jesus the True Vine
During the Holy Mass, a child was baptized in Water and Holy Spirit. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained one of the dimensions of the Holy Baptism as a sacramental participation in the mysterious birth of Jesus. Just as Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Womb of Mary, we are of the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Womb of the Church. The baptismal font contains the Living Water from the Open Side of Jesus, that is, the Holy Spirit (Jn 4:10, 14; 7:37-39; 19:34). By the Living Water and the Blood of the Holy Eucharist, we are grafted to Jesus, the True Vine (Jn 15:1), the True Man, the Man of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 15:45).
2020 June 26. Westerplate and the World War II
The parish priest of the Salesian parish took Fr. Jose to Westerplate, port in Gdansk, where the World War II started. There is a open museum in this place, where St. John Paul II made historic speech about Solidarity, that brought down Communism in Poland.
“To be with the suffering man is perhaps more important than healing,” John Paul II said at this place, “because he needs a person, a human heart, human solidarity.” (photos)
2020 June 24-27. Retreat at Salesian Church, Gdansk
A Retreat on the Holy Eucharist was organized by the Parish Priest and Bogdan at Salesian Church, Gdansk, Poland. Fr. Jose Maniparambil was the retreat preacher. On the first day, Fr. Jose focused on some incidents in the Old Testament, which prefigure the Holy Eucharist. On the second day of the retreat, Fr. Jose gave an inspiriting insight into the Bread Narratives in the Gospels. And on the third day, he focused on the Holy Eucharist as God’s Erotic Loving. (photos)
2020 June 24. Gdansk. Pallotine Church. No Transfer!
Jasiu Polak drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Katowice to the Pallotine Church, Gdansk, Poland. The Parish Priest of this church is being transferred to another church. Fr. Jose said in the homily: There is no transfer for a Catholic Priest! Why not? Fr. Jose shared an experience. He had a spiritual father in the minor seminary – Fr. Antony Maliekal. He had been in the seminary in different capacities as as Vice Rector, Rector and Spiritual Father, and spend 36 years in the same seminary. This is quite unusual in India, where priests are transferred every third or fourth year. After 36 years in the same seminary, Fr. Antony was transferred to small parish. On the day of his transfer, during the homily he said: “Every body tells that I have a transfer. I haven’t fully understood it. Last 36 years I lived here in front of the Blessed Sacrament. In the church, where I go now, there is the Blessed Sacrament. I will continue to live in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Where is then the so-called transfer?” Catholic priests have no transfer! (photos)
2020 June 18. Niedziece Bible Class – 2. Good News!
In this second lecture for the Niedziece Charismatic Community, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a geographical design for the Gospel of Mark. Jesus brought the Gospel of God (Mk 1:14) from Galilee to Jerusalem. The Church carried the Gospel of Jesus to Rome and to the end of the world. And the best worship that we can give to God is that our body becomes the word of God (Rom 12:1). Fr. Jose concluded: Life is a journey. It becomes a pilgrimage when we become good news of the Word of God.
Jesus preached the good news. We have good news! Not bad news! It is the good news of victory in war! Jesus, and with Him we too, have defeated Satan and his army! This is the good news. Preach it.
2020 May 29-31. Wloszczowa. Forty Days of Pregnancy!
It was three hours journey by car from Katowice to Wloszczowa. Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached two day Pentecost retreat at the pilgrim parish at Wloszczowa. The name of the Charismatic Community there is Miriam, and the theme of the retreat was Mary and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ mother and the disciple whom Jesus loved received a double share of the Holy Spirit at the foot of the cross (Jn 19:30, 34). The apostles received the Gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of the Resurrection (Jn 20:21-23). And then what happened on the Pentecost day (Acts 2:1ff)? After the Passion, the risen Lord appeared to the disciples for forty days, and taught them about the Kingdom of God for forty days and made them enter into a permanent covenant for forty days (Acts 1:3-4). These days were ‘forty days of pregnancy,’ and on the Pentecost was the day of delivery! It was the day of public manifestation of the Holy Spirit, whom they received on the day of the Resurrection. (photos)
2020 May 16-17. Bialystok. Cenacle of the Word – 6
Call it a day! The Charismatic Community in Bialystok, Poland, organized a Bible School for about an year, and Fr. Jose Maniparambil delivered 54 lectures (each lecture one and half hours) on the Gospel of Mark. These two days were the last six lectures.
As a shepherd goes ahead of the sheepfold the risen Lord goes ahead of us (Mk 16:5-6) to gather the scattered sheep (Mk 14:27) because he sees them as sheep without a shepherd, and he feels compassion for them (Mk 6:30-34). Jesus feeds them with word of God and bread of God (Mk 3:35ff.). In this way, Jesus fulfills what Isaiah prophesied: the Lord will come from Zion with the good news – God becomes our shepherd (Isa 40:1-11)! That is the good news (Mk 1:1, 14-15)!
2020 May 14. Niedziece Bible Class – 1. Protestant and Catholic Canon
The Charismatic Community in Niedziece asked Fr. Jose Maniparambil to give lectures on the Bible on every third Thursday of each month. And in this first lecture, Fr. Jose explained how the canon of the Bible originated, and why there is a difference in Protestant and Catholic Canon of the Old Testament.
Until 1857 all protestant bibles contained the seven deutero-canonical books (what Protestants call ‘apocrypha’). Then they began to delete these books! Was it just to delete some books from the existing canon – official list of books in the sacred scripture? Can each individual choose or reject which is canonical and which is apocrypha? Let us hope that in the near future the Protestants will re-include these books in their canon.
2020 April 24-26. Niedzice. Call of Jeremiah
A Three-day retreat on Prophet Jeremiah (chapter 1) was preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil for the members of the Charismatic Community in Niedziece, Poland. Since it was locked down time, the retreat was preached and aired online (YouTube Channel). Fr. Jose gave a brief political history of the time of Jeremiah, explained the uniqueness of prophecy in Israel (biblical prophecy) and finally illustrated the significance of the Call of Jeremiah.
God says four things to Jeremiah: I formed you; I knew you; I consecrated you; I appointed you (Jer 1:4-5). The Hebrew word for ‘know’ is yada, and it means not merely intellectual knowledge, but a sense of union: I loved you; I love you; I will continue to love you; I cannot leave you; I made a personal commitment with you. It is this divine initiative coupled with human positive response to it that makes one to be a prophet of God.
2020 April 19. Polkowice. Repairing Love and Covid-19!
An online sermon by Fr. Jose Maniparambil was aired for St. Archangel Michael Parish at Polkowice in Poland. In this season of Corona virus Pandemic, and when the whole world is locked down, how can we speak of God’s mercy? Rehem in Hebrew means pity or compassion; Hesed in Hebrew means covenant love or covenant fidelity or loving kindness. When it is used of human beings, it means our piety toward God. When it is used of God, it means his loving kindness toward us. However, this word has the sense of repairing love – a love that repairs.
And Fr. Jose explained seven dimensions of this repairing love. 1. God repairs or rather cleanses this world from pollution. 2. Homes have become Houses of Prayer – our piety is also an act of mercy. 3. God is the Lord of life and death. He gives us life; He takes our life. He decides when we have to die, how we have to die, where we have to die. 4. Earth is not our permanent home; our republic is in heaven; while on earth we have to invest in heaven’s bank. There are branches of this bank on earth. 5. Our artificially intelligence, advanced technology, medical health system and money can prove to be nothing. 6. Today’s gospel reading is Jn 20:24-31, where we read about Thomas. He is the first Christian Scientist, who discovered the five wounds of love on Jesus’ body. Let the scientists and doctors find proper medicine or vaccination to tame any pandemic or sickness. 7. Jesus told Thomas: stop doubting; keep believing. Jesus tells all scientists: stop doubting; keep believing.
2020 April 7-10. Altar of Inviolable Obedience
Since there was a national lock down in many countries due to Corona Virus, and people are not able to gather in the churches for the Holy Week ceremonies, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached an online retreat to the members of the charismatic community of Fr. Radek, Bablin, Poland. In this four-day retreat, Fr. Jose explained the meaning of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane and its implication for all human beings. A few things can be summarized as follows:
- After the Last Supper, which introduced a new spring of worship, worship in Spirit and Truth of the body and blood of Jesus, Jesus ends it with a prayer (Mt 26:30). And Jesus goes to the garden of Olives for another splendour of prayer.
- Jesus enters into night. This reminds us of the night of the Passover in Egypt, where Israelites were rescued by the blood of the lambs (Ex 12). Jesus as the lamb of God (Jn 1:29), allows himself to be entangled by the thorny bushes of our sins (cf. Gen 22:13) and allows himself to be killed in order that humanity is rescued from the power of death by his blood.
- Jesus recites the Hallel Psalms (Pss 113-118), the heart of which is: “The Stone rejected became the Cornerstone.” Jesus is the rejected stone who became the Cornerstone not only of the Church, but also of the new humanity (Mt 1:16), which takes its origin in a woman of Immaculate Conception (Lk 1:28), who is clothed with the sun, crowned with stars (Rev 12:1), who is the Ark of the Covenant in heaven (Rev 11:19).
- On the way to the Garden of Olives, Jesus speaks about two things: A. I will strike the shepherd and the sheepfold will be scattered (Zech 13:7). Jesus is the true shepherd. He allows himself to be killed in order to rescue his sheep. B. “I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” The Greek word here is pro-ago, literally refers to the shepherd going ahead of the sheepfold to lead them to the green pastures. As the head of the new humanity, Jesus is the true shepherd who gathers the scattered children of God, and go ahead of them, leading them to the green pastures of heaven: there are many rooms in heaven, and I go ahead of you to prepare a room for you (Jn 14).
The most important thing is the mystery that is revealed in Jesus’ prayer. He says to His Father, “Not my will, but Thy will.” There are ‘two wills’ here. ‘My will’ opposed to “Your Will.” What does it mean? Jesus is God who became man and so He is One Person with two natures: divine nature and human nature. He is the divine nature pertaining to his divine personality. He has human nature which was assumed to his divine personality when he became man (Jn 1:14). Jesus is one person with two natures: divine nature and human nature. Therefore, there is the natural will in Jesus pertaining to his human nature. There is also the natural will in him pertaining to his divine nature, but there is only one personal will.
The natural will pertaining to his human nature is rebellious: take away this cup! This is the rebellious nature present in all human beings starting from Adam. We don’t want to suffer! We don’t want to obey! But, when Jesus says ‘not my will,’ but ‘Thy Will,’ He is bringing the rebellious human nature to the altar of obedience of the natural will pertaining to His divine nature, and making it his personal will. In other words, all disobedience and rebellion of humanity of all times is brought to the altar of obedience of God, which is present in Jesus, and burns off this rebellion, cancels out this disobedience. This is possible for Jesus because He is God who became man (Jn 1:1, 14).
And because He is God who became man, his total, perfect and irrevocable human obedience stands in time and space for all times and places, as the counterbalance for all human sins before him and after him, until the end of times (Phil 2:6-8). It is this human obedience of Jesus that cancels out the human disobedience of Adam and his children from the very beginning till the end of the world. In fact, the iron nails of human sins and evil, were thrust through the soul of the saviour in the Garden of Olives. This is why He was sweating blood. This blood is the blood of perfect, inviolable obedience, that is a criterion for all human beings.
So, what is our role? We have to belong to Jesus to participate in His irrevocable and inviolable human obedience, which counterbalances our sins. This is belonging is called believing: faith working through love (Gal 5:6).
Human beings rebelled against God in a garden: Garden of Eden. But in this Garden of Olives, Jesus the Last Adam (1 Cor 15:45), reversed the disobedience of first Adam. And Jesus will be buried in a Garden, where he rises from death, and step into resurrection. As he is the head of the new humanity, when he steps into resurrection, he carries his body, the Church, with him. And since we are drafted to Jesus, the true Vine (Jn 15:1), by the sacrament of Baptism, we are his branches, we are his body, and we are also lifted to the life of the resurrection: “If you eat my body, you will not die. If you drink my blood, you will not die,” Jesus says, because then only we really become the body and blood of Jesus. What a great truth! (Photo)
2020 Mar 14-16. Ark of Covenant – Woman Clothed with Sun
In a live streaming retreat (due to Covid 19 pandemic) Szczecin, Fr. Jose Maniparambil shed some a new light on a text in the Apocalypse.
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the Ark of His Covenant was seen within His temple; and there were flashes of lightning, voices, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Rev 11:19-12:1).
The last verse of ch. 11 and first verse of ch. 12 go together. Often, we read a text in the Bible according to chapter and verses. John did not write his Apocalypse with chapter division and verse division (the chapters were divided by Archbishop Stephen Langton in 13th century AD; and Robert Estienne created the verse division in 1551 and 1555). The Ark of the Covenant disappeared from the period of Babylonian Exile (587-37 BC). It was believed that Prophet Jeremiah hid it just before the exile started, and that it will re-appear at the end of times. Significantly, now the Ark of the Covenant is seen when God’s Temple is opened. And then there is a theophany with flashes of lightning, peals of thunder and an earthquake – the same phenomena that we see at the death and resurrection of Jesus. And then? A woman clothed with the sun appears! Naturally we associate that the Ark of the Covenant in God’s Temple in Heaven with this unique woman, who has become light. Under her feet the moon, and on her head a crown of twelve stars! She is pregnant. She delivers a male child… Who is this woman? We have a hint in John’s Gospel, where Blessed Virgin Mary appears on the stage only twice: at Cana and Calvary. In both places, Jesus addresses his mother, ‘Woman’ (Jn 2:4; 19:26). I think that things are much clearer now. Yes, that’s what I say: The Ark of God’s Covenant is Blessed Virgin Mary, who carried in her womb the Hilasterion (Mercy Seat), Jesus Christ Himself (Rom 3:23-25), on whom God is seated and human beings are seated. Now when we touch Jesus (in the Holy Eucharist) we touch God. And when we receive Jesus through the Holy Communion, we become an ark of the covenant. We are indeed children of Mary, who was the first living Ark of the Covenant. As she carried Jesus to different people, let us also take Jesus to others. Let us become a mobile tabernacle. (photos)
2020 Mar 12-14. Bible Class on Apocalypse, Szczecin
On March 11, after the session for parents and teachers in the Special School in Slupsk, Viola drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to Szczecin, Poland. From March 12 to 14, every day morning there was a Bible Class for a small community. The topic was Apocalypse. Three areas were discussed. 1. The meaning of numbers in the Bible especially in the Apocalypse: ‘One,’ ‘Three and Four,’ ‘Three + Four = Seven,’ ‘Three and Half,’ ‘666,’ ‘Ten,’ Four into Three = Twelve,’ ‘Forty,’ and Twelve into Twelve = 144, and 144,000 (Rev 7). 2. The cry of the martyrs (Rev 6). Why do they cry? What is their petition? How did God answer their petition? 3. The meaning of half an hour silence in heaven and the role of the prayers of saints (Rev 8:1-5). (photos)
2020 Mar 10-11. Guardian Angels of Special Children. Slupsk Retreat
On March 9, Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak, the organizer and translator of his retreats and programs in Europe, travelled from Bialystok to Slupsk by train, from there Benon and Iwona drove them to Ustka. On March 10, Iwona drove them back to Slupsk, to the Special School for Differently Abled Children. Sr. Dominic and her music band were ready to animate the children with sonic qualities of timbre and texture of music. There were two sessions – one for smaller children and the other for bigger ones.
Fr. Jose asked the children, ‘Do you have a guardian angel?’ ‘Yes,’ many children said in one voice. What do they do? ‘He protects us,’ one of them said. ‘He guides us,’ another said. Yes. But Jesus said it another way: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 18:10). What do our guardian angels do? Our guardian angels always behold the face of God. Then Fr. Jose acted it out. He called on the children, and asked her to consider him as her guardian angel, and then he embraced her as a sign of protection, and stood before God…This is how our guardian angel stands always before God. Why? You are so special to Him… The cheek of teachers and parents fallen off! Some were in tears.
During the session for teachers and parents of mentally retarded children, Fr. Jose said: Why do you have such children – special children? Many people must have scorned you. Some must have sympathized with you. Some must have told you that it is because of your sins or the sin of your forefathers…Let me tell you how I look at this scenario. You know the story of Abraham pleading for Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 18:17-32). God promised him that if there were ten righteous people in the city, the city will be spared from punishment. If not, only individuals would be spared (like Lot and his family). What does it mean? The Church has to guarantee the presence of at least ten righteous people in a city to spare the city from punishment. Your children are righteous before the Lord. By their presence in our city, our city is spared from punishment. You help the Church to guarantee the presence of at least ten righteous people in our city.
Many parents and teachers, including men, were in tears – tears of joy. They said, “We are proud of our children. Now we know why God gave them to us.” They wanted Fr. Jose to repeat this session on the next day (Mar 11) in order that other parents can also hear and be inspired. They also asked the permission of Fr. Jose to record his speech so that they can hear it over again. Praise be to God!
On March 11, the parish priest and Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass for the children and with the children and their parents and teachers. Fr. Jose preached the Homily. Both priests anointed all with the oil for the sick – the Sacrament of Healing.
After lunch, the session for the teachers and parents continued. (photos)
2020 Mar 10. Why Intercessory Prayer? Slupsk Charismatic Community
After the Holy Mass at 6 p.m. at the parish church, the Charismatic Community Leaders gathered in a hall with their priest director. After invoking the Holy Spirit, there was a talk by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. He asked: what is intercessory prayer? Some Christian denominations say that since Jesus is the only mediator, we don’t need the prayers of saints. Is it right?
When the Lamb opens the fifth seal, we see “under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne; they cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before thou wilt judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell upon the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been (Rev 6:9-11). The cry of the souls of the martyrs was not for mere vengeance. It’s a cry to do justice to the innocent, who are victims of violence. If God doesn’t do justice to innocent righteous, nobody would trust God. God hears their prayer in two ways: 1. They are given ‘white robes’ of the risen body – transformed body. 2. They are asked to wait patiently until a fixed number of martyrs bears testimony to God. Why? Should God fix a number of martyrs? It is the blood of the innocent righteous, that will break the vicious circles of evil. God continues to win the victory of the Cross through his martyrs.
Afterward, there is half an hour silence in heaven (Rev 8:1-5). God asks the heavenly beings to stop praise and worship for half an hour. Then an angel stands in front of the altar with a censer in his hand. The saints under the altar in heaven, put their prayers in the censer of the angel. As the smoke rises to the altar, the prayers of the saints rise to the altar. Then the angel takes the fire from the altar and throw it on the earth. God’s judgment of the earth involves prayers of the saints.
Jesus told Peter: “I have prayed for you. You have to strengthen your brethren” (Lk 22:32). In fact, Jesus is praying for us right now with his Holy Wounds of perfect and inviolable obedience which counterbalances the disobedience of all human beings of all times. But he asks us to strengthen our brethren through our prayers and a life of martyrdom – whether dry martyrdom or wet martyrdom.
When the class was over, Fr. Jose asked them if they had any questions. One of them said, “we are speechless.” Viola said, “First time in my life, I know what intercessory prayer is.”
2020 March 6-8. In Jesus’ Cenacle: Ephphatha – 5. Bialystok
On March 4th, Alicja drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Sylwia from Olsztynek to Bialystok. They met Jola and her husband in their restaurant in Bialystok, had lunch there. By nine they dropped Fr. Jose at the parish house of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
On 6th evening, the fifth session of ‘In Jesus’ Cenacle’ started with praise and worship, talk by Fr. Jose and the Holy Mass. This is a three-day session. The students, 40 of them, had a workshop of presenting the details of each apostle. They did well.
Fr. Jose presented the Gospel of Mark as a drama. Mark uses the Wisdom Triangle to present his gospel. In this triangle, there are three groups of people. On the top, there is the powerful but witless king. On the other corner, the great manipulator, the deceiving schemer. On the third corner, there is the innocent righteous. Apply this triangle to the story of John the Baptizer. Herod is the powerful but foolish king. Herodias is the deceiving schemer. John is the innocent righteous. He criticized Herod and Herodias for their immoral life. The reactions of Herod and Herodias were different. Herodias kept a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she couldn’t. Why? Herod respected John, wanted to hear him, and protected him by shutting him up in the prison. If John were out, Herodias could send her own men, and have him killed. If he was in the prison, this is not possible, without the knowledge of Herod. How to kill John?
Mark says, there happened to be a feast day, the birthday of the King. On a feast, there are more lights, more music, more dance, more food, more drink, and in a blind moment you can hit the innocent without others noticing it. A girl appears because of the feast. She has no identity, no name, doesn’t know what to ask for…she is a girl! She seduces the king by her dance. The king, in a blind moment, promises the girl anything. He couldn’t recognize that the girl is dancing to the tune played by her mother. She is a puppet dancing according to the strings pulled by her mother.
The girl goes to her mother to consult. And the mother had already taken the decision in the corridor! The head of the baptizer! The girl returns to the floor of the house. On the way, she added her own demand: in a platter! What is a plate for? To eat. The head of the Baptizer was served as food in that drunken banquet!
Moses had told us: “Even the most tender and delicately bred woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot upon the ground because she is so delicate and tender, will grudge to the husband of her bosom, to her son and to her daughter, her afterbirth that comes out from between her feet and her children whom she bears, because she will eat them secretly…” (Deut 28:56-57).
Why innocent people should die as martyrs? It is the blood of the innocent righteous that breaks the chains of vicious circles of evil (Rev 6:9-11). In a sense, the victory through of death of Jesus on the Cross continues in and through his martyrs. (photos)
2020 Feb 19-21. Retreat for Teenagers, Sierpielice
Forty young teenagers – girls and boys – gathered in the Franciscan Monastery at Sierpielice, Poland to attend a three-retreat preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. They were of the age-group of 17 to 19.
It was a wonder that one session stretched over two and half hours and yet these teenagers were listening peacefully. Usually they are disturbed in five to ten minutes. Fr. Jose interpreted Christian faith using modern science and the word of God.
One of them came forward and said to Fr. Jose: Let me give you a gift? What gift? She just hugged Fr. Jose and said, ‘it was great.’ Another boy did the same.
At the end of the retreat, some boys and girls came forward to be missionaries, and Fr. Jose prayed over them in order that they receive a double portion of the Holy Spirit. (photos)
2020 Feb 17-18. Interaction with Teenagers, Lublin
On 16th February, after deplaning at Warsaw airport, Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a train to Warsaw Central Station, where Kasia Polak was waiting for him. Both of them took another train to Lublin, and reached there by 9 p.m. Fr. Jose stayed in the house of Professor Philip, and Kasia stayed with Agnieszka, one of the organizers.
On February, 17th and 18th, Fr. Jose had an interactive session with the students of Jadwiga School in Lublin. Teenagers had many questions to ask and Fr. Jose gave answers. One of the questions that they raised was: ‘Why women are not ordained as priests in the Catholic Church?’ Fr. Jose answered: Jesus’ had many women disciples (Lk 8:1-3). They followed Jesus from Galilee till the Cross. It was a very revolutionary act, considering the cultural situation of the first century. Yet, Jesus did not ordain any of them as priests. Do the Church have authority to ordain women if Jesus did not do that? One of the girls raised an objection: But the Church has instituted celibacy, which Jesus didn’t establish? Fr. Jose answered: Read Mt 19:12, where Jesus says, “There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it.” Didn’t he establish celibacy? Moreover, we look at not only Jesus’ words but also his life: was he married? No. Didn’t He ask us to follow Him? Yes. There is still more. Read Mk 10:28-30. Peter was earlier married said to Jesus, “Lo, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” This is further confirmed in Lk 14:26 where Jesus says, “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (here ‘hate’ means ‘leave’).
The students performed a symbolic drama, a violin concert and a poetry recitation. (photos – 2)
Fr. Jose also had an interaction with children of ten years of age. They too had very many questions. What happens to the child of a miscarriage? What type of body we get in the resurrection?… Very serious questions! One of the children asked Fr. Jose, “Is there any question which you can’t answer?” One smart child replied, “Yes. He cannot answer if I ask him, ‘When is my birthday?’ (photos – 3)
On 17th evening, Fr. Jose preached the Homily during the Holy Mass, and then gave a talk to the Charismatic Leaders of the Parish. (photos – 4)
On 18th evening, Fr. Jose met the Charismatic Community and broke the word of God for them. (photos -5)
2020 Jan 31-Feb 7. Retreat for Handmaids of Mary, Odisha
At 3 a.m. on 31st, Fr. Jose Maniparambil went to Kochi airport and took a flight to New Delhi, and from there another flight to Jharsuguda in Odisha. By 3 p.m. he landed in Jharsuguda, and Sisters of the Handmaids of Mary picked him up and drove him to their provincial house. In the evening, he began to preach a six-day retreat. 58 nuns participated in it.
Speaking from the perspective of Odisha tribal people Fr. Jose said: Tribal people do not register the land in their name because they think that the land was always ours. But, multi-national, with the support of the governments, exploit this and invade their land, and destroy the harmony of nature and the livelihood of the poor people. Educate our people, and speak to them about Jesus and salvation, liberation, eradication of the misery of poverty (of course, we need to be as prudent as snakes)– you may be killed. It is better to be killed than dying of cancer.
Secondly, the tribal people of Orissa are not Hindus, though they think so. The three deities that they worship (Jagnath, Balabhadra and Subhadra) are, in fact, not Hindu deities. They are tribal deities. Educate them about this. (photos)
2020 Jan 29. Bibin’s Marriage Blessing, Anathadam, India
Bibin fell in love Angel (her new name). Angel, who was a non-Christian, embraced Christ as her Lord and Savior, and was baptized and confirmed in the Holy Spirit. During her Sacrament of Marriage with Bibin, over 200 non-Christians were present in the Church. And Fr. Jose blessed their marriage and gave a homily, making them understand the uniqueness of Christian faith. (photos)
2020 Jan 26-27. He Did it! Class for Nuns, Kallathipura, India
One of the nuns, Sr. Sagaya, a lawyer in a Court of Law, stood up at the end of two days’ conference of Fr. Jose Maniparambil and gave a testimony. She said: Today a man, a Hindu, for whom I appeared in the court, rang up to me to thank me. He has been acquitted and released. I said to him straight: ‘Thank Jesus. He did it for you.’ Before your class, Fr. Jose, I wouldn’t dare to do so.” Praise be to the Lord. This was the fruit of the Workshop by Fr. Jose Maniparambil.
The workshop on ‘social work’ began with a crucial question: What is the difference between ‘social work’ done by NGO’s and the ‘social work’ done by religious nuns? To become a social worker, should you become a nun? Before answering the question, another issue was raised: Why a Biblicist is invited to animate a workshop of ‘social workers!’
What is the foundation of ‘social work’ of religious nun? What is the foundation of religious life? It springs from the Word of God, who said, “There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (note the italics). A nun’s life is to bring heaven’s light on earth. And heaven’s light is Jesus (Rev 21-22). If this supernatural goal is missing out religious celibacy is meaningless, religious life itself is meaningless.
Ignorance of the Bible is the ignorance of Jesus, St. Jerome said. And if a nun does not know Jesus (because she does not know the sacred scriptures), there is no greater tragedy than this. Jesus told the Jews, ‘You erred, not knowing the Scriptures and not knowing the power of God” (Mk 12:24). St. Paul says, “Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God” and if a nun does not know the Scriptures, she does not know the power and wisdom of God! Why should she live on earth? What is her role, then? What is her goal, then?
And the foundation of Christian life is the Word of God, manifested in the written word (Bible in the Church) and the proclaimed word in and through the sacraments in the Church. If this is missing out in their life (and it seems so), then nuns are not even Christians!
Kerygma-Martyria-Caritas
Jesus said in clear terms (Mt 10:32-33): “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” And not any nun can forget the great mission command of the Lord, who said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:18-20).
Therefore, St. Paul tells us again (Rom 10:13-15), “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!”
What did the apostles do? “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the goods news that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 5:42). The Church exists to evangelize the world. Sisters of Charity of St. Anne exist to evangelize the world. And to evangelize means ‘to bring good news of Jesus’ to the people.
You can excuse yourself from this primary responsibility to be a missionary citing the special situation existing in India. Then you stop to be a Christian. Kerygma essentially implies martyrdom. There is no real kerygma, real evangelization, without the possibility of either becoming a ‘wet’ martyr or a ‘dry’ martyr – Peter’s way or John’s way (Jn 21:18-21).
Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his encyclical Deus Caritas Est: “The Church’s deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility: of proclaiming the word of God (kerygma-matyria), celebrating the sacraments (leitourgia) and exercising the ministry of charity (diakonia). These duties presuppose each other and are inseparable.” The purpose of charity is kerygma, and the fruit of kerygma is charity. One without the other is farce.
Two Columns of Our Life
Who is Jesus? He is God who became man (Jn 1:1, 14). He is God who is man, and He is man who is God. Therefore, he is the perfect man, the complete man, the exemplary man. By knowing his mystery, we can know our own mystery, the mystery of our vocation: why are we here on earth?
How to know the mystery of Jesus? There are only two ways, two complementary ways: by knowing the word of God (the Bible in the Church) and by participating in the sacraments of the Church. The sacraments are those moments when the word of God catches life, word of God sprouts, and blossoms. And this knowledge is eternal life (Jn 17:3).
Yours is a congregation of charity! Right? Yes. Indeed. What is ‘charity?’ Is it merely throwing some coins to the beggars? Is it merely rendering some ‘charitable’ works? Is it merely helping women to empower themselves?…No. Not at all.
If so, what is charity? Through the Holy Communion, the Lord comes to us and become one with our flesh and blood, even when we are sinners, even when we are not worthy. Why does He come to us? He asks us to take Him from the tabernacle and take Him to the sick and the suffering. He wants to help them, heal them. But, He wants to ride on us, His donkey. He wants us to be His Tabernacle. His mobile, dynamic Tabernacle. He tells us as if it were, “I want to help that woman. Take me there. I want to ride on you, my donkey.” The Lord is in need of a donkey. Jesus the Good Samaritan went riding on his animal to help the wounded man (Lk 10:25-38). This is called charity: God who is Love wants to go to all people in need to help the, but He wants to go to them riding on us, His donkey.
Therefore, the two columns on which Evangelization is built are: CONFESSIO et CARITAS (Pope Benedict XVI) – confession of faith and charity. One shouldn’t exist without the other because ‘confession of faith and charity are the two ways in which God involves us, make us act with Him, in Him and for humanity, for His creation. Pope Paul VI affirmed, “Evangelization would not be complete if it did not take account of the unceasing interplay of the Gospel and of man’s concrete life, both personal and social.”
A New Exodus
Why did God want to liberate the Israelites? Was it because he wanted to liberate the slaves from bondage? No. Moses told Pharaoh, “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’” Pharaoh said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” But, Moses said, “If we sacrifice offerings abominable to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not stone us?” Egyptians were worshipping cows and bulls. But Israelites offered them as holocaust. This was abominable for Egyptians. This is why Moses insisted to go to the wilderness to worship the Lord. In short, there are two conclusions. 1. The purpose of liberation was not political or social, but liturgical: to form a liturgical community of worshipping the true one God. 2. The same situation of Egypt in Exodus time (15th century BC) is existing in today’s India – worshipping holy cows… India is behind 3500 years! This is the opportune time to lead the people out of their ignorance, and to lead them to the worship of true one God.
In one of the articles published in the Journal of Indian Theology, Fr. Jose Maniparambil prophesied, based on Acts 16, that India would become Christian in 600 hundred years, and that Sangh Parivar is, inadvertently, preparing Indian ground for Christian evangelization.
Personal Testimony
Fr. Jose shared two of his experiences. In his own words. “I was buying a souvenir from a shop in the Holy Land. I was in my priestly collar. The shop keeper asked me, ‘Are a you Catholic priest?’ ‘I am,’ I replied. Then the shopkeeper took a copy of the Quran and stretched it towards me and said to me, ‘Do you want a copy of the Holy Quran? I have a free copy for you!” A Muslim shopkeeper tries to ‘evangelize’ a Catholic priest to his religion!
“While in Bangalore, I was admitted in a hospital for a week. It was a Hindu doctor, Hanuman by name, who treated me. While discharging me, he asked me: ‘Why can’t you think of going to Tirupati?’ ‘What is there in Tirupati?,’ I asked. ‘Lord Venketaswara, the lord of healing!’ A Hindu doctor tries to ‘evangelize’ a Catholic priest! And I am proud to speak about them. Why don’t we dare to evangelize others? To speak about Christ, you should feel proud to be a Christian. Any way we will die. Let us not die of cancer or indigestion, but as a martyr. Therefore, “Do not be afraid. Go on Speaking, and do not be silent” (Acts 18:9). (photos)
2020 Jan 24. The Book: 666-Number of Satan?
On 24th Fr. Jose took a flight to Bangalore, and on 25th he spent the whole day in National Printing Press, finalizing his latest title, 666: Number of Satan.
By evening, he reached Majestic Railway Station, where Sr. Marykutty (Sisters of Charity of St. Ann) was waiting for him. With her, Fr. Jose went to Kallathipura, almost six hours journey from Bangalore. It was one o’clock when they reached the convent.
2020 Jan 12. Sermon for the Politicians, Polkowice
During the Holy Mass for the politicians of the ruling class, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a homily on power and authority. Power is attached to the office, the chair. But authority is attached to your person. Whether you are in power or out of power, authority should rest with you. How is it possible? Through an authentic and integral life. (photos)
Tadaeus from Wroclaw took Fr. Jose to Warsaw, and they stayed at eh Basilica of Omni-Mediatress, Niepokalanow and on 13th morning, Fr. Jose took a flight to Kochi, Kerala, India.
2020 Jan 11. Retreat Charismatic Leaders, Legnice
On Jan 9th, with Jasiu and Kasia, Fr. Jose went to Olsztynek from Katowice to collect his resident permit. It was almost 7 hours journey by car. On 10th morning, they went to Olsztyn with Alicja to collect the document. After collecting the document by noon, Jasiu drove Fr. Jose and Kasia to Polkowice. On 11th morning, after breakfast, Roman drove them to Legnice.
During a one-day session for the Charismatic Leaders of the Diocese of Legnice, 3rd in a row, Fr. Jose Maniparambil dealt with the mission strategy of the Early Church, based on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. (photos)
2020 Jan 4-6. Bethlehem Retreat, Tychy
During a three-day evening retreat in the home for the homeless in Tychy, Poland, Fr. Jose met most of them personally, listened to them, and prayed for them individually. (photos)
2019
2019 Dec 29. Jesus the Neser and Nazir: Jaworszno, Poland
During the evening Holy Mass in ‘Betlejem Community,’ Jaworszno, Poland, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a homily on one of the aspects of the Holy Family. The Gospel reading: Mt 2:13-16, 18-23. This text raises a problem because Matthew has written, “what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazorean.’” Which prophet prophesied it? Where do we find this prophecy? In fact, there is no prophecy like this in the Old Testament. Even the name ‘Nazareth’ does not occur in the Old Testament! This causes the problem. Matthew takes two verses in the Old Testament and ‘creates’ a prophecy, which was a typical rabbinic way (Mark has used this method in 1:2-3). The first verse is from Isaiah, which says, “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse” (Isa 11:1). Who is Jesse? King David’s father. Who is the stump of Jesse? David. Who is the shoot from that stump? ‘The Son of David.’ And the Hebrew word for ‘shoot’ is NESER. Therefore, Jesus, the Son of David, is the NESER (shoot) from the stump (David) of Jesse.
The second text is from Judges, which speaks of the Nazirite. (13:7). A NAZIRITE is one who is consecrated to God for the accomplishment of a mission. He shall not cut the hair, nor drink strong wine, not touch a woman or dead body. Samson, Samuel, John the Baptist, St. Paul – all were Nazirites. Jesus is a Nazirite, who is totally consecrated to God. This is why Luke does not mention about ‘redeeming’ Jesus after he was presented in the temple.
The ‘first-born’ children were natural priests in Israel until the national sin of worshipping the golden calf (Exo 32). After this ‘original sin’ of Israelites, the Levites were chosen to be priests, and the first-born sons were to be ‘bought back’ with money or things after being presented in the temple. But Jesus was not bought back. This means that He always belonged to God. Jesus the NESER who remained a NAZIRITE always. He shall be called NAZOREAN. It is interesting to note that St. Thomas Christians in India were called Nazaranis. Looking at the young people, Fr. Jose said, “My dear young people, consider about becoming a priest, a Nazirite who is fully consecrated to God.”
The community took the occasion to facilitate Fr. Jose Maniparambil, whose 30th sacerdotal anniversary fell on 28th December. In his reply Fr. Jose said: St. John Maria Vianney once said, “a priest is a man whom God obeys!” When a priest raises his hands and asks God to send His Holy Spirit to transform the bread and wine to His mysteries, God obeys him. This is the ‘greatness’ of priests, a pure grace of God towards him. This should make all priests humble. There was also a traditional Carol Orchestra. (photo)
2019 Dec 18-22. Christmas: Holy Sending! Szczakowa, Poland
An Advent Retreat lasting for four days was preached at Szczakowa Parish, Poland by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. During one of the sessions, Fr. Jose asked a question: “Is there anything unscientific in Virginal Conception?” And while answering the question he himself put it in this way: “If, according to science, the first man could be born without a human father (this is what theory of evolution teaches), why can’t the last man (Jesus) be born without a human father?”
There was session only for the sick and elderly. Fr. Jose also addressed children during the ‘Shepherds’ Mass.’ After each session, there was imposition of hands by priests for various intentions. (photos)
Fr. Jose held two interactive session for children in two schools. And he also spent time with the differently abled children, making them sing and dance. During an interactive session with the school children, Fr. Jose asked them a question: “What is the meaning of the word ‘Christmas?’” Many children answered that this a holy day. And then Fr. Jose explained the meaning of the word ‘Christmas’ in this way: Another name for Holy Eucharist is ‘Holy Mass.’ What is the meaning of ‘Mass?’ It means ‘sending forth’ (from Latin missio). Christmas is ‘the sending forth of the Son from heaven to this world by God the Father’ in order to lift us to the heights of heaven. We too are sent forth to preach this good news to the whole world. Christmas is a sending forth. (photos)
During the thanksgiving time, the parish priest Jasiu said, “When they speak about divine mysteries, theologians stumble. But, Fr. Jose explains to very ordinary people in the most simple way. We begin to love the mysteries.”
2019 Dec 15-18. Ox and Donkey in the Manger! Siemonia, Poland
During the Advent Retreat at Siemonia Parish, Poland, Fr. Jose Maniparambil asked a question: ‘Why there is an ox and donkey in the Crib that we make?” answering the question Fr. Jose said that Prophet Isaiah had written, “The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib” (Isa 1:3). The Church came to understand that the ox represents the Jews (the shepherds who went to the manger to see Jesus) and the donkey represents the gentiles (the magi from the east, who went to see Jesus).
In the LXX version of the Bible, Hab 3:2 reads, “The Lord shall be manifested between two creatures.” The reference is to the cherubim (half lion, half human) which covered the Mercy Seat, the covering of the Ark of the Covenant (Exo 25), where God was supposed to have seated. Now, Jesus who is God the Son (Jn 1:18) is manifested between two ‘creatures,’ the ox and the donkey. This implies that Mercy Seat is not a place, but a person. Indeed, Jesus is the Mercy Seat. When we touch Jesus, we touch God, and when we touch God, our sins are burned off because He is the Burning Bush (Exo 3), the charcoal fire of Isaiah 6:6-7. Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist so that people of all generations could touch Him, and get cleansed of their sins.
Fr. Jose visited the school and had an interactive session with them. When the question about ‘freedom’ was raised, Fr. Jose said, “Europeans have misunderstood and misinterpreted ‘freedom’ as the license to do whatever you want. That is not ‘freedom.’ Real freedom is the ‘tree of knowledge good and evil,’ that is the faculty to know good and evil and the power to choose good. And very interestingly, freedom cannot exist without love and love cannot exist without freedom. (photos)
2019 Dec 10-14. Fertile Land Transformed into House of Bread!
“There are 46 references to Bethlehem in the Bible,” Fr. Jose Maniparambil said during the Advent Retreat for the ‘Betlejem Community,’ Jaworszno, Poland. The previous name of Bethlehem was Ephrathah (Gen 35:19), which means ‘fertile land.’ After the conquest of Canaan, its name became Bethlehem, which means ‘House of Bread.’ And pointedly, Jesus, the bread from heaven (Jn 6) was born in Bethlehem, and that too in a manger, where ‘food’ for animals are kept. Jesus is our life, ‘our real food and drink’ that will give us ‘wings’ to fly to participate in the wedding banquet of the Lamb (Rev 19).
Fr. Jose made the participants discuss about all references to Bethlehem in the Bible, and made them present their findings. It was a very lively session.
In the evening sessions, Fr. Jose spoke about the four streams of love. There was a beautiful ‘reconciliation ceremony’ in which all participants went to the foot of the Cross, and prayed for all those who hurt them and whom they hurt. They lit candles which represent their ‘enemies’ and put them at the feet of Jesus.
During the session for little children, he made children them to act in a role play the story of the birth of Jesus according to St. Luke and the visit of the Magi. (photos)
2019 Dec 6-8. Bible School -4. Cenacle of the Word. Bialystok, Poland
From Katowice Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak took a train to Warsaw and from Warsaw to Bialystok. The train was delayed more than five hours and they reached Bialystok after midnight on 5th December. Fr. Jose started the fourth session of the Bible Class, ‘In the Cenacle with the Word,’ which studies the Gospel of Mark. Each session lasts three days.
According to Mark, Jesus’ first miracle is an exorcism (Mk 1:21-27). This is significant, as significant as the first miracle of water changed into wine at Cana (Jn 2:1-12). Before and after this exorcism, there is a reference to Jesus’ teaching with authority. An authoritative teaching of the word of God would be powerful enough to cast out the demons of this world. And one of the missions that the Lord entrusted with us is to cast out demons. It is a pity that we are ‘afraid’ of demons. In fact, demons are afraid of us because we carry the Lord. We are a mobile tabernacle and we carry the Lord. The Lord comes to us in order to go every nook and corner of the world with his redeeming love. (photos)
2019 Nov 28-Dec 1. Idolatry of Health! Nowy Targ, Poland
Fr. Jose celebrated Holy Mass in the Hospital and prayed for the sick. During the homily he said, “There is idolatry of health today!” Everyday we hear something like this: ‘Drink six litters of water a day!’ Eat ‘bio’ food! Avoid tea! Avoid coffee!…When we hear such advertisements, we tend to believe that we would not die! This is the idolatry of health! We don’t have permanent home on earth. We are pilgrims. Our republic is in heaven. St. Paul writes, My desire to depart and be with the Lord. If I continue in my body, it is for your sake.” We have to desire to depart and be with the Lord. We will pray for a healing today. But, be prepared to die also. Whether we live or die it is for the Lord.
High School students of Nowy Targ, Poland had an interactive session with Fr. Jose Maniparambil. There were four sessions. One of the students asked him a question: “Now a day, many people in Europe speak about Yoga. What do you think about it?” Fr. Jose said, “Yoga is an atheistic philosophy. And it seems to be attractive in Europe, especially in Germany, because of the ‘atheistic’ atmosphere there. According to Kundalini Yoga, which is the most popular here, human power is situated at the anus. And through a careful disciplining of your body and breathing, you can lift this power, and lift yourself to moksha (heaven) or nirvana (eternal bliss)! You can lift yourself to heaven! You don’t need God for that! In the Bible, there is the story of the City and Tower of Babel (Gen 11). They wanted to make a ‘ladder’ reaching to the heavens! For what? To colonize heaven! To reach heaven without God’s help! And God ‘smiled’ at the foolishness of human being and scattered them. We don’t have wings to lift ourselves to heaven. We need a saviour to lift us into the heights of heaven. And that savior is Jesus Christ.
On Sunday, Fr. Jose preached six homilies, each homily lasting twenty minutes. One of the participants went to Fr. Jose and said, “this is phenomenal. The way you explain great truth in simple words – this is simply admirable.” (photos)
2019 Nov 15-17. Couples’ Retreat, Plock, Poland
Rev. Fr. Adam organized a three-day couples’ retreat and it was preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Initially, the participants were divided into three groups, and each group discussed a question each. 1. Find out 5 most beautiful things in married life. 2. Find out five most crucial problems that affect marriages. 3. What are the major proposals to find a solution to the problems. It was an ‘eye-opening discussion.’
Then, Fr. Jose dealt with the biblical, theological, genetic, psychological and sexual aspects of married life. And their was the imposition of hands for a fresh start of their life. (photos)
2019 Nov 14. One Day Retreat, Pultusk, Poland
Fr. Adam organized a one-day evening retreat at Pultusk. It was preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil, who had conducted two retreats in previous years. After the Holy Mass, there was adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and then the imposition of hands by the priests.
Fr. Jose said, “Jesus wants to touch people of all generation physically. To achieve this, He put His spirit of priesthood in our priests. Let us submit ourselves to the imposition of hands, so that there will be a fresh anointing of the holy spirit.” (photos)
Nov 11-12. Business of the Word. Rzeszow, Poland
In a short retreat for businessmen and businesswomen at Rzeszow, Poland Fr. Jose Maniparambil said, “Jesus was born in a house’ (Mt 2:11), not in an inn (Lk 2:7). He was not a street boy. He had parents. He had a job (Mk 6:3). His disciples had a partnership business (Lk 5:10). He was buried by two rich people – Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (Jn 19:38-39) – in a new tomb situated in a garden (Jn 19:41). Some women disciples provided him with money and other resources (Lk 8:1-3). Jesus told us to multiply the talents. One talent is equal to 24 or 35 kilograms of gold! So, what shall we do? God has given you resources and intelligence and skill. Increase your wealth by providing jobs to many people. You are helping many people to survive and thrive. And then you shall share a part of your wealth with the poor. And the best method is the biblical one: tithing. (photos)
After the retreat, Janusz and his wife Kasia drove Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak to Warsaw. All had dinner at a restaurant at Warsaw and then Fr. Adam drove Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak to Chamsk.
2019 Nov 8-9. The Power of Salvation. Zielona Gora, Poland
Dorothy drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak from Szczecin to Polkowice. Rev. Fr. Jarek, the parish priest of Polkowice, arranged a meeting of all charismatic leaders of the diocese of Legnice in Zielona Gora. And Fr. Jose Maniparambil led all the sessions of this one-full-day retreat. Basing on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, Fr. Jose dealt with many problems that the church is facing. There have been problems all throughout the life of the Church, from its first moment till the eschaton. Because the Church remains as the instrument of salvation, the powers of the world would attack it. There is nothing surprising. But, as the early Church did, we should face the problems, go deeper in the Word of God, and should know that the Gospel itself is the power of salvation (Rom 1:16). (photos).
2019 Nov 3-5. Distance from the Cross to the Sycamore Tree, Szczecin, Poland
On 31st October, Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak boarded a bus from Katowice to Krakow and from Krakow took a flight to Szczecin. Dorothy came to pick them up and took them to her house. On 3rd Sunday, Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass for children and gave a homily. In the evening, Dorothy drove him to Szczecin proper (photos – 1).
It was a retreat at Szczecin, Poland. The gospel reading was Luke 19:1-10. And Fr. Jose Maniparambil raised a question during the homily: “What is the distance from the Tree of the Cross to the Sycamore Tree?” Zacchaeus was a sinner. But, to embrace the sinner, Jesus stretched out his arms on the Cross. With one hand Jesus embraced his father and said, ‘My God, My God’ (Mk 15:34). Jesus stretched out his other hand as far as the Sycamore tree to embrace the sinner, and cry with him, ‘Why have you abandoned me’ (Mk 15:34). Two ‘loves’ stretches Jesus’ apart – love for his father and love for the sinners. And the result is that his flesh is split into two (Heb 10:20). And this rupture of love flows ‘water of the Baptism’ and ‘blood of the Holy Eucharist’ (Jn 19:34). This rupture of love is the Cross. This is the distance from the tree of the Cross to the Sycamore tree! We are called to this ‘rupture of love.’
Pawel, the organizer of the retreat said to Fr. Jose, “Give me half of your spirit. Let me also preach the Word as you preach.” Some students of the parish, who study in Germany said to Fr. Jose, “Next time when you come here, we have exams in the university. Yet, we will come to listen to you because we have never heard anything like this.” (photos)
Fr. Jose also visited the biggest cemetery in Europe, which is situated in Szczecin, Poland.
- Oct 25-27. Volcano of God’s Love: Bialystok- 3
On 23rd early morning Fr. Jose took a flight to Warsaw from Kochi, via Dubai. After reaching Warsaw airport, Fr. Jose took the city train to reach the railway station. There he waited for Kasia Polak, the translator and with her. They together travelled to Bialystok.
During the third session of ‘the Cenacle of God’s Word,’ Fr. Jose Maniparambil dealt with the Temptations of Jesus (Mk 1:12-13) and Jesus’ initial preaching about the Kingdom of God. It was a session that lasted three days. While dealing with ‘the Kingdom of God,’ Fr. Jose presented six different concepts about it. Finally, he asked, “What is the Kingdom preached by Jesus? What type of Kingdom did He bring?” The Kingdom of God is something like this: The Volcano of God’s Love erupts and the lava of His love flows, and all will be affected by this lava of love. When this lava touches us, we repent and believe in the Gospel (Mk 1:15). (Photos)
Oct 10-14. Polish Friends in New Delhi- Agra, India
Some of the Polish friends – Stasiu and Ewa, Marta and Madzia – took a flight to New Delhi. Joseph Antony took them to site seeing in New Delhi and Agra.
Kasia Polak and Iwona went to Trivandrum, Kovalam and Varkala. Sanu drove them to these places and they stayed in the apartment of Biju and Tina, working in Fujairah, UAE.
Oct 8. Nostalgia Social Vision. India
The Polish friends of Fr. Jose Maniparambil had a meet with his friends in India, Nostalgia Social Vision, members of which are mostly his former parishioners. It was an occasion to share the cultural differences. Nostalgia members were very active during the great flood of 2018. The evening meeting concluded with an agape – puttum kozhiyum! (photos)
Oct 4-8. Polish Friends in Mysore, India.
After participating in the laying of foundation stone, the Polish friends went to Mysore for enjoying their holidays in India. Sanu and his brother and Joel accompanied them.
2019 Oct 4. Biblia Home: Foundation Stone. India
It was a great day. Biblia Academy steps into a new era. In preparation for the new Bible that is being prepared by Fr. Jose Maniparambil, a Biblia Home is to be built. Mariyam, the beloved mother of Fr. Jose laid the foundation stone. Fr. Jose explained the need of this building. The POC Bible that we use was originally translated from English, that too mainly by seminarians, though it was cross-checked with Hebrew and Greek original by biblical scholars. A very literal translation of the Bible by the Protestant church exists, but it was done in 1910, and it is not easily grasped by today’s generation. Therefore, there is the need for a new translation, and with some important notes for difficult terminologies. The first print is expected to be at least 1,00,000 copies, and we need a space to keep them and distribute. Also in the plan is a bible museum, where bibles in different languages will be displayed. In short, it is a Biblia Home: A Home for the Bible.
Polish friends of Fr. Jose, Srs. Anjo, Teji, Flower, and Marykutty (Mumbai), members of Nostalgia Social Vision, neighbours and friends of Biblia Academy, siblings of Fr. Jose and many others witnessed this auspicious function. (photos)
After the foundation stone ceremony, Fr. Jose Maniparambil went to Madonna Residential Home to celebrate the Holy Mass. Sr. Marykutty, who helps poor children with educational help, participated in it. She had earlier helped the 2018 great flood victims. (photos)
2019 Oct 1-2. Polish Friends at Madonna and Biblia, India
On Oct 1, after visiting Divine Retreat Center, Muringoor (‘Potta’ fame), the Polish friends of Fr. Jose Maniparambil went to Madonna Special School. They had a royal welcome with Madonna Music Band and others. After a few cultural items by Madonna children and teachers, Marta played a dance, and other Polish friends sang a song together.
Then they went to Biblia Academy, had dinner there. After dinner they visited Biblia Garden and then went to Muthrathikkara Parish to participate in the Holy Mass with the parishioners. They also participated in the solemn rosary. Then they had dinner with the mother of Fr. Jose Maniparambil, and his other siblings. (photos)
On Oct 2nd, Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated the Holy Mass at St. Thomas Church, Anathadam, where he had been the parish priest. His Polish friends were also present. Then, Polish friends went to Trissur to see the Basilica, Bible Tower and the Lourdes Cathedral. (photos)
2019 Sep 30. Polish Friends at Munnar, India
On 29th the Polish friends took a flight from Goa to Kochi via Chennai, and went directly to Munnar. On 30th, after the site seeing, they watched Kathakali and Martials Arts. (photos)
2019 Sep 26-29. Faith is like a Nail! Polish Friends at Goa, India
From Mumbai, the Polish friends of Fr. Jose took a flight to Goa. Fr. Jose celebrated Holy Mass in the Basilica, where the body of St. Francis Xavier remains, almost 400 hundred years after his death. During the homily Fr. Jose explained the mission done by Francis Xavier, and he also explained the different types of persecution that Indian have been facing. But persecutions make our faith stronger. Faith is like a nail. When beaten, it goes deeper. (photos)
2019 Sep 23-26. Prostitutes Will Enter Heaven…: Mumbai, India
The Polish friends of Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a flight to Mumbai on 23rd September. Marta, going from London, joined them in Mumbai. They had a coffee at Taj Hotel in front of the Gateway of India.
They had a visit to Dharavi Slum. Dharavi was a different experience. It changed their concept of a ‘slum.’ It was very clean. No foul smell. One of the inhabitants said that his family irons 2000 shirts a day, and for each shirt they charge 5 rupees, and therefore one day’s income is 10,000 Indian rupees! Per day! They also visited a school and a parish church.
During their visit to Kamathipura Red Street, Fr. Jose reminded his Polish friends not to look down at the prostitutes because Jesus said, ‘before you prostitutes will enter the kingdom of heaven’ because none of them came here on their own. Either they were cheated or sold and poverty threw them here. (photos).
2019 Sep 18-22. In the Footprints of Xavier in India
Twelve Polish people went to India with Fr. Jose Maniparambil to make a tour-cum-retreat in the footprints of St. Francis Xavier. Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass at the Warsaw Airport Chapel with guests going to India. After reaching Kochi airport in Kerala, they stayed at Cherai Beach Resort. Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass, preached a homily, and in the evening conducted an hour of preaching and prayer. (photos -1)
The guests spent some time in the Arabian Sea, made use of the swimming pool. Every morning, they participated in the Holy Mass in the Latin rite in Pallipuram or Chettikadu. At Chettikadu church, Fr. Jose explained the system of Sunday Catechism in Kerala, especially in a multi-religious context. (photos – 2)
They also had a unique experience of Alappuzha Houseboat. After the cruise trip in Kochi, they visited the Cathedral, the Basilica and had some time for shopping. (photos -3)
2019 September 12-16. Junk Food and Cancerous Europe!
“Brussels is known as the Capital of Europe or the Heart of Europe,” Fr. Jose Maniparambil began his retreat at Antwerp in Belgium with these words, and he continued, “Yesterday when I landed in Brussels airport, I found in all toilets a flash of light of an advertisement: ‘this waterless toilet saves 250,000 liters of water a year!’ Everywhere there are billboards claiming that we are Carbon Free Airport! But unfortunately I found most of the people with cigarettes on their lips – constantly polluting the air! I had to change many places to avoid smoke. I was forced to smoke! The smoke from the factories of India or China are nothing compared with the smoke of cigarettes in Europe! Global warming is because of you!” These powerful words fell on the people in the Church as a bomb.
Prophet Elisha told Naaman to dip himself in river Jordan in order to get healed. Now the Lord says to ‘drop cigarettes, junk food and superstitious beliefs.’ And we shall be healed.
“The latest report is that biggest number of deaths of the middle-aged people in Europe is not due to cardiac arrest, but cancer. Men smoke, girls smoke, women smoke, and then later many women come and say, ‘I don’t believe in God because my child is born sick with cancer! What wrong did the child do?’ Who made your child sick – you or God!”
After the retreat, a girl and her mother came to Fr. Jose and asked for prayer. “For what intention, the prayer is sought,” inquired Fr. Jose. The girl said, “for my mother, to get rid of cigarettes.” Fr. Jose said to the girl, “If your mother agrees that you have the freedom to take away cigarettes from her lips, then I shall pray over her.” The mother looked at her daughter and said, “Yes. She can.” Then Fr. Jose prayed over the mother and her daughter.
“We are not ready to cook our food, but happy to buy food from the shops – especially junk food! Very tasty! Will not get spoiled even if we keep it for three months! Are these foods made of stainless steel! We don’t realize that Micro ovens are cancer breeders! God created human beings to till the ground and protect it (Gen 2:15). Therefore, return to your garden and kitchen and become healthy!” Fr. Jose exhorted.
“A third danger that has affected the believers is this: when their children become a bit naughty, or refuse to pray or go to the church, their parents take their children to an exorcist! ‘The child is demon possessed,’ they think! There is no bigger hurt that a child can get than this. Such children will become atheists. Parents do not know how to handle their children. They read all kinds of books that speak about ‘magical’ ways! Even the children refuse to go to the Church, love them, don’t scold them, don’t pressurize them, but embrace them, and transform parents’ anxieties into long sigh of prayer. This is the meaning of faith.” Fr. Jose insisted. Protect your children in front of others – even if your child is wrong. You can correct your child, but not in front of others, but at home. Jesus went to any extreme to protect his own (cf. Jn 13:1).
Some families came for counselling. Afterward some of them commented, “We come with huge problems, but he solves it with a word or a counter question!”
Maszena and Juzek and their charismatic community were the organizers. Fr. Ryzcard helped with hearing confessions and celebrating the Holy Mass. Monika and Damien, Teresa and Pawel welcomed Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak in their houses.
Alexander Klak, who was the Polish goalkeeper in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Football Finals, which Poland played against Spain, drove Fr. Jose to Brussels airport on 16th September. (Photos)
2019 September 6-8. “Family or Brothel House!”
“Fr. Jose,” one of them said, “We are facing a big problem in Europe. When we lead a good family life, some of our friends mock at us and say, ‘Aye, you are still traditionalist! You are living with the same wife for thirty years! You are not ‘modern!’ Why don’t you desire for a change! I am living with my fourth wife!’ How shall we confront such an insult?”
“If I were in your place,” Fr. Jose said during the retreat for couples at Duninowo, “I would have said to him, ‘My friend, I didn’t know that you have transformed your family into a brothel house! How much should I pay to sleep with your wife tonight?’ And you say this is offensive! Yes. Indeed, it is. But, he, a prostitute, didn’t he hurt our sentiments, the sentiments of those who are leading good moral life! If he had the freedom to attack us, why don’t we have the freedom to attack them? Jesus had warned us to be beware of the false teaching of these ‘modern’ Pharisees. Isn’t it?”
Besides scriptural and theological perspectives of marriage and family, Fr. Jose gave very practical questions regarding ‘economical planning of families,’ ‘simple tips to make daily life joyful’ etcetera. Some people went to Fr. Jose for counselling and guidelines.
One of the couples, a leading advocate, said, “Yours was a challenging perspective. We have been shaken. This will surely yield positive results.” Another couple, against whom Fr. Jose raised his voice during the retreat, came to Fr. Jose and said, “You are so special and precious to us. You put a bomb on us. But it helped us to open our eyes.”
There were 25 pair of couples for the retreat. This was the maximum number of people that could be admitted in this retreat center at Duninowo. Viola and Mirek, Iwona and Benon – they were the organizers. Fr. Jacek helped with confessions and the Holy Mass. (photos)
At the end of the retreat, there was an auction of two pictures – one an acrylic painting by Fr. Jose and an icon of black Madonna, a gift that Fr. Jose received from Tychy, Poland. They were auctioned for about 40,000 rupees.
And then, Fr. Jose painted another picture. (photos).
2019 August 27-31. “Sons of Doom!” Homeless Cigarette Smokers!
It was a very dramatic action! Especially in European Context. Fr. Jose Maniparambil went straight to man who kept a cigarette in his mouth, and lighting another cigarette from the one which is in his mouth. In a sudden action, Fr. Jose took the cigarette from his mouth and threw it! In the presence of some fifty people! All were stunt. Nobody in Europe would dare to do so! Fr. Jose said in a loud voice: “If you have the right to smoke a cigarette and pollute the air, I have the freedom to breath fresh air! If one person smokes, seven people catch cancer. Will not God hold you responsible for ‘killing’ seven of your dear ones? Your wife, your children, your friends!”
This dramatic action happened during the retreat for the homeless people of Tychy region (fifty of them), which was conducted at Totus Tuus, Diocesan Retreat Center at Zembrzyce. Fr. Jose told them: “You became homeless because of your alcoholism and drug addiction. Your parents or wives or children left you or threw you out of the house because of your own fault. Now, Agnieszka and Fr. Wawzeniece have given you refuge. And you want to smoke 20 to 30 cigarettes a day! Do you deserve to live on earth!”
This was a brainstorming retreat. And Fr. Jose gave them some homework for each day so that they are not ‘bored’ but ‘engaged’ in some good work like copying the Bible in their own handwriting…And he asked the caretakers not to supply cigarette.
Earlier Fr. Jose took a train to Katowice on August 22nd and then went to Zembrzyce with the homeless people in a bus. The retreat at Totus Tuus started on 27th, and ended on 31st. (Photos)
2019 August 14-21 “Sons of Thunders!” Pila Parish Retreat, Poland
On 2019 August 13th night Seejo and Fijo dropped Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Kochi International Airport. On 14th, Goshia picked him up from Warsaw Chopin Airport and drove him to Pila, almost five hours journey by car. On 15th August, Fr. Jose preached homilies during the Holy Mass at 6.00, 9.00, 11.30, 13.00, 16.00 and 20.00.
On 16th August, some of his Polish friends under the leadership of Martha, Martha and Zymon took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to a natural museum of Polish life in 17-19th centuries. The houses were built of wood, with mud floor, lit by kerosene lamps… It was a good experience of knowing how our ancestors survived without all modern technologies – yet were happy and healthy.
From 17th August till 21st, Fr. Jose preached a retreat. Everyday, it begins with praise and worship, rosary, the Holy Mass, homily, conference and then adoration. On 20th, there was the laying of hands over the people as a sign of anointing of the Holy Spirit.
The theme of one day was this: “Sons of Thunder.” “Why did you choose this theme,” Fr. Jose asked. They said that there is a question among us: “Why men are missing from the Catholic Church? Why the Churches are filled mostly by women?” In answer, Fr. Jose said: “First of all, it is a good sign. The world is accusing that we are not giving adequate importance to women. If the churches are filled with women, it is a sign that the Church considers them as important and the women find solace in the Church. Secondly, this is biblical and so sacred. At the foot of the Cross of Jesus, we find mostly women. Many of the male disciples of Jesus fled away. But the women were brave enough to remain close to him, even when enemies are attacking him. And it is a group of women, who first witnessed to the resurrection of Jesus.”
“But there is an additional point I want to make,” Fr. Jose said: “Look at the Orthodox Churches. The number of men is more than women! Look at the Oriental Churches. The number of men and women present in the Church is almost equal. Look at the Mosques. The number of men is more than women. Look at the Jewish synagogues, the number of men is more than women! Therefore, why only Catholic Church faces this problem? Men want challenges – challenges like extreme form of lent, challenges like that they are running the church, its finance, its spiritual activities, its preaching…Men need to be incorporated and involved in Church’s activities. They are to be treated not as spectators. Give them challenges – both spiritual and social. The priests should address not only the emotional problems of women but should address to the rational mind of men. Jesus asked Peter and John and James to leave everything and follow him. And they did! Jesus told Matthew to leave his job and follow him. And he did! Give them big challenges. Then men will follow the Lord in the Church.”
On the last day of the retreat, there was the gathering of the Nazareth community members to evaluate the program and to plan for the future. Fr. Jose Maniparambil handed over a paining that he did the previous day to Zymon. (photos).
2019 August 12. Blessing of the Shopping Complex, India
In the presence of his mother Mariyam, Fr. Jose Maniparambil blessed the rooms of the Shopping Complex at Muthuratnakara, owned by his brother Thomas. His other brothers, Paulose, Antony, Johnson and friends and shop keepers were present. His mother Mariyam handed over the keys to the respective shop keepers.
2019 August 7. Requiem Holy Mass at Madonna, India
The death anniversary of Sr. Rubina CMC falls on 17th August. Since Fr. Jose Maniparambil would be abroad on that day, the Requiem Holy Mass was anticipated and was celebrated at Madonna Residential Home Chapel on 7th August 2019. During the homily Fr. Jose explained the meaning of our life and death, and the Christian concept of death and resurrection. Since some Hindu people were also present, he mentioned the beliefs of some Hindu factions. According to one branch of Hinduism, we are re-incarnated after our death. If we don’t fulfill the life-goal we would be reincarnated as cows, dogs, cats, or pigs, until the soul is purified enough to go to Moksha! But this concept has two problems. First, do animals have souls? Second, if we are reincarnated as cows or pigs, will we not be served as food in the restaurant? Do you want that? The Islamic concept of life after death is physical resurrection. For example, some Muslims are ready to become suicide bombers in order to get seventy virgins in heaven instead of four wives on earth! This also has a problem: if we are resurrected physically, will we not die again? Anything which is physical is bound to die or perish. Then he explained the Christian concept of death and resurrection (which has been published many times earlier in this website, and so do not repeat here).
Fr. Jose said, “Sr. Rubina must be enjoying God’s presence. One day we have to meet her. But, when we meet her we have to say to her that we have brought her dreams to completion. This demands from us a deeper commitment, on a daily today basis. What Sr. Rubina built up in thirty years, you can destroy in three days! But, remember, Sr. Rubina will be there either to bear witness for you or against you. We are accountable. We have to be responsible,” Fr. Jose said. (Photos)
2019 August 4. Bible Class at Meladoor Church, India
After celebrating the Holy Mass at St. Thomas Church Anathadam in the morning (photos), Fr. Jose Maniparambil went to Meladoor Church to conduct a Bible Class for the Family Unit Members. Fr. Joly Vadakan, the parish priest and Fr. Jose’s classmate welcomed him. There were more than 120 participants.
At the outset, Fr. Jose asked them if they had some questions to ask. Three questions were raised: 1. Now the Church is accused of many crimes and sins – even bishops, priests and nuns are implicated. People of other religions mock at us. What shall be our response? 2. With the increase of Charismatic movements, superstitious beliefs also are on the increase. What stand shall we take? 3. What is the most important duty of ours, especially as the lay leaders?
- The Sins of the Church: All of us sinners. All human beings are sinners. Jesus came to call the sinners. He was a friend of the sinners. Now he came to each one us, who are sinners, in the form of Holy Communion. But when the leaders are implicated in some cases (whether true or false), it is an added pain for all of us. I would recommend two responses from our part. First of all, none of us know the real truth behind these accusations and implications (or intimidations). We know things only from the media – both electronic and print, and they air not full truths, but only sensational news. Therefore, let us wait for the truth to emerge. It is a painful waiting (from the part of the Church leadership, it is advisable that they step down from offices during the time of investigation). Secondly, what is the Church? The Church is Holy Spirit given to the believers in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church, and we are the body. This means you are the Church, I am the Church. Church is not merely the bishops and priests. Since I am the Church, I will go to any extreme to protect the Church. The defects of the Church are my defects. I will fight from within the Church to get cured. For example, when Israelites committed sins of idolatry, the prophets criticized them. But, none of the prophets left the people of Israel. Let this be our model. Let us continue our fight for the Church from within for the purification of the Church.
- The Charismatic movements made the church very vibrant and active even in places where faith cannot be practiced publicly. It created in believers the real love for the word of God. It taught people how to pray spontaneously. It encouraged intercessory prayers and a lot more… But, at the same time none of the movements are perfect in themselves. One of the biggest drawbacks is the charismatic concept of visions and predictions, which encourage people to have pagan concept of ‘controlling’ the future, which is an abomination for the Lord (Deut 18:14ff.). It is similar to pagan type of horoscope (jatakam), palmistry, janma rasi, graha nila…all types of superstitious divinations. These are different types of idolatry. To be frant, there is an idol in each one of us – a golden calf! We have to fight constantly against it. The belief in one God is a constant fight for genuine faith that lasts until the end of the world – a fight from within.
- The answer to the third question has been already offered: The Church is Holy Spirit given to the believers in Jesus, who form a community of faith, hope and love, as a visible sign of salvation in the world. You are the leaders of this community. Dare to speak about Jesus. Don’t be under the illusion that tolerance is the compromise of the truth. If we keep silent about our religion, will we be safer? No. Listen to what Socrates the great Greek philosopher said, “Don’t accept the gods proposed by the government.” Socrates was killed. But, his teaching was accepted by the Greek world, who accepted Jesus as their true God. This is the Truth: Jesus is the only savior. Speak about it, preach about it, and let all your activities, both spiritual and social, be a radiance of this truth.
We are living in difficult times. But these difficult times are the best occasion for evangelization. If soldiers can die for the nation, why can’t we die for our faith? The brave dies only once. (photos)
2019 August 2. Salem Namakkal Social Mission
With Beena Benny and Moly Joy, Fr. Jose drove to a place called Karikali near Salem in Tamilnadu. Sr. Pauline from Virgin Consecrate and Fr. Jose Maniparambil had started a new mission of sponsoring poor children’s study. Two families have been adopted so far, who live here in Karikali. Over 30 children are provided financial help for their study. Fr. Jose blessed the well and celebrated the Holy Mass.
This new mission is a branch of Fraternite de la Parole (Fraternity of the Word), which was founded by Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Paris, France in 2007. This was later registered under French government with another French name with a view of social mission. (photos)
2019 July 28. Batch Gathering at Biblia
In 1989 six priests were ordained for the Diocese of Irinjalakuda. They are Frs. Joly Vadakkan, Thomas Pudussery, Davis Kudiyirikkal, Raphael Panjikkaran, Joseph Palathinkal and Jose Maniparambil. All priests except Palathinkal (who is abroad now) gathered at Biblia Academy of Fr. Jose Maniparampil on 28th July. It was more than a batch gathering. They discussed many issues that the church is facing.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil shared his future dreams for the Lord, among which the most important is his Bible Project: A new translation from the original languages of Hebrew and Greek, with a brief commentary. He also shared his dream of having a new building where people can stay and have in-depth prayerful learning of the Word of God. (photos)
2019 July 18-20. With Madonna Children, India
On 17th July, after the retreat in Darlowo, Iwona from Ustka drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to another Iwona in Slupsk. Having the spent the night there, Fr. Jose took a train to Warsaw next morning from Slupsk. Darek First picked him up from the train station and took him to his home. On 19th July, Fr. Jose took a flight from Warsaw to Kochi by Qatar airways. On 20th July Saturday morning, Fr. Jose reached Biblia Academy. Next day, on 21st July Fr. Jose had lunch with his mom at his brother Johnson’s home.
On July 23rd, Fr. Jose visited Madonna School for the Differently Abled Children, participated in their school assembly, shared some chocolates with them.
2019 July 13-17. Darlowo Parish Retreat, Poland
“I am completing in my body the sufferings that are lacking in the body of Christ…” St. Paul writes to the Colossians. What a strong word of God! How precious our suffering is! If we fall sick or if we suffer, not because of our sins (cf. Jn 9:1-3), then our suffering is united with the suffering of Jesus’s body on the Cross, which is used for the healing of the world. If my suffering helps to heal the world, I am ready to go to any extreme suffering… We are living in a world, where sacrifice and suffering have no value. But, can there be true love without suffering? Can a woman carry a child and deliver a child without pain and suffering? Can you drive a car without sacrificing some of your money for fuel? Can you excel in your studies without sacrificing your longing to play always? True love cannot exist without sacrifice and suffering.” Fr. Jose Maniparambil was preaching five homilies in Darlowo Parish. He also spent three days in preaching evening retreat in the same parish.
Earlier, on July 13 Saturday, Viola from Slupsk drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak from Ustka to Darlowo, a coastal city in Poland (photos).
2019 July 13-14. Are you a neighbour? Darlowo
Mrs. Viola Mirek drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Darlowo Franciscan Parish on 13th July Saturday. Fr. Sebastian, the Parish Priest welcomed him, and invited him to preach the homily during the Holy Mass at 7 p.m. After the Holy Mass, they had an evening stroll where the river (Pig Sea!) reaches into the Baltic Sea.
Fr. Jose preached five homilies on 14th July Sunday – at 8.30, 10.00, 12.00, 16.00 and 20.00. He focused on different dimensions of Luk3 10:25-37. One of the things that he emphasised is this: The Lawyer, an expert in the Law of Moses asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbour?” After relating the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus twisted the question and asked the Lawyer, “Who proved to be a neighbour?” In other words, “Are you a neighbour?” When we become a neighbour to others, we discover all the three: God, soul and neighbour. (Photos)
2019 July 12. Another Painting
On finishing the book on Apocalypse today (almost 1000 pages book), Fr. Jose Maniparambil painted a picture in acrylic. As is usual, his favourite perspective is from the back of the Cross of Jesus. Even while on the Cross, Jesus seems to be being exalted to heaven! (photos)
2019 July 11. Recording Audio Music Album
The Music Band by name Yam Kinnereth invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil to give a scriptural introduction to their new audio music album in Malayalam, Hebrew and Greek. The text chosen was Lk 5:1-3, Jesus teaching from the boat of Simon in the Sea of Gennesaret (Yam Kinnereth). (photos)
2019 July 8-9. Meetings and Blessings, Rszesow
Kasia Bobola from the city of Rszesow organized a few meetings for Fr. Jose Maniparambil with some good rich people. Mr. Palew (Paul) who is the owner of MetKom company, which recycles 6000 tonnes of garbage a month introduced his workers to Fr. Jose, who gave them a short message and blessed them. Mr. Palew also introduced his managerial team to Fr. Jose – and there was a longer session on different topics.
Miss. Eva Dorotha offered her three-star hotel for Fr. Jose to stay overnight. She also took Fr. Jose to her Ceramic Factory where 400 employees work.
666 – Is it the number of Satan?
During the conversation with rich people, Fr. Jose asked: 666 – Is it the number of Satan! They did not answer. So, Fr. Jose explained. In Rev 13:18 it is very clearly written that it is the number of a man. Why then people think that this is the number of Satan? We tend to read what we want to read! Who is this man? Historically it could be Nero Kaiser, the numerical value of his name is 666. But it could be any man who get stalled at 6. What does it mean? God created the world and entrusted with human beings with an agreement (Sabbath Covenant): Out of seven days in a week, six days for man and one day for God – six days for man to continue God’s work on earth, and one day to rest with God. It was a fair deal. But some people get stalled on the sixth day – they don’t spend one day with God – the seventh day (Sunday) with God. Their number is 666 (it is the superlative of 6)! Work is holy! How? If we spend one day with God, the work of six days become holy. If not, all work becomes devilish! (photos)
2019 July 7. Evening Healing. Kalwaria Paclawska Open Retreat
In the evening, after the Holy Mass, presided over by Fr. Adam there was Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a healing service under the leadership of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Hundreds of people participated in this, and got blessed healing from our Lord Jesus (photos).
2019 July 5-7. Closed Retreat Healing and Suffering, Kalwaria Paclawska
Over 100 people attended three-day closed retreat on Healing and Suffering at Kalwaria Paclawska. Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached the retreat. In the conference, Fr. Jose said: Jesus healed many people. We have a right to ask him for healing. And he heals now. Yet, all the people healed by Jesus later died! This means that no healing is permanent. Suffering is the royal path to heaven because suffering and sickness is an anticipation of death, which tells us that earth is not our permanent home, and that we have to invest in heaven’s bank. And if we suffer innocently, our sufferings are united with Jesus’ suffering which becomes the healing for the world. (photos)
Why innocent children die?
This is a question that we hear often. What happens to such children? They are immediately transformed into angels, who are taken to heaven, who mediate for us so that the bondage of lineage is broken, and that we are released. Is not that a good thing? We are here on earth to accomplish God’s plan for history. Some children accomplish it while in their mother’s womb, some when they are one year old, or two year old…And then they are taken to heaven. Is it something bad?
In front of the Blessed Sacrament, people came in small groups praying for the gift of reconciliation and gift of the Holy Spirit. Each one brought a flower or two, representing the people whom they hurt or who hurt them and offered them at the feet of Jesus. Then they lighted a candle asking for the light of the Holy Spirit to enlighten them. (photos)
2019 July 3. Interaction with Franciscan Novices, Kalwaria Paclawska
The Franciscan novices had a two-hour interaction with Fr. Jose Maniparambil. They asked him questions of different kind and he answered them. On prayer, Mother Teresa, aim of theology, how should one study…Fr. Jose shared his experience with St. Mother Teresa, when he visited her at Calcutta in 1991. She told him, “We do not want good priests; we want holy priests.”
2019 June 28-30 Discernment of the Holy Spirit: Sanok Community
On 28th morning, Fr. Jose Maniparampil travelled from Polkowice to Kalwaria Paclawska, a Franciskan pilgrim center in Poland near border of Ukraine – almost seven hours by car. For a small charismatic community from Sanok, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a three-day closed retreat on Discernment of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Jose explained the difference between vision and discernment, and between prophecy in the Bible and prophecy among the pagans. For the pagans, ‘prophecy’ is ‘foretelling the future,’ which is an abomination for the God of Israel (cf. Deut 18). Prophecy in the Bible is intimacy (cf. Num 12), one who stands in the council of heaven, as Amos had said. (photos)
2019 June 23-27. Polkowice and Parchow – Feast of Sacred Heart of Jesus
This week, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached homilies in Polkowice Church. On June 27th, on the feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, he preached the homily in Parchow Parish. Inside of the church looks like a palm tree or a coconut tree. (photos)
2019 June 20-22, Economical Planning of a Family: Retreat at Lwowek Laski
On June 20th evening onward Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a three-day retreat to the parishioners of Lwowek Laski Franciscan Parish. How to be happy in daily life? This was the main topic. Fr. Jose spoke even about the economic management of our healthy families. He referred to Jesus’ words in Lk 14:28-29. When one wants to build something, he has to count the cost. If he does not have it, he should not start the construction. We can take bank loan only for investing in a project (which brings back money), not to buy a car or build a house. Learn from the parable of the Talents.
During the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, there were special prayers for couples, youth and children. (photos)
2019 June 20 Corpus Christi Feast, Lwowek Laski
Benon drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil (along with Iwona and Kasia Polak) to Lwowek Laski, Poland on 19th June. On 20th June, on the Corpus Christi Feast day, Fr. Jose preached homily during all Holy Masses – at 7.00, 8.30, 11.00, 17.00. after the Holy Mass at 11, there was Eucharistic Procession through the streets of the city – having four stations. In the first station, Fr. Jose delivered a message on the Holy Eucharist.
How could Jesus take a piece of bread and say ‘this is my body’ in the Last Supper? Was he not sitting there with physical body? With the Jews we ask: How can he give his body for us to eat? What did he do during that Passover meal? Jesus, who foreknew that he would die and would be raised from the dead, was bringing in anticipation the power of his resurrection to the piece of bread transforming it to his body, not his physical body, but risen body. In other words, the Holy Eucharist derives its meaning and significance from Jesus’ resurrection. If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, the Holy Eucharist has no relevance. (Photos)
2019 June 16. Homily on the Holy Trinity – Slupsk
In a parish in Slupsk, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a homily during the Holy Mass on the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. God is love. All religions agree. If God is love, God has to be more than one person because love by its very definition takes for granted the existence of more than one person. Love is an exodus – a going out, and it exists only if there are more than one person. God is the Logos. In God, there is also Dia-Logos (dialogue), a relationship of love. This relationship is known as ‘person.’ God is not three ‘individuals,’ but three ‘persons.’
Holy Trinity is not invention of the Church, but a revelation that is found in the Bible. Anybody who takes the Bible seriously has to admit this truth, and from this truth flows all other mysteries that a Christian believes. (photos)
2019 June 13-16. Duninowo Bible Class – Second Session
The second session of the Bible Class Series in Duninowo started on 13th June Thursday. The participants presented in a role play the genealogy – each of the four groups presented it creatively. The Role-Play on the Baptism of Jesus by each group manifested not only their creativity, but also the deep theology of the mystery of Baptism. (photos)
- June 9. Helper, Comforter and Advocate: Pentecost at Koszalin
During the Holy Mass at 7.00, 9.00, 10.30, 12.00, 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30, Fr. Jose spoke about many dimensions of the Holy Spirit. In one Holy Mass, there was the renewal of vows of the Knights of Jesus.
During another Mass, three children were baptized. The church was full for all the celebrations – must be around 600 or more people for each Holy Mass (Over 5000 people participated in the Sunday Holy Mass – great testimony to Europe and the world).
Besides these, there was the Holy Mass by the Bishop of Koszalin, in which he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation for over 50 children. Fr. Jose Maniparambil had a dinner with the Bishop and other twenty priests .
In one of the homilies Fr. Jose spoke about the meaning of Paraclete. Jesus said, “I will send another Paraclete” (Jn 14). The Greek word parakaleo means ‘I comfort.’ The Holy Spirit is a divine Comforter. But, the parakletos is a combination of two words, para and kletos, which means ‘one who is called to ones side’ to help. The Holy Spirit is a divine helper. The Greek Speaking Jews used for Mediator, one who settles the case outside a court of law. Jesus is our mediator (1 Tim 2:5); the Holy Spirit is another Mediator. The Greek’s used it for the advocate. Jesus is the first advocate and the Holy Spirit is another advocate to argue our case in the court of heaven.
Where does this court of heaven takes place? Jesus said that the Paraclete will be with us and in us. A believer’s heart turns out to be the heavenly court, because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And the ‘fees’ that they demand is love and faith. (photos)
2019 June 6-8. Breath, Wind and Fire: Pentecost Vigil – Koszalin, Poland
As a preparation for the great feast of the Pentecost, the different charismatic communities arranged a retreat with Fr. Jose Maniparambil. On 6th evening was the laying of hands for each individual. On 7th Friday evening, during the Holy Mass, all received the Sacrament of Healing (Sacrament of the Sick).
Juliusz Kisian, who translated Fr. Jose Maniparambil on his first visit to Koszalin in 2010, later joined the seminary to become a priest, and was ordained a priest on June 1st this year, joined in the evening Holy Mass as concelebrant, and also helped administering the Sacrament of Healing (Juliusz said that he came precisely to meet Fr. Jose and greet him).
On 8th Fr. Jose Maniparambil (after the Holy Mass and homily at 14.00) led the Pentecost vigil along with Fr. Piotr, a ceremony that lasted almost 7 hours – till 2 a.m. The charismatic renewal members formed two lines, then the whole congregation came in fours – holding hands, and Fr. Jose prayed over them in imitation of Elijah placing the mantle on Elisha – he put the tip of the stole upon the head of the people and prayed for a double share of the Holy Spirit. This was followed by Holy Eucharistic Adoration.
During the Conference, Fr. Jose focused on the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus bowed his head and handed over the Spirit (Jn 19:30) to Jesus’ mother and the disciple whom he loved who standing at the foot of the Cross (Jn 19:25-27). Then on the Resurrection day, He breathed on them and said, “receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:21). The disciples returned to the upper room, and spend time in studying the word of God (Acts 1:3-4) and prayer (Acts 1:14). And then the breath of Jesus, the Spirit of Jesus, manifested as a great storm that renewed the face of the earth. For example, there were many gods at that time – Zeus, Diana, Apollo… where are they now? In the museums! The wind of the Holy Spirit blew over Poland some 1000 years ago, and it became Christian. In 1979, John Paul II lifted his hands to the heaven and said, “Let the Holy Spirit descend on the land and renew its face!” Exactly ten years later, in 1989, the Berlin wall fell! Poland’s face was renewed. The Spirit continues to work. His power is incredible. (photos)
2019 June 5. Discernment of the Holy Spirit – Koszalin One-Day Retreat
Among the charismatic communities and people, it is a burning issue how to discern the will of God. Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a guideline to the community members at Holy Spirit Church, Koszalin, Poland. He referred to Acts 1:16-26. How did the Church discern the will of God to choose Matthias to fill the gap created by Judas Iscariot? i. they faced a crisis: one of the twelve was lost – they did not run away from the crisis; they did not shy away to take a decision; ii. Peter assumed the responsibility of leadership and he explained situation and the need for filling the vacancy; iii. According to the wisdom given to them, they ‘elected’ two; iv. Then the whole community prayed; v. then only they cast lots to know the will of God. There is a human and communitarian process, and then seek the will of God by casting lots (again a normal way) – they did not consult diviners, counsellors, or seek visions or dreams or horoscope…
Often people misinterpret ‘vision’ as a discernment. Vision is a vision, a dream for the future, but when it is confirmed as God’s will, then only it is called discernment. (photos)
2019 June 2. Right Hand of God! – Trzcianka Homilies on Ascension
During the Holy Mass at 6.30, 8.00, 9.30, 11.00, 12.30 and 16.00 Fr. Jose preached the homilies, each one lasting 20 minutes. He highlighted different dimensions of the Ascension of Jesus, and how it affects life of all human beings. One of the questions that he raised was this: “the risen Jesus was raised from the dead, and taken to the right hand of God” – does God have right-hand side and left-hand side? Is he not spirit? If so, what is the meaning of right hand of God? It means that Jesus was enthroned as the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev 19:16). It means that Jesus rules from the Cross. And that Jesus, who is ‘the King of kings and Lord of lords’ has made us kings and priests (Rev 1:6). This means that He rules from the Cross in and through us. Political rulers come and go. Where is Hitler now? Where is communism now? Jesus remains for ever. We are his citizens. Our republic is heaven. We are here on earth as heaven’s ambassadors, to protect the interests of heaven on earth.
After the Holy Mass for children, there was a special blessing for the children. Children played an action song to glorify the name of the Lord. (photos)
From Trzcianka, Benon and Iwona drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to Ustka (3 hours journey by car). And from there Fr. Piotr took them to Koszalin.
2019 May 30-June 1. The Gift and Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Trzcianka
On May 30th, Jaisu drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak from Katowice to Poznan (5 hours by car from Katowice), to the house of Janusz and his wife Kasia. There they had lunch.
In the evening, Janusz drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Trzcianka (pronounced Tshchianka) in Poland. Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a two-day retreat for the charismatic community there in the church run by Pallotine Fathers. During the conferences, Fr. Jose insisted that there is a difference between ‘the Gift of the Holy Spirit’ and ‘the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.’ When we say the ‘gift’ of the Holy Spirit, it refers to the Holy Spirit given to us as gift, as the first fruit of the resurrection of Jesus. But, when we use the plural ‘gifts’ it refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in the LXX of Isa 11:1-2. (photos)
2019 May 26. The Spiritual Battle
On May 26th Sunday, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a homily in Bibice, in the suburbs of Krakow (Poland), and a short conference about the spiritual battle. We are born to battle. God had told us about this battle at the very beginning of humanity, which is put in Gen 3:15, in the words addressed to the serpent: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her seed. He will strike your head, you will strike his heel.” This is our life, a battle against Satanic forces. We are the army of Jesus standing with him on Mount Zion (Rev 14:1). (photos)
2019 May 25. How to live in the Holy Spirit?
Kasia from Zywiec drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to Nowy Targ. There Fr. Jose held a conference for some of the leaders of the charismatic community on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially the first three gifts: wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He explained the difference between them. He focused especially on the gift of ‘understanding,’ which is a special sight that we get when we ‘stand’ on God by listening to God’s word. (photos)
2019 May 24. FM Radio Interview
In the morning of May 24th Friday, Fr. Lukasz had an interview with Fr. Jose Maniparambil, which is to be aired through FM radio and FB channel. One of the questions that was put to Fr. Jose was this: how to evangelize the young generation, especially when they are too much governed by science. Fr. Jose Maniparambil said, “Consider the Big Bang theory, which is proposed for the origin of the universe. What did explode? A cosmic atom (a primeval atom). Where did this atom come from? Science has no answer… And who proposed this theory? A Catholic Priest!…Here we begin to put fire in the young mind….” (photos)
2019 May 24. Under the Wings of the Holy Spirit
After the FM radio interview, Fr. Jose Maniparambil was taken to Zywiec (Poland), where he preached a conference on ‘Under the Wings of the Holy Spirit.” Basing on Heb 10:20, Fr. Jose explained that the temple veil that was split into at the time of Jesus death was the flesh of Jesus, and from there the Holy Spirit (the living water) flowed, exactly as the Holy Spirit descended at the time of his baptism (Mk 1:10; Lk 3:22). It is in this living water that we are baptized. And this birth is the beginning moment of a constant process of immersion in the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Jose also preached a Homily during the Holy Mass, led the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and laid the hands on the people. (photos)
2019 May 23. New Evangelization in Catacomb
Fr. Lukasz, a Pallotine priest, had planned a ministry of the new evangelization, the 60th meeting, in a boat. Over 100 people registered for it. But, due to rains for three continuous rains, the roads were submerged, rivers overflew, and so the program was shifted to the underground chapel of the basilica in Krakow Nowa Huta (Poland).
During this gathering on 23rd May, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a conference and led the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and also the laying of hands over the people. He asked the people to find new ways of preaching the gospel, that is, good news that is coming from Jesus the King of kings (Rev 19:16). (photos)
2019 May 17-19. Ephphatha Retreat -2. New Insight of Jesus’ Baptism
The Kairos Charismatic Community organized the second session of Ephphatha In-depth Retreat, in Bialystok, which shares border with Belarus. The Parish Priest, Fr. Sbyszek welcomed Fr. Jose Maniparambil to lead this session lasting for three days. The canonical visit of the Bishop coincided with the retreat of Fr. Jose.
The participants’ active participation and creativity were evident in four ‘role-plays’ acted out on the stage, manifesting four different dimensions of the Baptism of Jesus. (Photos)
A new insight into the mystery of the Baptism of Jesus was highlighted by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Luke presents the Baptismal theophany as a prayer-experience of Jesus (Lk 3:21-22). What did Jesus pray? What did God the Father speak? What did the Holy Spirit do? A hint is given in Heb 10:5-7, which records a dialogue which occurred before the Incarnation. The Father said to the Son, “You are my Son, my beloved, with you I am well pleased.” The Son said to the Father, “You did not desire animal sacrifices, prepare a body for me, I will go to any extreme to do your will.” And the Spirit equipped Jesus to be the Messiah-Savior, the Lamb who carries in his body the sin of the world. This is the inner reality of Jesus’ Baptism. The outer signs are seen in the water-baptism of John the Baptist, and the descend of the dove. What does it suggest to us? When we receive the Sacrament of Baptism, the Father ‘re-creates’ us as his beloved children, grafting us to the true vine, the true man (Jn 15:1), and the Son envelops us by his Holy Spirit in such a way that not only our original sins are washed away in the living water, but also we are made new creation, made effective to through faith (Jn 1:12-13). This ‘envelop’ of the Holy Spirit remains as a permanent ‘seal of God’ on the believers (Rev 7:2; 14:1). Even if they may sin again, these sins cannot make them totally dirty, but it is as if their feet are dirty (Jn 13:10b). They don’t need a baptismal bath again (Jn 13:10a), it is enough that they allow Jesus to wash their feet in the Sacrament of Confession (Jn 13:8).
2019 May 10-12. Training for Charismatic Community, Warcino, Poland
The village of Warcino, near Slupsk in Poland in which Bismarck had his roots, was occupied by Germany during Prussian War, and it had a Lutheran Church. Later, it became part of Poland, and the Church is used by Catholics. There Fr. Jose Maniparambil was invited (by Anna and Piotr) to preach a retreat for the leaders of a charismatic community – from May 10th Friday till 12th Sunday evening.
One of the participants testified and said, “Before coming for the retreat, I told myself, ‘what this priest will preach anew, I have been hearing retreats since many years.’ But, after listening to the preaching of Fr. Jose, I testify from my heart, I knew nothing about the word of God. Everything that he preached was new for me, and above all, they were the most fundamental in Christian life.” (Photos)
2019 May 9. At Home with the Homeless: Slupsk, Poland
On 8th May, Fr. Jose Maniparambil travelled from Katowice to Slupsk through Warsaw. It was a long journey of nine hours by train (two trains: Katowice-Warsaw; Warsaw-Slupsk). In Slupsk, Iwona from Ustka welcomed Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak.
Fr. Jose spent the evening of 9th May with the homeless people in Slupsk. He concelebrated the Holy Mass with Fr. Wojtek and preached a homily. After the Holy Mass, Fr. Jose spoke for a hour and held a prayer in which he laid the hands on all those who participated. (Photos)
2019 May 3-6. Living Water of Christianity: Rszesow Tabor Retreat
On May 2, Rev. Sr. Nikhitha SMMI dropped Fr. Jose Maniparambil, who is flying to Warsaw, at Rome Fiumicino airport in the morning. Fr. Jose was received by Kasia Polak at Warsaw airport, from where they took a train to Krakow and then from there to Rszesow Tabor Retreat Center.
In Rszesow Fr. Jose preached a retreat about the dichotomy between ‘waters’ of Judaism and ‘water’ of Christianity.’ In the Gospel of John, we see this contrast: in ch. 2, Jesus asks the empty jars of Jewish water purification to be filled with water, which he would change into best wine, namely, the ‘waters’ of Christianity. In ch. 3, Jesus asks Nicodemus to be ‘born’ from Above in the waters of Christianity namely the Holy Spirit. In ch. 4, Jesus tells the Samaritan Woman that he would give ‘living water.’ In ch. 5, Jesus heals a man who could not be healed by the water of Judaism in the pool of Bethesda for 38 years. In ch. 6, Jesus offers his blood as the real drink that makes the believers live forever. In ch. 7, Jesus declares solemnly, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink from me…” And later, he would open his side and give ‘water and blood’ (Jn 19:34). In ch. 9, Jesus asks the blind man to wash in the pool of Siloah, ‘One who is Sent,’ which is a designation for Jesus himself.
Through this presentation, John tells the whole world that ‘the waters’ of other religions are insufficient to quench the thirst of the believers, and that they stand in need of the living water of Christianity, that is, the Holy Spirit. (Photos)
2019 April 23-29. Time of the Gentiles – Time of the Church
Reverent sisters from China, Ile de la Reunion (Africa), Bangladesh and India – ten nuns – attended the lectures of Fr. Jose Maniparambil for about a week at Luca Bati SMMI Convent, Rome, Italy. Among the many things that Fr. Jose taught, one was the literary design of each gospel. To cite, for example, is the literary design of the Gospel of Luke, who says that the Law and the Prophets were until John, from then on the good news of the kingdom preached (Lk 16:16). Thus Luke divides history into three: the time of the prophets (Lk 1:5-3:20), the time of Jesus (Lk 3:21-24:53) and the time of the Church (Acts 1-28). The time of Jesus itself is divided into three: today, tomorrow and the third day (13:32). The time of the church is divided into three: Apostolic time represented by Peter (Acts 1-12), Sub-apostolic time represented by Paul (Acts 13-20) and the Post-apostolic time represented by the Passion Journey of Paul to Rome, by which the gospel reaches the end of the world (Acts 21-28). Jesus has said that there will be persecutions and oppressions ‘until the time of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Lk 21:24). The end of the world would come only after ‘time of the Gentiles are fulfilled,’ and the time of the Gentiles is the time of the Church, when the gospel is preached to the Gentiles. In the Book of Apocalypse, when the martyrs asked to avenge their blood, “They were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number would be complete both of their fellow servants and of their brothers and sisters, who were soon to be killed as they themselves had been killed” (Rev 6:11). The avenging of their blood and the last judgment cannot take place until the predetermined number of martyrs have been fulfilled. Therefore, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority” (Acts 1:7); what we have to do is to “receive power of the Holy Spirit and be witnesses to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). For a Catholic, every Holy Eucharist is the Parousia, the Second Coming of the Lord, and so they pray everyday “Maranatha, O’ Lord, Come” (Rev 22:17, 20)! And the Lord comes! Maran atha! (photos)
2019 April 22. Burning Fire of My Love
Rev. Fr. Pradip from New Delhi diocese and Rev. Fr. Clement, SJ joined Fr. Jose Maniparambil to celebrate the birthday of Sr. Lissy SMMI (24th April), the mother superior, Sr. Nikhitha SMMI (22ndApril), Vice Postulator and Sr. Kaini SMMI (19th April). During the homily, Fr. Jose narrated the story of St. Jerome, to whom Jesus asked: What gift will you give me on my birthday? And Jesus promised him, “If you give me your sins and shortcomings, your temptations and failures, I will burn them in the burning fire of my love.” Jesus is the burning bush, the burning fire of love, which burns away our ‘failures’ and highlights our merits. In our turn, let us also become ‘a burning fire of love’ which ignores the failures of others and focus on the beauty of their personality.
2019 April 21. Easter Message: Love overtakes Death
In a small gathering of SMMI nuns, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection: Death is stronger than life. What is stronger than death? It is Love. It is God. Indeed, “Love is stronger than death” (Song 8:6). Today we remember and celebrate the moment when this word of God became a reality. When we allow this Love to embrace us, our life will be transformed into the final phase of life, that is, resurrection: “One who believes in me has eternal life,” Jesus said. Therefore the question is this: Do we allow God to envelop us with His Love?
2019 April 19. INRI Bread Blessing
After the Holy Mass at Bad Herrenalb on April 19th Maundy Thursday, Zoltan dropped Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Stuttgart Airport. Rev. Sr. Lissy SMMI welcomed Fr. Jose at Rome Fiumicino Airport and took him to their convent at Luca Bati Street.
Sr. Cicily SMMI had prepared INRI Bread and its sweet sauce in remembrance of the Passover Meal of Jesus, in which Jesus dipped the bread in the sauce (Jn 13: ). Fr. Jose explained the meaning of this bread to the sisters from Africa, China, Bangladesh and India. He said that this is a traditional Indian ritual bread known as INRI Bread (Inriyappam), from the acronym on the top of the Cross: Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum (INRI) – Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews. It was written in three languages: Hebrew, Latin and Greek (Jn 19: ). In Hebrew it would be Yeshua Hanazri Wummalek Hayyehudi, of which the short form will be YHWH, God’s name. One who is hanging on the Cross is YHWH! This is why the high priests asked Pilate to change it, but he refused. God works even through evil people like Pontius Pilate!
When they make this bread, they put a cross in the middle of the bread with the dry palm leaves which they received on Palm Sunday the previous year. For this purpose, they keep the palm leaves for one year. These kinds of rituals only impart faith from generation to another: Faith can be imparted only through such liturgical rituals (which many churches have forgotten).
2019 April 15-17. Holy Week Triduum, Bad Herrenalb, Germany
Here is a community founded in Bad Herrenalb, Germany by a German priest in order to evangelize Ukraine. And Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached the Holy Week Retreat for the community members. He explained the meaning of small vibrant communities that spend time in prayer, praise and worship so that the country will have an ozone layer of God’s protection over their country. Jesus had many layers of disciples: one beloved disciple, three disciples – the elect within the elect, the twelve, the apostles, the seventy, the five hundred (1 Cor 15), the five thousand (Mt 14), the four thousand (Mt 15), the three thousand (Acts 2)…So this community is a strong instrument in God’s hand.
Fr. Jose also highlighted that the biggest tragedy of the Church in Europe is that the priests have lost hope. In fact, Faith is Hope. And if the Bishops and priests decided, people would go to the Church. It’s not people’s problem, but clergy’s problem that the Church is in bad shape. We have to pray for the priests, and we have to evangelize them. During this Paschal Triduum let us pray intensely for our dear priests. (photos)
2019 April 14. Riding on a Donkey: Palm Sunday, Bad Herrenalb, Germany
At the end of the Lenten Retreat at Fujairah on 12th April, Fr. Jose Maniparambil had dinner with Chaacha and Mommy of Tina Bose. Then Biju and Tina Bose drove Fr. Jose to Dubai Airport at 4 a.m. on 13th. Fr. Jose took Emirates flight to Frankfurt and reached there at 13.30. Since Zoltan had a problem with his car, Fr. Jose waited at the airport until 7 p.m. And then Zoltan drove him to Bad Herrenalb where Fr. Jose celebrated the Palm Sunday. It was attended by a small community. Fr. Jose blessed the leaves and gave a homily on why Jesus was riding a donkey, which is an insignificant animal. Today, riding on an insignificant piece of bread, He comes to us in the Holy Communion. And in our turn, we must be become his donkeys to carry him to the people in need. Thus, love of God and love of the neighbor become a double clamp of love. (photos)
2019 April 12. Rising from the Ashes: Palm Friday, Fujairah, UAE
After the Lenten Retreat at 4 p.m., Fr. Devassy SDB and Fr. Jose Maniparambil led the Palm Sunday Celebrations at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Fujairah. During the homily, Fr. Jose explained the meaning of ‘palm.’ In Rev 7:9ff. we read that the saints in heaven hold palm branches and stand before the throne of God and of the Lamb. The Greek word for palm is phoenix, which also refers to a mythical bird that rises from its own ashes. We, who hold the palm branches now, would hold it in heaven too, to announce that Jesus who died was risen from the dead and that we too will be raised from the dead.
Fr. Jose also explained the meaning of the typical Kerala edible called Kozhikatta and Peechampidy, the former one refers to the alabaster ointment of nard, which Mary used to anoint Jesus, and the latter one signifies the wrist of Judas, who held the money purse and opposed such lavish spending. (photos)
2019 April 8-12. Family Economy: Lenten Retreat in Malayalam, Fujairah, UAE
On April 8th Monday morning, a few Charismatic Leaders assembled in the house of Tina Bose to listen to in-depth teachings of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. It was interactive session. Fr. Jose answered the questions of the leaders. The class went up to 12. 30 p.m. (photos)
In the evening of the same day, Fr. Jose Maniparambil began the Five-Day Lenten Retreat in Malayalam at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Fujairah, UAE. The retreat began at 5.30 p.m., and went up to 9.30 p.m. Tina Bose, Benny, Binu, Julie and others including Jesus Youth members helped with leading the Mercy Chaplet, Rosary, Music, and praise and worship. Tina, Joshi and Shibu helped to arrange and sell the books and DVDs. Fr. Varghese Chempoly and other some other priests were present to hear the confessions of people. On Friday, 12th April, the retreat began at 2 p.m.
On 11th Thursday, four priests laid their hands on people in order to have a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and healing. Before the laying of hands, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave some testimonies. One of the testimonies was from Poland. A WhatsApp message from Kasia Polak read like this: “Good News. Remember this Viola you [Fr. Jose] prayed for in Ustka [Poland] – she had cancer which doctors refused to treat. Today [7 April 2019] her new result came. No Tumer.” All praised God for this great miracle and other wonders as well.
Many people came to Fr. Jose Maniparambil for counselling, which started on everyday at 8.30 a.m. and goes up to 4 p.m., and this was the routine for all days from March 29 till April 12.
On the last day of the retreat, Fr. Jose focused on the economic planning of every family. He based his arguments on Jesus’ words in Lk 14:28-30, “Which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish…’” This means that we should have clear planning for our life on earth. In the following verses (Lk 14:31-32), Jesus asks us to have plan A, plan B and even plan C. If one does not work, we should try another one. Fr. Jose referred to a young man’s story who draws a salary of 24,000 dirhams a month (almost 450,000 rupees per month), still has a huge loan! Why? Remember, many people in India live by 4,500 rupees per month! If somebody lives here in UAE for about 10 to 20 years, what is the fun of building a house in Kerala right now? Is building a house an investment? If he puts that money in NRE term deposit (which is not taxable in India), he can build a better house after twenty years – isn’t it! And Keralites are ‘mesmerized’ by Credit Card system in UAE, which is another version of ‘blade mafia’ in Kerala (money lenders who extract 36 percent interest on their capital, which is a serious sin). (photos)
2019 April 5-7. Wife, Divine Partner for the Man: Lenten Retreat, Dibba, UAE
Rev. Fr. Devassy SDB accompanied Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Dibba, where Fr. Jose began the Three-Day Lenten Mission in Malayalam. Paulson, Tomy, Tessy and some others from Dibba led the praise and worship before the Holy Mass. The first day of the retreat started at 3 p.m., and other days at 5 p.m., and went up to 9.30 p.m.
In and through his conferences and prayers, Fr. Jose led the audience into the deep mystery of Jesus, which helps all people to discover their life-goal on earth. On the last day of the retreat, Fr. Jose focused on life in family. Those who marry are given a special privilege to enter into the erotic love of God physically. Therefore, God has given to man a wife, who is a divine partner, that is, the wife of a man is God’s physical presence with that man. And only if the considers his wife as equal to him and respect her dignity as God’s physical presence with him, their relationship will grow into a real union, the deepest union possible.
These three days, people in Dibba provided supper for Fr. Jose and Fr. Devassy, who was administering the sacrament of reconciliation. (photos)
2019 April 4. Why Ordained Priests? English Charismatic Session at Jabal Ali, UAE
Around 60 families gathered at a hall in the Catholic Church, Jabal Ali, UAE to hear the lectures of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Most of them were from Mangalore and Goa and other English-Speaking areas of India. Many of them attended the Preachers’ Training Program at Dubai. Mostly it was an interactive session which started at 6.30 p.m. and went up to 10 p.m. People asked him questions, and he answered quoting the word of God from the Bible. For example, one of the questions that was raised is this: some evangelical churches say that all people of God are priests and do we need ordained ministers? Fr. Jose asked them to take Mk 3:14 from KJV (King James Version, a version that is considered by these evangelical churches as the only one inspired). There we read: “And he [Jesus] ordained twelve.” The Greek word is poieo, which is used in the Old Testament for the ordination of priests. Literally, ‘he made the twelve as priests,’ ‘he created the twelve as priests.’ Though Israel was a priestly nation, they had ordained ministers also. There are two types of priesthood: natural priesthood and official priesthood. By baptism, we are made (ordained) as a priestly nation. By the sacrament of orders, some are ‘made’ or ‘ordained’ as official priests. And the duty of a priest is to ‘lift up’ people and things to the Lord for his use. This is ‘lifting up’ is called consecration or sanctification (cf. Jn 17:19). (photos)
Fr. Jose met his nephew Tutu alias Nithin, who works in Dubai. Biju and Tina Bose and their children Joshua and Emmanuel accompanied Fr. Jose, who also visited the house of Bensy, the sister of Biju, to bless her home. Then they had dinner at a Chinese Restaurant, with typical Chinese cuisine. By 2.30 a.m., they reached back at Fujairah. (photos)
2019 April 1-3. Share in Heaven’s Property: Lenten Retreat, Dibba, UAE
Rev. Fr. Sagayaraj SDB took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Dibba, a station church almost one hour journey from Fujairah to preach the Lenten Retreat in English there. Most of the participants are from Philippines, who went to UAE in search of job. During the retreat Fr. Jose said that they are here not merely for job, but to be a light to the nations as the Israelites were a light to the nations in Babylon (present day Iraq and Kuwait).
Preparing the retreatants for a fruitful confession, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the dialogue between Jesus and Peter (Jn 13). Peter told Jesus that he should not wash his feet. Jesus said that if Peter did not allow him to wash his feet, he has no part (Hebrew: Heleq, share, heritage, patrimony) with him: Peter will have no part in heaven’s ‘property!’ In that case, you have to wash my head and hands, Peter, who wanted all share for himself, said. Jesus said, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean.” The first bath is the Baptism. The sins that we commit after baptism do not make us dirty completely, but it is as though our feet are unclean. We have to allow Jesus to wash our feet. This happens in the confessional, which is the pool of Siloam (cf. Jn 9:7). If we do not allow Jesus to wash our feet, we have no share in heaven’s patrimony, in the Father’s property. (photos)
2019 March 29. Jesus Thirsts to Give His Spirit: Youth Conference, Nakheel, UAE
On 29th March, after the retreat at 13.00 hrs. at Fujairah, Fr. Jose Maniparambil was driven by Tina Bose to Nakheel Catholic Church to conduct a Bible Conference for the Youth of UAE. And Fr. Jose started the conference at 3.30, which went up to 6.30. And it was concluded by the Holy Mass in Latin Rite. Over 200 young people gathered there to listen to God’s word. Fr. Jose based his session on Jesus’ word, “I thirst.” Jesus thirsts to give us the Living Water (Jn 7:37-39), that is, the Holy Spirit, that flows from his Pierced Side (Jn 19:34). But, Jesus demands that we rectify our old ways, just as he asked the Samaritan Woman, ‘call your husband!’ Jesus was asking the woman not only to rectify her personal life, but also the religious syncretism of her people. In a similar fashion, Fr. Jose said, Jesus demands that the living water rests in good wells – that is our holy life. We are invited to become holy. Sainthood is not limited to some people, but an invitation to all people. Fr. Jose called the attention of the young people to the dangers that the young people are facing in this modern world of social media, especially the dangers of human traffic (esp. young girls), drug traffic and sex tourism – all of these reducing us to a commodity sold in the market. Jesus came to redeem our dignity and worth.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil asked Jolly Kavalam, Francis, Roxana and other organizers to go to the dais and thanked them for organizing such a wonderful gathering for the young people. After the Holy Mass at 7.30, the organizers served dinner for all participants. (photos)
2019 March 28-30. Finger of Jesus: English Lenten Retreat at Fujairah, UAE
On 28th March, at 7 p.m. Fr. Jose Maniparambil started the Annual Lenten Retreat at the Catholic Church, Fujairah, UAE. He began the Lenten Mission with the Holy Mass in Latin Rite. The Parish Priest Fr. Sagayaraj SDB welcomed Fr. Jose. On 29th Friday, the retreat started at 9 a.m. and went up to noon. On 30th Saturday, the retreat was concluded with a healing session. People submitted themselves to the laying of hands by priests (cf. Acts 8:17), through which Jesus, in whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily (Col 1:19 and 2:9) touches his people physically today. Fr. Sagayaraj said that this was the biggest gathering of the faithful for an English retreat that he has ever seen in his five years of ministry here. Basing on Hosea 11:8 (and Deus Caritas est 10-12), Fr. Jose Maniparambil focused on two major aspects: God goes to any extreme to protect his own (Jn 13:1). Secondly, Jesus continues to put ‘His Finger,’ that is, the Holy Spirit (Lk 10:20 and Mt 12:28) into our ears and mouths (cf. Mk 7:31-37) so that we open up our hearts to him and open new mission fields to his saving love. And this can be done by a sustained meditation of the word of God (for which we have to seek the help of good books and commentaries because without an interpreter we cannot understand God’s word for us; cf. Acts 8:31). (photos)
2019 March 27. Blessing of Sinaa, Dhaid, UAE
After having breakfast with Chaacha (father of Tina Bose) and his wife Thresiama, Fr. Jose Maniparambil went to Dhaid in UAE to their factory unit where kubus (Arabic staple food) and other sixty-five different varieties of bread and cakes are produced with the help of completely automatic machines. Biju, husband of Tina Bose, explained everything to Fr. Jose, who then blessed the new building which is under construction. The name of the factory is ‘Sinaa,’ which stands for Sinai, the biblical mountain of covenant – material bread symbolizing spiritual manna. In his short conversation with Chaacha and Biju, Fr. Jose Maniparambil highlighted that they, by creating and providing job for over 250 people in their factory units, they continue God’s providence for his people. And more than 1000 people depend on these employees for their livelihood. God entrusted money and other resources with them, through which they sustain God’s people with not only material bread, and they long for the Bread from heaven – the Word of God.
Fr. Jose also blessed the house of Chaacha, Biju – Tina, and the horse of Joshua by name ‘Spirit,’ which Chaacha donated him on his birthday. (photos).
Fr. Jose was taken to have a view of the mountains in Fujairah – in Kalba area, and the palm gardens in the valleys between the mountains. It was a trip that changed the concept of a desert, which is not a land of sand, but a place where you meet God in a totally different atmosphere. (photos)
On every Thursday, His honourable Al Sharki, the Sheik of Fujairah, sends lunch from his palace to Chaacha’s house, and Chaacha is known as Sheik Bose (instead of Bose Matthew). On 28th March, Fr. Jose Maniparambil had the privilege of sharing that special meal of the Sheik.
2019 March 24-26. Lenten Mission, English, Nakheel, UAE
Fr. Thomas Sebastian, the parish priest, welcomed Fr. Jose Maniparambil once again to preach the annual retreat in Nakheel Church for the English Speaking Community.
Fr. Jose spoke on the practical side of God’s love in our daily today life, especially in family. What is the specific nature of matrimonial love? It is a preferential love. One boy and one girl. Not one boy and many girls, nor one girl and many boys. You prefer one boy or one girl to the others. In order to get the specific love of a girl, the boy abandon all others’ love; the girl forgoes all others’ love in order to get the real love of her boy. There is an exclusivity in matrimonial love.
How does love develop? You have to stay together. You cannot marry a girl to leave her in another country. You have to live together. This is the first purpose of marriage.
Early marriages are better for having good and healthy children. Church has specified 14 for the girl and 16 for the boy; State has specified 18 for the girl and 21 for the boy. One has to get settled in life after forming a family, not before forming it.
You have to pray together. In this way, you secure your house with an ozone layer of God’s grace and mercy. No Satan can attack you.
You have to discuss together. And make your children participate in your discussions. They have better ideas than you.
Try to identify with each other. You can win over the heart of the other. If you win over the heart of the other, as you grow old, you come closer and closer to each other…Marriage indeed is beautiful.
The retreat was so wonderful that a couple – Michele and Berne – came forward with a great donation to produce the sermons of Fr. Jose Maniparambil in English. And Jerry Jose (Mussafah) came from Abu Dhabi Airport with five bundles of English Books of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. (photos)
2019 March 22. Youth Conference, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
After hearing the sermons of Fr. Jose Maniparambil, some of the ‘Jesus Youth’ members wanted to have a conference with him, and it was arranged on 22nd March from morning 9.30 till 2.00 p.m. Fr. Jose answered all their questions. It was a non-stop session lasting for about five hours.
One of the things that inspired the young people was the fact that Fr. Jose always distribute the Holy Communion in two species. Not a single day after his ordination as a priest on 28th December 1989 Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass without distributing the Holy Communion in two species. People of God feel ‘unfulfilled’ when they receive only the body of Jesus. In fact, it is a simple fact that if the priests decide to distribute in two species, it can be done since there are many Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion in UAE. (photos)
2019 March 22. Lenten Mission, Malayalam, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
After the Way of the Cross at 2.00 p.m. Fr. Jose continued his Lenten Retreat for a bigger audience in St. Antony of Padua Church, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. In order to experience the Cross of Love, God has invited the couples to enter into God’s own erotic love in bodily form. Marriage is a sacrament. Sacrament means the Paschal Mystery. Paschal Mystery means death and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, those who are invited to the sacrament of marriage are summoned to enter into the death and resurrection of Jesus on a daily today basis. The man dies to himself and rises in his wife. The woman dies to herself and rises in her husband. In order to get the genuine love of a woman, the man decides to sacrifice his freedom. In order to get the exclusive love of a man, the woman decides to sacrifice her freedom. This is marriage: man becomes husband, woman becomes wife. There is no love without sacrifice.
And a woman wouldn’t give her heart to her man if her man does not respect her as equal to himself and does not appreciate her beauty. If he does, he can touch the soul of his wife, and she would die for her man. (Photos)
2019 March 19-21. Lenten Retreat Malayalam, Nakheel, UAE
On 18th Monday, after the evening conference, Holy Mass and Homily in Sharjah Catholic Church and dinner at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Jolly Kavalam, Mr. Geo dropped Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Ras Al Khaimah, UAE around Midnight. Rev. Fr. Thomas Sebastian, the parish priest of St. Antony of Padua, has been waiting for him at the gate.
On 19th Tuesday evening, Fr. Jose Maniparambil started the Lenten Retreat in Malayalam at Nakheel Catholic Church with the Holy Mass according to Syro-Malabar Rite. Basing on Hosea 11:8-9 and the Deus Caritas Est (God is Love, art. 10, 12), the first encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, Fr. Jose explained that the Cross of Christ is God’s heart turning against himself. When we commit sin, we destroy the basic fabric of justice in the world and God has to punish us, the guilty, in order to restore justice in the world. But, when he raises his hand in order to ‘beat’ us, His heart blocks him: “My heart recoils within me,” God says (Hosea 11:8). “My heart turns against me.” “My heart blocks me.” Therefore, God ‘beats’ himself. He takes upon himself the punishment that we have to bear. This is the Cross. The Cross is God’s Heart Turned Against Himself. This is why the Church teaches that God’s justice is His mercy. Are we ready to remain in the merciful embrace of God? (photos)
2019 March 18. Sharjah Malayalam Community
Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass at 7 in Sharjah Church and addressed the Malayalam Charismatic Community Leaders from 7.45 to 9.45 p.m. The focus of his teaching was: what is forgiveness? Is it just forgetting or the opposite of that: remembrance? How does purification happen in the guilty and the victim simultaneously?
After supper at Jolly Kavalam’s house, Mr. Geo drove Fr. Jose to Ras Al Khaimah Catholic Church. Fr. Thomas Sebastian was waiting for them. (Photos)
2019 March 17. Travel to Fujairah
Tina Bose took Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Dubai to Fujairah. Many plans for the future were discussed – the new Bible Translation, Songs and Music and a lot of others.
2019 March 16. Preachers’ Training at Dubai and Sharjah
From 9 a.m. the Preachers’ Training Program resumed by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Afternoon session was also dedicated for question and answer. At the end of the session, Fr. Ani Xavier and Fr. Victor came and honoured Fr. Jose with a stole like shawl. Fr. Jose also distributed the certificates for the participants. (Photos)
Then Fr. Jose was taken to Sharjah to continue the sessions there for English speaking communities. Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass, gave a homily and then gave lecture on Reconciliation. The personal testimony of Fr. Jose touched the souls of many. One of them commented that he had shaken our souls.
Jolly Kavalam and Tina Bose organized with Sr. Anjo to send more English Books to Abu Dhabi – for the next retreats.
After the session, they drove Fr. Jose to Dubai, to Justin’s hotel and restaurant: Jacob’s Hotel, with over 150 rooms – well furnished. Justin and Julia, his wife, had donated a good sum of money for the Bible Project during the first mission journey of Fr. Jose to UAE. They had to cross huge hurdles to start this hotel. Fr. Jose blessed the hotel and had dinner there. It was great day since today was the birthday of Justin.
At 1 in the night, they dropped Fr. Jose in St. Mary’s Church, Dubai. Today, it was a long day with 14 hours of non-stop preaching, that too, standing always. God’s miracles are of different kind. (Photos)
2019 March 15. Preachers’ Training Program: Dubai and Sharjah
Seejo Chittekara and Dittin dropped Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Nedumpassery airport (Kochi) at 2.15 a.m. The Emirates flight from Kochi to Dubai was delayed half an hour, and landed at 7.30 a.m. in Dubai. Mr. Jolly Kavalam welcomed Fr. Jose and took him to Dubai St. Mary’s Church. And then he was taken to Al Wasl Hotel Auditorium to address the Preachers. Around 220 English speaking people from different countries had assembled there at 9 and immersed in praise and worship. Fr. Jose started the lectures at 10 a.m., a non-stop session up to 1.30. Then there was half an hour break for lunch. During lunch also Fr. Jose was surrounded by people with questions. The afternoon session went up to 5.30 p.m. Fr. Jose focused on digging into the word of God in order to meet the owner of the word, namely, God himself, and build our life on that rocky foundation.
After the first session, almost all copies of the English books of Fr. Jose were sold out. People were thrilled at the depth of the word of God. Jerry Jose had taken the huge responsibility of collecting the books from Abu Dhabi airport and arranging them here.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil was taken to Sharjah Catholic Church for another session at 6.30 till 7.45. He addressed two gatherings of preachers there and celebrated Holy Mass at 8.15 and gave a longer homily. When everything was over, it was 10 p.m. People wondered how Fr. Jose could stand all the time during his lectures (almost 12 hours), and non-stop teaching. They glorified the Lord for the gift of Fr. Jose.
They took Fr. Jose to Dubai and on the way had supper in a restaurant. By midnight they dropped him at St. Mary’s Church, Dubai. (Photos)
2019 March 13. Blessing of Sensory Park
Fr. Jose blessed the Sensory Park at Madonna and cut a cake in the context of the anticipation of the feast of St. Joseph, the heavenly patron. He explained to Madonna Special Children the purpose of Sensory Park: Panchedriyangalkondu Padikkanulla Poonthottam (PPP).
At 11 a.m. onward, another fifteen episodes were shot for the same social media: the YouTube Channel. Fr. Jose spoke on various matters, ranging from material science to political science to religion. He also dwelt on many social issues. (Photos)
2019 March 12. Shooting for YouTube Channel
Fr. Seby Kulangara invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil for a shooting series of eight sermons for the Holy Week to be aired through the Diocesan YouTube Channel: Hosanna, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter. The boy who was recording them was a Moslim and he said that he has been doing it many years, but have heard such different and deep sermons. It was also an evangelization for him.
In the afternoon, Vipin, Shahna and Albin came for shooting Fr. Jose Maniparambil’s sermon for his YouTube Channel. Earlier, ten episodes for Facebook had been shot. Today they shot 15 episodes. In total, 50 episodes of different length.
2019 March 12. Bishop’s Blessing
Fr. Jose Maniparambil visited his bishop Pauly Mar Kannookadan at the bishop’s house to get his blessing for his preaching ministry in UAE. He presented a copy of the Biblical Rosary to the bishop. Fr. Jose visited other priests in the Bishop’s House and gifted them a copy of the same book.
2019 March 7. Outing to Cherai Beach and Boating at Kochi
With his staff members Beena and Moly, Fr. Jose Maniparambil went for one-day outing to Cherai Beach. Had a boating in Kochi too. This was also to inspect the places for the upcoming European Visit of India during the Retreat in the Footsteps of St. Thomas, to be held in Oct 5-20. (Photos)
2019 February 3-March 6. Flight Back to India and Various Activities
Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a flight from Warsaw to Kochi through Munich, and Mumbai. The flight from Munich was delayed indefinitely due to snow fall, and the connecting flight from Mumbai to Kochi missed. He reached Kochi on 4th evening.
In his native village Muthuratnakara and surrounding villages of Aloor and Vendore, Fr. Jose blessed many places (six in total) to dig an open well. In the premises of Muthuratnakara Church also he blessed a place for digging a well. This action is seen as a counter-witness to Hindu superstitious beliefs of divination. Fr. Jose insists that he does not know how to ‘fix’ the place of the well, whether they would get water, but emphasizes that he would pray to Jesus, who sat at the well of Jacob and asked for water to give us water (Jn 4).
On 12th February Fr. Jose gave the funeral homily at the death of Chittekkara Lonappan, the beloved father of Seejo, Shaju and Shagi (former staff of Biblia). He explained what happens when we die, how we swim through the river of death.
On 14th Fr. Jose went to Bangalore National Printing Press to finalize his book, Biblical Rosary and he returned on the next day evening.
On 18th night, Nostalgia Social Vision members gathered at Biblia Academy and celebrated the birthday of Fr. Jose Maniparambil.
On 19th February, Madonna children celebrated the birthday of Fr. Jose Maniparambil (actual date is 18th, but since it was a hartal day, they postponed it). It was also the birthday of Sr. Anjo, the principal.
Fr. Jose and his brother Fr. Francis celebrated a requiem holy mass for their departed father Anthony M.P. and prayed the office to the death at his tomb.
On 23rd February, Fr. Francis and Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass at Madonna Residential Home. Fr. Jose gave the homily.
2019 Jan 26 to Feb 1. How Deep the Word of God Is!
The Charismatic Leaders from Legnice gathered in a school in Lwowek, Poland for five days in an in-depth study and prayer of the Word of God. Fr. Jose Maniparambil animated the sessions. He conducted it in a special way by making the participants involved in workshops and group discussions. Two doctors, Mr and Mrs. Pawel, from Szczecin said that this was a marvellous experience of the depth of the Word of God.
Mr. Roman was the organizer and Fr. Jarek was the main force behind this zealous team of Preachers of the Gospel of Jesus. Mr. Roman and Pawel dropped Fr. Jose at Darek’s house in Warsaw, who reached him to the airport at 2 in the night. (Photos)
2019 January 17-18. God’s Special Children and Their Brave Mothers
On January 16th Fr. Jose Maniparambil travelled with Kasia-Polak to Gdnia by train (almost 7 hours) and from there to Ustka (almost two hours) in order to conduct a conference for the Differently abled children, their parents and teachers. It was midnight when they arrived.
On 17th Fr. Jose addressed the students and their parents and teachers and said: God wanted to manifest his work in a different way (cf. Jn 9:1-3) so that they become a sign for us, a witness for us, for the wisdom and wonder of God, and this is why he created some children as differently abled. Their parents should be of extraordinary courage. Their teachers are visible guardian angels. Fr. Jose addressed the parents and teachers separately too. Olek from Torun and his teach helped the students to pray and dance with their angelic music.
In the evening, there was a photoshoot of Fr. Jose in the Studio of Lucjna – for the cover page of the book, Biblical Rosary, both in English and Polish.
On 21st Monday Fr. Jose returned to Katowice (nine hours journey) with Kasia Polak and reached home at around 11 p.m. Jaisu was there at the Railway Station to pick them up. (Photos)
2019 January 11-12. Follow Up Retreat Tychy, Poland
The Bethlehem community gathered once again to pray and meditate the word of God in a deeper level. Fr. Jose Maniparambil animated this follow up retreat on 11th evening and 12th morning till noon. He insisted that when we sit in prayer we allow the Holy Spirit to lift us into the bosom of the trinity, into the dialogue within the Holy Trinity, in such a way that we become the subject of their dialogue. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit discuss about us exactly as our earthly parents discuss about their children, their needs, their future… (Photos)
2019 January 4-6. Epiphany Retreat at Tychy
The entire ambience in the church evoked feelings of Bethlehem, where Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a three day Epiphany Retreat. Why the magi (priests in Persian kingdom) set out to Jerusalem when they spotted a new star? Why didn’t they go to other places? There are many reasons, Fr. Jose said, and he explained two of them.
Among these two, one is this: in 1967 archaeologists discovered a copper plate from east of Jordan (outside the Holy Land) a prophecy of Balaam, a prophet of ancient religions, in which it is written that a star rises in Jacob (cf. Num 24). This was prophecy was known all throughout the Persian empire and the magi, who were aware of it went to the place of Jacob, and they not only worshiped Jesus, but obeyed the message of the angel to take a different path: Jesus indeed is the King who commands the obedience of the kings of the world! Doe he command my obedience? (photos)
2018
2018 December 28-30. Voice of the Word in the World
On December 27th, Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak travelled from Katowice to Bialystok through via by train. Viola picked them up and dropped at the Parish House. On 28th, the first three-day program of a six week-end course started. Over 80 people participate in this in-depth study of the word of God. The entire course is named as ‘In the Cenacle with Jesus,’ and the first week-end program of three days is named, ‘The Voice of the Word.’
As Fr. Jose Maniparambil puts it, ‘We have to dig deep into the word God, and find the owner of the word there in order to build our life of faith on this rocky foundation. Any tempestuous situation of tragedies or torrential rain of suffering will make our life fall because it is built on God the rock. And this prayerful study of the word of God is our humble attempt in this direction…Jesus is the Word, and God the Father is the owner of the Word, and we, like John the Baptizer, are called to be His Voice in the world.
The first eight verses of the Gospel of Mark was discussed in depth in a three day program of eight sessions, each of them one and half hours.
A part of the book Ephphatha: Gospel of Mark, written by Fr. Jose Maniparambil (Polish translation by Kasia Polak) was distributed as a reference note. There were some workshops, group sharing, testimonies besides Holy Mass, adoration, praise and worship, and laying of hands…it was an awesome God experience. And it was a wonderful group with Fr. Zbiszek, Fr. Jurek and Anna… as their leaders. (photographs)
2018 December 25.
Magic Blanket of Love The Child in the manger of straw and grass, The magic blanket of love that covers us all; The shepherds came to see the True Shepherd The magic wand that guides us to our destiny. We may be miles away, and may not be together, But the star from the east reaches us to the Crib Our hearts and souls remain united now and forever I celebrate this Christmas with a heart with you Let hope thrives as we make our love grow In the darkest corners candles of faith glow! Let me wholeheartedly wish you and all, The warmest greetings of a blessed Christmas!
2018 December 19. Christmas Message at the City Council
The Mayor of the City of Polkowice, Poland invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil to give a Christmas message in the City Council Meeting at 3 p.m. on 19th December 2018, and he himself welcome him to the Christmas gathering of the City Council. In the presence of some Polish parliament members, coal miners, Scout who brought the light from Bethlehem and all the City Council members Fr. Jose Maniparambil said, “Jesus was born in a manger of straw and grass, which is actually a magic blanket of love, that has united us. Usually we keep food for animals in the manger. But, now there lies the bread from heaven, our true food, a symbol of that we are all holding now in the form of a wafer. Let this cover each one of us with the magic blanket of love, not only in this winter, but all throughout our life.” Fr. Jarek, the Parish Priest and Kasia-Polak, the translator were also present. (photos)
2018 December 17-19. Advent Retreat: The Manger – Divine Dining Table
The wise men from the east entered the house and found Jesus with Mary (Mt 2:11), and this house had a partition at the back, where animals were kept and Mary had laid Jesus in the manger (Lk 2:7). When this event was seen in the light of Isa 1:3, an ox and a donkey appeared in the manger. Jesus, the bread from heaven, lies now in the manger, where food for animals are kept, and he lies between two animals, as was told by prophet Habakkuk in the Greek translation of the Bible, which was the Bible of the early Church: “you shall be known between two animals” (Hab 3:2 LXX). This is a reference to the two cherubim, mysterious animals, on either side of the Mercy Seat (Exod 25; cf. Heb 9:5). Now the Lord, the Mercy Seat, lies between two animals, ox and donkey – the representatives of the Jews and Gentiles -, as the bread from heaven. If so, the manger points to the dining table of heaven, which is represented as the altar in a Catholic Church, where the Lord lies as the bread from heaven.
Therefore Luke writes (2:7), “the place for them was not in the inn” (Greek: kataluma). Jeremiah had asked (14:8): “Lord, the Hope of Israel, why are you like a stranger looking for an inn (kataluma) to lodge the night?” An inn is meant for a foreigner or stranger for a temporary stay. The Lord is not a stranger in his land to be born in an inn. And therefore, Mary covered Jesus in ‘swaddling clothes’ as Solomon, the most glorious king of Israel, was cared and nurtured is swaddling clothes (Wisd 7:4).
Later, on Palm Sunday, the Lord would ride on a donkey. Now, he rides on a piece of bread to come to us asking us to become the donkey to take us to the people who are in need.
Is my heart an inn where the Lord is a stranger or is it a home where the Lord is welcomed as the most glorious king, who rules and protects my life? Does the Lord come to in the Holy Communion for a temporary stay or permanent stay? Do I become a donkey for the Lord to reach out to the needy?
This is just a summary of one of the nine conferences of Fr. Jose Maniparambil that he preached in an Advent Retreat at Polkowice Parish.
One evening, Fr. Jose also addressed the young boys and girls who are preparing for first Holy Communion and Confirmation. Another evening, he addressed the parents of these children.
2018 December 17. Power-Bank of Prayer
A family came to Fr. Jose Maniparambil and said, “We had no children for nine years. When you came here last time, we came to you for prayer, and got a child. We believe that it’s because of your prayer, and so we called him Joseph after your name.” They asked Fr. Jose to take the in his hand and bless, and he did joyfully: Praise the Lord. (photos)
Then another woman came forward and testified: “Last year I came to you to pray over me to have a child. And you prayed. After the prayer, you asked me, ‘where is your husband? Call him.’ And I brought my husband to you, and you prayed again over us. And now we have twins.” Praise the Lord.
2018 December 16. The Lord IS in Your Womb
During the Syro-Ephramite War (BC 733), King Ahaz of Judah sought the military help of then the colonial power Assyria (present day Iran). Assyria offered help on condition that Ahaz would set up altar for pagan gods in Jerusalem (cf. Isa 7:1-15). However, Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, did not agree to it. Later, Manasseh the son of Hezekiah was forced to erect such altars for pagan idols and his son Amos continued this appeasing policy. But, Josiah, the son of Amos, started a religious renewal of demolishing pagan altars and focusing on true worship. There was a reason for this religious renaissance and that was a prophecy of Zephaniah, today’s liturgical reading, who said (Zeph 3:14-17), “Rejoice, O daughter of Zion. The Lord is in your womb (midst).” Even when the religion was in bad shape, the prophet could see a still deeper reality: The Lord is still in their midst.
After almost 600 years, when Angel Gabriel came to Mary, he took up the words of Zephaniah and said, Chaire, Kecharitomene! “Rejoice, O the most favored one! The Lord is in your womb!” God literally became man (Jn 1:14). The first word of the new covenant is ‘rejoice’ (chaire).
We are people of joy because the Lord is not only in our midst, but also in our ‘womb,’ in our ‘stomach’ through the Holy Communion. He dwells within us. In order to remain in everybody’s ‘womb’ (bosom/heart) the Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist.
One of the Catholics in India started a new denomination called ‘Emperor Immanuel,’ siting the reason that the Catholic Church didn’t call Jesus ‘Immanuel’ as was asked by Angel Gabriel (cf. Mt 1:18-23). Anybody can call Jesus Immanuel. You don’t need church’s permission for that. You don’t need to start a new denomination. However, Jesus is more than ‘immanuel’ (God with us), because he is not only with us, but he is within us, the Catholics! Therefore, even when the religious situation is not very encouraging, REJOICE! THE LORD IS IN YOUR WOMB!
In his seven homilies during seven Holy Masses on December 16th Sunday (at 7.00; 8.00; 9.30; 10.45; 12.00; 13.00 and 18.00) in Polkowice, Poland, Fr. Jose Maniparambil elaborated the details of this news and how it affect each one of us. And for all the Holy Masses, the church was full. Religion is not in very bad shape in Europe! (photos)
2018 December 15. Vertical Authority of A Preacher
Jasiu drove his wife Kasia and Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Katowice to Polkowice in Poland on 14th December, and the parish priest Fr. Jarek welcomed them. On 15th December, Fr. Jarek and Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass for the charismatic leaders, and during the homily Fr. Jose explained the role of Elijah in the New Testament – to effect a double conversion: turning the father’s heart to the children and turning the children’s heart to the parents.
During two conferences for the charismatic leaders, Fr. Jose Maniparambil focused on Gal 1:1, where Paul speaks of his vertical authority: Paul is an apostle neither by human commission, nor by human authority but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead. He claims that he got it through an apocalypse (Gal 1:15). Peter became a disciple because Jesus called him, but he became an apostle because God the Father revealed this to him (Mt 16:17) – that is, an apocalypse. Other disciples became apostles because of an apocalypse (Mt 11:25-28). Paul too.
Paul also claims prophetical authority like Jeremiah (Jer 1:5), and Isaiah (49:1), who were set apart from their mother’s womb (Gal 1:15). This sense of vertical authority did not make Paul to start a new church or denomination, but in communion with the mother church (Gal 1:17, 2:1), he tried to impress God who called him, not any human powers. Who do we impress – man or God? (Photos)
2018 December 12. Guest in a Music Concert
After the retreat in Pabienice, Poland on December 2, Alicja drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to Olsztynek, in which district he has the resident permit, and he spent the week working on a Biblical Rosary and a Commentary on the Book of Apocalypse. There was some leisure time when Fr. Jose cooked some Indian food, met some of his friends…
On 12th December, he driven to Warsaw to participate as a guest in a 40th year Jubilee Celebration Music Concert of Lech Makowiecki and his wife Bozena. Fr. Jose Maniparambil was the only foreign guest in the program and the concert will be telecast in Polish national Television channels. (photos)
2018 Nov 29-Dec 2. The Holy Spirit Threw Him into the Wilderness!
Jasiu, the husband Kasia Polak drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil to a place called Pabienice in Poland on November 28. The retreat for three full days commenced on 29th morning, with praise and worship. During the conferences and homilies Fr. Jose insisted on Life in the Holy Spirit. Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-23). Yet, while he was praying (Lk 3:21), the heavens were torn apart (Mk 1:10) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the bodily form of dove (Lk 3:22). This means that it is not enough that we simply born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin of womb of the Church by the sacrament of Baptism, but we should be continuously be endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit. (Photos)
What did the Holy Spirit do after descending on Jesus, in whom the fullness of deity dwelt bodily (Col 1:19; 2:9)? While Matthew and Luke say that Jesus was led by the Spirit to the wilderness, Mk tells the Holy Spirit threw him vehemently (Greek: ekballo) into the wilderness! For what? Jesus who is born of the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15) is empowered to strike the head of the ancient serpent (cf. Gen 3:15; Rev 12), which itself is a process, not merely a historical point in the past. For what do we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? In and with Jesus, we, who are also born of women, have to strike the head of the devil. This is called life of faith, which is a constant struggle, constant war. On our side, angels are there; on the devil’s side wild animals (Mk 1:12-13).
2018 November 25. You Say So
Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave six homilies on Jesus the King, each one 20 minutes with translation, during the Holy Mass at 8.00, 9.30, 11.00, 12.15, 16.00 and 18.00 at Christ the King parish in Jaroslaw, Poland. Each homily was different, focusing on different dimensions of the kingship of Jesus. In one homily Fr. Jose’s message was this: John presents the Passion of Jesus as a play in three Acts: first Act, in the house of the High priest has five scenes. The second Act in the residence of Pontius Pilate has seven scenes, and third Act on the cross has five scenes.
Pilate asked Jesus: Are you a king (Jn 18:37)? Jesus gave an enigmatic answer: You say so. If Pilate means a political king ruling over a geographical territory with borders, police and military, Jesus is not a king: you say it, I didn’t say. But, if Pilate means that Jesus is the King of the universe in the order of the Holy Spirit, whose kingdom is from sea to sea, that is, without borders, Jesus’ answer is positive: You said it, I am a king. Paul wrote to Timothy: Our republic is in heaven. Here on earth we are ambassadors, representing heaven on earth. Do we behave as the carriers of the Holy Spirit? Do we really represent heaven on earth?
For the Holy Mass at noon, there were more than 25 priests, and some of them said: “Often we don’t preach the word of God during homily. We speak many other things. But, Fr. Jose speaks the word of God, and it is an apocalypse for us; it is a powerful revelation.” Some priests, imitating Fr. Jose, were acting out the homily of Fr. Jose Maniparambil, how Jesus reclined backward to the breast of the Father to commend his spirit (Lk 23:48), and how Jesus reclined frontward to hand over the Spirit to Jesus’ mother and the disciple whom Jesus loved (Jn 19:28-30, 25-27; 34).
2018 November 21-24. His Robe Dipped in Blood
The rider on the white horse, called Faithful and True, whose robe clothed in blood, his name is called The Logos of God, on his thigh is inscribed, ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’ (Rev 19:11-16). He made us kings and priests (Rev 1:4). Why is Jesus’ robe dipped in blood? How do we participate in the forgiveness that he brought through his bloody sacrifice (Heb 9:22)? How shall our clothes become white by washing them in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 6:11; 7:14)? How does he clothe us with the first robe of supernatural grace (cf. Lk 15:22). These were the questions that Fr. Jose Maniparambil put to the people in a retreat at Christ the King parish at Jaroslaw in Poland. And he himself gave the answers both in the morning and evening conferences during and after the Holy Mass.
After the Holy Mass, ten priests were the confession for the whole day. The retreat was indeed fruitful and effective. (photos)
2018 November 15-18. World Day of the Poor in Jaworzno
Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a flight from Kochi to Warsaw via Mumbai and Amsterday on 12th November. Mr. Darek pciked him up from Warsaw airport, and he had a short stop over in Darek’s house, and then he put him in a train to Katowice. Around 10 p.m. on 13th Fr. Jose reached Katowice (41 hours of travel!) in order to go to Jaworzno (Poland) to preach a retreat in connection with the World Day of the Poor. This day was first announced last year by Pope Francis in order to remind us: the poor man cried and the Lord heard (Ps 34:7) – we shall also hear their cry and act accordingly.
In Jaworzno, there were two levels of preaching of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. In the morning, he was preaching in the oratorium of the Betlejem (Bethlehem) community. There with Fr. Mirek, there are twenty homeless people. This house, an old building given by the government, looks to me like Peter’s house in Capernaum, which became the headquarters of Jesus mission on earth. Many people come and go. There is adoration in the chapel…There are workshops on different activities…Some make ikons…Some renovate the building…Doctors come to do the check ups…Cosmeticians come to beautify them…Artists give training to the children in painting…exhibitions….Many people works there as volunteers. People bring food there. There is preaching, healing, meeting, music, dance…once in a while eating…a rare and wonderful experience.
In the morning sermons in the oratorium, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the real meaning of ‘the poor’ in the Bible, and also seven dimensions of poverty: financial, social, intellectual, mental, physical, political and spiritual. Jesus is the best example of biblical poverty. He had parents, brothers and sisters, had a house, had a job…but he left everything in order to preach God’s gospel…When people opposed him (Lk 6:1-11), he went to the mountain to pray (Lk 6:12). God the Father asked him to choose the twelve in order to confront the opposition (Lk 6:13ff). He touched the sick and they were healed (Lk 6:17). He found happiness in the misery of poverty (Lk 6:20). He prophetically denounced the injustice of the rich (Lk 6:24). But, he loved his enemies and asked us to love our enemies. How? By praying for those who abuse us, by blessing those who curse us, by doing good to those who treat us badly (Lk 6:27ff).
On 17th Saturday, Bishop Grzegosz Kaszak celebrated the Holy Mass and Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached the homily. On 18th Sunday, Fr. Jose preached four homilies in the parish church, and one homily in the oratorium. ( Photos)
2018 November 4-8. Gaudeo, Gaudete – I Rejoice! Do You Rejoice!
Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a flight on 4th November night to Bangalore from Kochi to conduct conferences on Corpus Paulinum, the Body of the Letters of Paul from 5 to 8 November. 52 nuns from different congregations are attending this four day long course. During the first day’s homily, Fr. Jose said that St. Paul used the word ‘rejoice’ 16 times in his letter to the Philippians, which he wrote from the prison. Paul is in prison, but he rejoices! He was deprived of all material things, but he has Christ with him and in him (Phil 3). St. Paul asks each one of us: Gaudeo (I rejoice)! Gaudete (Do you rejoice)? (photos)
2018 November 3. Nostalgia Social Vision at Madonna
Two decades ago, Fr. Jose Maniparambil was under police protection – 11 police were guarding his life for seven days – because some fundamentalists threatened to kill him. When the police withdrew the protection, some 40 young boys gave protection to him, taking turn on each day. Later, many of those young people formed a voluntary association with the name Nostalgia Social Vision, to get actively involved in public affairs for the betterment of the society. NSG helped many people during the great flood of 2018. The members of this group, with their families, spent an evening in Madonna Residential Home for the Mentally Disabled Children. There were some cultural programs of the children – both Madonna and Nostalgia. All had dinner together and NSG gave two wooden chairs to Madonna for the Madbaha of the new chapel. (photos)
2018 November 3. Laying of Hands and the Sacrament of Confirmation
Five of the Madonna children received the sacrament of confirmation and first Holy Communion at Madonna chapel in a beautiful ceremony presided over by Rev. Fr. Thomas OCD. Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave the homily on the sacrament of confirmation. He said: Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:18; Lk 1:35-36). Yet, when he was praying after his baptism, the heavens were opened and the spirit descended on him in the bodily form of a dove (Lk 3:21). This is what exactly happening in us at the sacrament of confirmation. At Baptism, we are born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of the Church. At Confirmation, the spirit descends on us in ‘bodily’ form by the imposition of hands by the successors of Apostles, who laid hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. An example can be seen in Acts of the Apostles 8:14-18, where the word of God says: “When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”
In the Church, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist are administered together as the sacraments of initiation since we are born not merely in the living water but also in the blood from the open side of Jesus (Jn 19:34). For John writes, “This is he [Jesus Christ, the Son of God] who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood” (1 Jn 5:6).
2018 November 2. Requiem Holy Mass and the Way of the Saints
After an office to the dead at the tomb of Sr. Rubina in Chowka, Kerala, Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated Requiem Holy Mass at the newly blessed chapel in Madonna for all the departed faithful. “There are two ways of life,” Fr. Jose said. The first way is this: “We can present our plans and projects before God and ask Him to help us to fulfil them. The second way is that God presents his dreams before us and ask us to materialize them for his sake to fulfil his purposes for history. All saints including Sr. Rubina belong to this latter category. And to which category do we belong?”
2018 November 1. What is the Purpose of a Chapel?
On 29th October, Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a flight from Warsaw (Poland) to Kochi (India) to participate in the consecration of the Madonna chapel, which took place on November 1st. Mar Pauly Kanookkadan, Bishop of Irinjalakuda Diocese, blessed the Madonna Chapel, which was designed by Fr. Jose Maniparambil, and it is situated in Potta, Kerala, India. Rev. Sr. Dr. Rose Mary, the Provincial Superior, was present at this auspicious function. This chapel construction was materialized precisely because of the tireless commitment of Rev. Sr. Anjo CMC against all overwhelming odds. This chapel is the place of prayer for the differently abled children and the sisters who look after them. (photos)
What’s the purpose of a chapel? God created the earth and gave it to man with an agreement, which is called a covenant: out of seven days in a week, six days for man and one day for God. The whole world is for man but some space for God in this world. In other words, God asked man to ‘create some space and some time for God on earth.’ On Sunday (Sabbath for Jews), we create some space and some time for God on earth. When people of same faith gather there to be with their God, they are bound by the same word of God so that their faith brings heaven’s light to the earth.
2018 October 28. At the National Catholic Television
After the retreat at the School of the Word, directly they took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the National Catholic Television, TRWM (pronounced Trwam) at Torun, Poland for an interview, which is to be telecast at the News Hour. There they also have the national radio station – Radio Maryja.
Fr. Jose said that in India, though the Christians are only less than 3%, we keep the churches open. Why do we keep them closed in Europe? Is it to keep the Lord away from desecration? If so, how will you keep the Lord away desecration when the faithful receive him in the Holy Communion and go out of the Church? Aren’t the faithful a mobile and living tabernacle than the golden tabernacle kept in the church building? Keep the churches open, let the people come and pray.
How to increase the vocations to priesthood? This was another question put to Fr. Jose. He said let the parish priest become shepherds first, go out to meet the young people out, not just waiting in the presbytery complaining. Secondly, there is a big problem among the priests that they have lost hope! Faith is hope. If the priests have no hope how can they expect the young people to follow them? Jesus said, when I am lifted up on the cross, the ruler of this world is cast out. Jesus is the Lord, and he is in control. Priests have to believe at least this. Third, priests shouldn’t thing that the Holy Spirit works only through them. The Church is Holy Spirit given to the believers in Jesus. The Church is a person active and alive in all believers in Jesus. (photos)
2018 October 28. When the Veil is Removed…
The meaning of the word ‘apocalypse’ is to take away the veil. In its original cultural context it means the groom removes the veil from the face of the bride, and people see a beautiful bride. This is exactly the meaning of the Book of Revelation: when the veil is removed, we see the bride of the Lamb (Rev 19). But, to marry the bride, and take the wife into the bridal chamber (Rev 21) in the Garden of Eden (Rev 22), the groom has to defeat many enemies. This is narrated in the preceding chapters (Chs. 1-18). (photos)
2018 October 27. Hominization – An Apocalyptic Event
During the ‘School of the Word’ (three day retreat on the Book of Apocalypse) at Torun, Poland, Fr. Jose Maniparambil observed that even the origin of human beings, which happened when the logos stepped into the matter (cf. Jn 10:34-35), is an apocalyptic event (pushing the future into the present) – anticipating Incarnation, the Logos becoming flesh (cf. Jn 1:14). Hominization, that is, the process of becoming human foresees that one day Logos itself want to become flesh in order to raise the flesh and mind (body and soul) into Spirit and Love. Pope John Paul II wrote in his book, On the Threshold of Hope: If God became man, what is man? (photos)
2018 October 26. Number 666 in the Book of Apocalypse
Fr. Jose began preaching a retreat on the Book of Apocalypse (School of the Word). Fr. Jose explained the meaning of apocalyptic numbers like, 3, 4, 7, 3.5, 10, 12, 40, 144, 1000 and so on. The most controversial number 666 was explained in this way: First of all, it is clearly written that it is a number of a man (not Satan or devil). This number appears again only in 1 Kings 10:14 and 2 Chronicles 9:13, in connection with Solomon who received 666 talents of gold in a single year (one talent is 24 kilogram of gold). This was the beginning of Solomon’s end, for his wealth turned him away from the Lord. Solomon typifies the beast to the extent that he allowed material prosperity to corrupt the people of God: their only concern became ‘buying and selling!’ The number 6 and its superlative 666 is a degradation of the number seven, which is a symbol of perfection, holiness and covenant. The seventh day was declared holy by God and set aside for rest and worship. Human beings can work for six days, but these works and days are sanctified by the sacrificial worship on the seventh day. The number 666, then, represents a man stalled in the sixth day, serving the beast who concerns himself with ‘buying and selling’ (Rev 13:17) without rest for worship. Though the work is holy, it becomes evil when man refuses to offer it to God. God created the world and entrusted it with the human beings on one condition (that is what we call a covenant): six days for the human beings and one day for God; six days they can work, seventh day they have to worship the Lord. It was a fair deal. But, those who refuse to rest on the seventh day for the sake of worship not only belong to the beast, but worship him and in this way their work becomes evil. They are marked by the name of the beast, which is a number, number 666, the number of only ‘buying and selling!’ (photos)
2018 October 25. Great Testimonies
Fr. Jose Maniparambil had a meeting with his former interpreter Jakub in a restaurant. Then Fr. Jose went in the evening to Four Star Hotel and Restaurant to meet one of his best friends, Alicja, who helped him get the Resident Permit to stay in Poland. Then Fr. Jose was taken to a house, where they look after children. In fact, Halina and her husband have three children, eldest one is the official photographer of the Prime Minister of Poland, the next one is medical practitioner and the third one studies for medicine. Yet, they foster children for 17 years, and 40 children have stayed in their house. This is a great testimony for the whole world. (photos)
2018 October 24. Taken up to Heaven
The evening service of Fr. Jose Maniparambil was in the hometown of Fr. Adam, around one hour drive from Chamsk, and the supper was at the home of his parents. Fr. Adam’s mother said: For the first time in our life, we have been listening to a homily like this. We felt like the Lord himself speaking to us. Then the adoration: we were taken up to heaven, as it were, and we were directly speaking to the Lord, with you Fr. Jose. This is the first time that we experienced like this. It was a wonderful evening.
2018 October 23. Three Comings of the Lord
Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a homily in a Marian Sanctuary, looked after by Passionist fathers in Poland. He said: There are three comings of the Lord. The first coming was Incarnation: God became man and dwelt among us, and in this coming he dealt with sin (cf. Heb 9:28). The second coming is at the end of the world in order to deal with salvation (cf. Heb 9:28). Between these two comings, there is a middle coming because Jesus is identified with the poorest of the poor. Just as Jesus stands embracing us in the Holy Communion, we are supposed to stand embracing the needy by extending a helping hand. (photos)
2018 October 23. Extension of Jesus’ Body
In the morning, Isa drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak to Warsaw to visit a foundation, where around 50 people, who suffer from malicious cancer, every Tuesday and Friday. Fr. Jose gave a message to them. In Col 1:24, we read Paul’s words, “I am completing in my body the sufferings that are lacking in the body of Christ.” We are an extension of Jesus’ body because we have received baptism in the living water from open side of Jesus (not in any running water of any river). Therefore, our sufferings are added to the suffering of the cross in order to heal the world. (photos)
2018 October 22. Love Yourself or Deny Yourself!
Fr. Jose Maniparambil was invited to St. Antony’s Parish, Zuromin, Poland for a Spiritual Evening with Mother Mary. He concelebrated the Holy Mass with Fr. Lukasz and Fr. Adam, who took him there. During the homily Fr. Jose spoke about the parable of the rich fool (Lk 12). What was his problem? What sin did he commit? Look at these words of Jesus in this parable: ‘what shall I do?’ ‘I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ‘I will do this.’ ‘I will pull down my barns.’ ‘I will build larger ones.’ ‘I will store all my grain and my goods.’ ‘I will say to my soul.’ How many times the words ‘I,’ ‘my,’ and ‘mine’ occurs (italicized letters)! This is his problem. He couldn’t go beyond himself. Jesus called him ‘fool.’ He is materially rich, but a fool before God! He is like the rich man in Lk 16, in the parable of the Dives and Lazarus. But, there is another rich man in Lk 19:1-10, Zachaeus, who gave all his property to the poor, and Jesus said to him: “Salvation has to this house. He is a son of Abraham,” who didn’t have six feet land to bury his wife, and like the son of man, who had no place to lay his head. Psychologists say ‘love yourself!’ Jesus says, ‘deny yourself!’ Whom shall we believe? The psychologists who summon to be selfish or Jesus who asks us to go beyond us?
Is Jesus against rich people? No. It was two rich people – Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea – who came to bury Jesus. What, then, Jesus say? As we go on multiplying our talents (one talent is 24 kilogram of gold!), so also multiply our charity works for the poor. Share our wealth with the poor. One tenth of our money and resources belong to God and his poor people. When we do this we become like Jesus, the perfect man, ‘who was totally from the Father and totally for others and nothing for himself.’
Fr. Jose also led the adoration and lay of hands on the people. Many priests joined him. Fr. Adam commented, ‘People came sorrowful, but they went away joyful!” (photos)
2018 October 20. Blessed is the Body that Carries the Lord!
In one of the city parishes in Plock, Poland Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a homily during the Holy Mass and led the adoration and lay of hands over the people. Fr. Adam joined him. In his homily, Fr. Jose asked the people not to be afraid of anyone. Why? The Lord made us the temple of Holy Spirit by the sacrament of baptism in the living water from his open side (not in any running water of any river). It had a special purpose. He wanted to come to us in the form of Holy Communion in order to make us a living and moving tabernacle. A woman told Jesus: ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you’ (cf. Lk 11:27). It’s a commentary on the body of Mary. In a similar fashion it is also possible to speak of us: ‘Blessed is the body that carries the Lord.’ We are literally Mary’s children (cf. Jn 19:25-27). We carry the Lord. Therefore, the Satan and his demons are afraid of us. We are not afraid of them. We are ready to walk in the valleys of death or valleys of darkness. (photos)
2018 October 19-21. Power of the Holy Spirit
This is the third time that Fr. Jose preaches a retreat in the Plock Retreat House, Poland. Fr. Adam organizes this retreat. The theme of the retreat: “The Power of the Holy Spirit.” Fr. Jose began the retreat by analysing Jn 7:37-39, and explaining the identity of the Holy Spirit, and how the Holy Spirit is given to the believers in Jesus. (photos)
Further he explained the meaning of Jesus’ verse, “He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet” (Jn 13:10). The first bathing refers to the baptism in the living water from the open side of Jesus (not in the running water of some rivers). The washing of the feet refers to the cleansing of sins after the sacrament of baptism namely the sacrament of reconciliation. Jesus told Peter: If you do not allow me to wash your feet, you have no heritage with me in heaven. In the sacrament of confession, we allow Jesus to cleanse us of our sins that we committed after the first bath (baptism). And then the Father puts on us first robe of supernatural grace (cf. Lk 15:11ff) and the Holy Spirit anoints us.
On 21st, Fr. Jose focused his sermon on the Ephphatha Experience of Jesus (cf. Mk 7:31-37). Now the Lord wants to put his finger into our ears, and the other finger into our mouth, and raise his head to heaven and pronounce the powerful word of healing and anointing: Ephphatha. In order to put his fingers into the mouth and ears in people of all generation, he has put the spirit of priesthood in me, Fr. Jose said. And as he lay his hands on the people, they all had an Ephphatha experience. (photos)
2018 October 18. Evening Healings
Mr. Benon drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil, Iwona and Kasia to a place called Chamsk – almost 6 hours from Ustka. In the sanctuary of Mother Mary Fr. Jose preached a homily during the Holy Mass at 7 p.m. He also led the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for a special purpose of healing, and made the people to lay hands on each other, who stand next to them. (photos)
2017 October 17. Painting
As he did for his book Ephphatha, and for revised Polish edition of Four Streams of Love, Fr. Jose Maniparambil completed today a painting for his forthcoming Polish edition of the same book. The theme of the former painting was: ‘As the Temple Veil of His Flesh was torn into two, the heavens were torn apart from top to bottom.’ The theme of the latter painting is: ‘Jesus assumed the darkness of sin of humanity to himself (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), and by his resurrection dispelled the darkness of sin.’ This is his third work in acrylic. (photos)
2018 October 17. Diamond Jubilee
On the 60th anniversary of the Special School for the differently abled children at Slupsk, Fr. Jose Maniparambil was one of the VIP’s. During the welcoming sermon, the director of the school expressed their desire to co-operate with Indian counterparts. (photos)
2018 October 15-17. Why Nazareth Family Known as Holy Family?
In a parish dedicated to St. Joseph in Slupsk in Poland, Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a three day evening retreat on the Holy Family. He asked: why do we call the Nazareth family as holy family? Is it because they didn’t face any problems? No. It’s was a family that faced all kinds of problems. The husband decided to divorce his wife! And God was under force to send an angel to plead with him. God had chosen his wife for a special purpose, without his consent! The child’s life was under threat from the king! They had to flee to Egypt in the night itself. They had to work as carpenter to earn livelihood. And the only son was brutally murdered, and that too when he was quite young, 33 years old. And Mary the widow had to be taken care of by another disciple. Then why is it called holy? In all these crises, they turned to God to know his will and once his will was known they obeyed it to the full. Who is my mother, my sister, my brother? Jesus asked. And he gave the answer: “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my mother, my brother, and my sister.” This word of God is a commentary on the holy family. (photos)
2018 October 15. How Did We Become Human?
While meeting three batches of students from secondary school, Slupsk in Poland, Fr. Jose raised a question to them: How did we become human? Science says that there is an evolutionary leap from apes to man, that it doesn’t know how ‘freedom’ and ‘love’ came to human beings, and therefore there is a missing link. If science admits that there is a link, but it cannot find it, then it should be ready to accept the link provided by another one – at least for honesty sake it should do that. And that link is provided none other than Jesus Christ. Yet, Jesus himself was quoting from the Old Testament psalms: “Is not written in your Law ‘I said you are gods…to whom the logos of God came he called them gods” (Jn 10:34-35). Logos means ‘reason, freedom and love.’ God is the Supreme Being with absolute reason, absolute freedom and absolute love. He shared these three faculties with an animal and that animal began to become human being.
If we need to step into the final phase of evolution also, the logos should step into us. Sacramentally it happens when we receive the Holy Communion. When we live according to God’s word of love, then we allow the logos to step into us and lift us into the final phase of evolution, which is called the resurrection. (photos)
2018 October 12. Visible Guardian Angels
Violata and Mirek took Fr. Jose Maniparambil to a Special School for Mentally Disabled Children in Slupsk, Poland. Fr. Jose visited all the classes, and admired the way the school is functioning. There are 250 students, 106 teachers, 48 helpers. Students are ‘graded’ according to their ability. There are students interested in mathematics, biology, physics, geography, and trained to work according to their ability. Fr. Jose conversed with the students. Some of them dared to recite the Lord’s prayer, some others Hail Mary.
In a power point presentation, prepared by Mirek and Violata who visited Madonna Special School, Potta in Kerala, India, Fr. Maniparambil explained the functioning of Madonna.
Addressing the parents and teachers who were present Fr. Jose Maniparambil said: God wanted to create some special children. And these children need strong parents. And from among billions of people, God found you only as the strongest, and that’s why God chose you to create in his special children. They are God’s children, and God has given them to you for special care. They are not a curse. They are a blessing. God has taken away many of your freedom, but to look after his special children.
During the homily, Fr. Maniparambil said: God has appointed an invisible guardian angel to protect each one of us. But, he wanted a visible guardian angel beside the invisible one to protect some of his special children. And you, parents and teachers of special children, are the chosen guardian angels of God. When these children were born, your husband must have abandoned, the society must have laughed at you…but, you are a chosen guardian angel to protect God’s special child.
Next day, we received a message that a miracle happened in the school: many of the parents and teachers went to the confessional! Their attitude totally changed and they wanted to confess and shed away the old way of thinking. Now they are new creation. (photos)
2018 October 8-11. Rosary Retreat, Ustka Parish
Everyday the retreat begins with the recitation of rosary. The Marian ‘praise’ is formed from the words of angel Gabriel (cf. Lk 1:26-38) and the words of Elizabeth (cf. Lk 1:39-45). Therefore it’s thoroughly a biblical prayer. On each day, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the four sets of mysteries: joyful mysteries, sorrowful mysteries, glorious mysteries and luminous mysteries – all major mysteries of our salvation.
Regarding the fourth and fifth glorious mysteries, some people have reluctance. Is there a biblical proof for Mary’s assumption? Is there biblical proof for Mary’s coronation?
When we die the soul of the righteous goes to heaven, wait there to get the glorified body, which will happen on the last day (Jn 5 and 6). But, God didn’t make Mother Mary wait until the last day to get her glorified body, but granted her body get united with her soul as soon as she died: He was assumed to heaven body and soul.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained in this way: there are thirty-two references to Mary in the New Testament, and all are inter-connected – immaculate conception (Lk 1:22-28), virginal conception (Mt 1:18-23), Mary as the beginning of new humanity (Mt 1:16), the mother of the Lord (Lk 1:39-45)… We cannot and should not separate them or treat them separately. All reveal one or other mystery of Blessed Virgin Mary. And if we connect Lk 11:27-28 to these texts, we get a proof for Mary’s special status. A woman from the crowd said to Jesus: “blessed is the womb that bore you, blessed are the breasts that you suck.” This is a typical Hebrew way of praising the person, the body of the person. Is this not a commentary on the blessedness of Mary’s body? Is this not word of God? If it is word of God, it should be living word. Mary’s body is blessed in a special way. The Lord made her a living tabernacle – not only on the earth, but also in heaven. It’s very logical and reasonable.
When we receive Holy Communion, the Lord transforms us into a living tabernacle, and we believe in the resurrection of the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are literally Mary’s children (Jn 19:25-27).
Secondly, in the Johannine literature, Mary is always referred as ‘the woman.’ In Jn 2:1-11 and 19:25-27 Jesus addresses her as ‘woman.’ So also, we see ‘a woman’ in heaven in the Book of Apocalypse (Rev 12), clothed with the Sun, under her feet the moon, and she has a crown of twelve stars. Some say that this woman is Israel; some others say she is the church. True. But, the best candidate for this woman is Mary. Mary is crowned as the queen of heaven and earth. (photos).
2018 October 7. Marriage Homilies, Ustka Parish
In the night itself, Benon drove his Iwona along with Kasia and Fr. Jose to a place called Ustka, 540 kilometers away from Warsaw. We reached Ustka by 4 a.m. and at 7.30 Fr. Jose began his preaching in the church.
Fr. Maniparambil preached five homilies – all were about the significance of marriage. Why is it called a sacrament? What’s a sacrament? It’s Paschal Mystery. What’s Paschal Mystery? It’s the death and resurrection of Jesus. Those who enter into the sacrament of marriage are stepping into the death and resurrection of Jesus on a daily today basis. The husband dies to himself in order to the risen in his wife. He sacrifices his desires, time etcetera in order to love his wife. The wife dies to herself in order to be risen in her husband… Thus there is death and resurrection – with all its glaring reality – in the life of the couples. The husband and wife live Jesus’ death and resurrection every moment of their life! It’s a huge challenge, but also a great call by God to manifest his love and creation in this world. It’s a call to co-work with God on earth.
In one of the homilies, precisely meant for children, Fr. Jose preached the same, but with lots of interaction with the children. He also distributed rosaries for over 100 children.
2018 October 6. Forty Thousand Youth at Warsaw Stadium
In a historic event 40,000 thousand young people gathered in Warsaw Stadium in praise and worship for our Lord Jesus Christ. Fr. Rafal and Ms. Magda organized this great and incredible event. 800 charismatic groups – each containing 40 to 70 youngsters – participated in it, besides individuals and smaller groups. Fr. Jose Maniparambil was one among the preachers in the “Zone of the Word.” In his talk, Fr. Jose said, Jesus had many layers of disciples: there was one whom Jesus loved, there was three within the elect (Simon, James and John), there was the twelve, there was a bigger group of apostles including Paul, Barnabas and so on; there was a group of seventy (or seventy-two). Then there was a group of 500 disciples to whom the risen Lord appeared (cf. 1 Cor 15). In the first multiplication, there were 5000 Jews who became a Eucharistic community. In the second multiplication, there were 4000 Gentiles who became part of the Eucharistic community. Then on the day of Pentecost, 3000 people were baptized. Thus there were 12,000 people (5000 + 4000+3000). In the book of Apocalypse, there are 144,000 people (12,000 x 12,000) who are chosen from the elect. Then there are countless people from all generations in heaven (cf. Rev 7). Here there are 40,000 young people for Jesus. Hallelujah. (photos).
Fr. Jose was also assigned a time in the Zone of Inspiration. In his session, Fr. Maniparambil set the people on fire of the Holy Spirit. When we receive baptism, John’s prophecy comes true for he said that Jesus will baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. This Holy Spirit is the living water from the open side of Jesus (not the running water in some rivers as some Christian denominations consider). And to those who are baptized with this living water, he offers his blood from his open side (life), in the Holy Eucharist. We are these people fed on the heavenly bread. We belong to heaven. We represent heaven on earth. We are here to bring some of heaven’s light on earth. (photos).
There were 600 priests to hear confessions. The Holy Mass at 19.00 hrs was presided over by Cardinal of Warsaw. At the start of the function, a few nuns entered the stadium riding motorbike – an idea given by Fr. Jose Maniparambil – followed by a procession carrying icon of Blessed Virgin Mary. (photos).
2018 October 4. Harvest Inauguration
Before flying back to Europe for a month, Fr. Jose Maniparambil inaugurated the harvest festival (Koithutsavam) of the paddy field at Madonna Special School, Potta, Kerala, India. In fact, he was also present at the time of sowing the karanellu – rice on dry land. (photos).
2018 October 1 Flood Relief Continued
With Dariusz, the group leader of the Indian Pilgrimage of Polish people Fr. Jose Maniparambil returned from Chennai on September 29th, and then continued his visit the flood victims in Melur, Koodapuzha and Annanadu on October 1st and offer some financial aid. Sr. Anjo CMC and Sr. Glory CMC accompanied him. Ms. Maszena from Belgium came forward with some financial help, which was also distributed. (photos)
2018 September 30 Marriage Blessing
Fr. Jose Maniparambil blessed the marriage of Ancy with Fijo at Konoor Catholic Church on 30th September, 2018. Ancy is the daughter of Fr. Jose’s uncle’s daughter. In his homily, Fr. Jose explained the meaning of Christian marriage: the couples enter into God’s erotic love in a physical manner in order to continue God’s work of creation. The couples are co-workers with God. God trusts the couples. Let the couples not disappoint him.
2018 September 27-28 Chennai – Tomb of St. Thomas
On 27 morning, they took a flight to Chennai, and visited three importat places related to St. Thomas: San Thome Basilica (Tomb of St. Thomas), Chinnamalai (Thomas used to hide here and pray) and Periyamalai (Thomas was killed here). At San Thome Basilica, they participated in Tamil Holy Mass, conference by Fr. Jose and laying of the hands by both Fr. Jose and Sylwester.
In the world, there are only three apostles on whose tomb a basilica is constructed: St. Peter in Rome, St. James in Spain and St. Thomas in India. photos
On 28th, they visited Kancheepuram weaving house and returned to Chennai. On 29th early morning, 01.50, they took a flight back to Warsaw, Poland. Photos
2018 September 25-26 Trivandrum and Kovalam
On 25th they went to Trivandurm. On the way, Fr. Jose explained the historical evidences related to St. Thomas and also the legends connected with him. One of the most important one is a stone inscription in Sanskrit kept in a Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This stone belongs to the 11th century, but it is one of the pre-Portuguese evidence, and written in Sanskrit.
After the Holy Mass in Syro Malankara Rite, they saw Padmanabhaswami temple, Puthiya Malika and the Museum. On 26th, the whole day was spent in Kovalam beach and in the Arabian Sea. Photos
2018 September 24 Retreat in Alappuzha Houseboat
On 24th, they proceeded to Alappuzha and spent the day and night in Houseboats. In the night there was praise and worship in the Houseboat and a conference by Fr. Jose Maniparambil.Then there was the Question Hour. Fr. Jose answered the questions raised by the team members. One of the major questions was this: Some priests say that we shouldn’t visit India because there are idol worshippers, who can be described ‘demons.’ In his answer, Fr. Jose asked them back some questions: If so, how could St. Thomas visit India? How could St. Paul visit pagan Greek world? How could Jesus go to the pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon, Decapolis and even Caesarea Philippi? You, people from Poland, were also pagan until the 10th century AD. If no Christian came to you, how could you become Christians?It’s a pagan’s faith confession that you recite just before receiving the Holy Communion: “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. Speak the word and my soul shall be healed.” This was said by a pagan centurion, whose servant was healed by Jesus. The risen Lord’s final command is this: Go to all nations (Greek ethnos which means pagan nations) and preach the Gospel. Let no priest annul the command of Jesus! (photos)
2018 September 23 Kochi
Then they went to Kochi, known as the Queen of Arabian Sea. On 23rd, they had a walk in Fort Kochi, Jewish Synagogue, Santhom Basilica (Vasco Da Gama), and finally participated in Vallarpadam Parish Feast. (photos)
2018 September 21-22 Madonna, Biblia and Munnar
On 21st, they were welcomed at Potta Madonna Residential Home by Sr. Anjo CMC with a music band of the mentally challenged children. After the Holy Mass in Syro-Malabar Catholic Rite they paid a visit to Biblia Academy, its vegetable garden and the nearby Cashew Factory. (photos)
They they proceeded to Munnar. In the bus, Fr. Jose preached about the mission of St. Thomas in India, possibly two missions: first, around AD 43-46 in Taxila and AD 52 onward in the South India.
A note of these talks can be downloaded from “Downloads” in www.bibliaa.in
On 22nd, they visited Rajmala, where Neelakurinji pookal had blossomed – they blossom once in a blue moon. They also visited Tea Museam and Spices Garden. (photos)
2018 September 20 Muziris (N. Paravur and Kodungallur) and Palayur
On 20th morning, they took a flight from New Delhi to Kochi. After breakfast, they visited North Paravur and Kodungallur (Muziris), where St. Thomas founded the first two ecclesial communiities in India. After seeing the Elephant Park at Guruvaryoor, they visited Palayur St. Thomas Church, the third church which St. Thomas founded. Then they celebrated the Holy Mass in Muthuratnakara, home parish of Fr. Jose Maniparambil and had dinner with Fr. Jose’s mom. The liturgy was presided over by Fr. Sylwester, the Polish priest. (photos)
2018 September 16-19 New Delhi-Agra
On 16th they visited the Indian President’s House, Birla House (Gandhi Smriti) and Red Fort. On 17th, Humayun’s Tomb, Kutab Minar, Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi), Sakti Sthal (Indira Gandhi), and Veer Bhumi (Rajiv Gandhi). In the Santi Van, Fr. Jose explained some of the Hindu beliefs with regard to life and death and also a little of Indian History.
On 18th they visited both houses of Parliament – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The guide explained the structure of the Parliament and the design of the ceiling as an ‘eye’ – the public watching the parliamentarians!
Then they went to Agra. On the way, in the bus, Fr. Jose began the retreat: In the Footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle. He explained the four Gospel texts where Thomas the Apostle is mentioned. Synoptic Gospels mention the name of Thomas in the list of the apostles, either in the 7th or 8th place, always coupled with Matthew. Therefore, there is a tradition that Thomas is the twin of Matthew. In the list of the apostles, brothers are coupled: Simon and Andrew, James and John. Therefore, Matthew and Thomas could be twin brothers.
The Fourth Gospel mentions Thomas four times, each time as the spokeperson of the Twelve: Jn 11:16; 14:5; 20:24-28. The fourth text is Jn 14:22, where we read “Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Many scholars consider this Judas is Thomas because in the apocryphal books of the Gospel of Thomas (AD 150) and Acts of Thomas (AD 180), the full name of Thomas is Judas Thomas.
It’s because of Thomas that we came to know that the risen Lord retained five holy wounds in his body: Jesus of Holy Wounds. It’s because of Thomas that we came to know that Jesus is the perfect man, whose both sides are open: He is totally from the Father, He is totally for others, and nothing for himself. The Pierced One is the Way to the Father. It’s through the Pierced One that the Father comes to us. Thomas discovered it and so he is not ‘doubting Thomas,’ but he is the first Christian scientist.
Fr. Francis Maniparambil, brother of Fr. Jose Maniparambil, was present at the Hotel to welcome them all. On 19th, after the Holy Mass (main celebrant: Fr. Sylwester) and homily at Agra Cathedral, they visited Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. In the homily, Fr. Jose insisted that we receive the risen Lord through the Holy Communion, and so eventually we become mobile tabernacle (as Jesus remained in the womb of Mary, Jesus now resides in us), and as we visit the pagan sites, we are planting the Cross in all these places. We are not afraid of pagan idols, but they are terrified at our presence because we carry the true and one God within us. (photos)
2018 September 15-29 In the Footsteps of St. Thomas
Kasia Polak and Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a flight from Kochi to New Delhi to welcome 37 friends from Poland, who went to India in a pilgrimage cum picnic by name “In the Footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle.” Kasia and Fr. Jose spent the evening at the house of Mr. Thomas, the brother of Fr. Jose. Polish friends arrived in the morning on 16th September. They were given a warm welcome by New Hope Travel Agencies and were transported to a Hotel.
2018 August 31 Requiem Holy Mass
Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated a Requiem Holy Mass at Chowka CMC Convent on the occasion of the first death anniversary of Rev. Sr. Rubina CMC. It was attended by Polish friends and also teachers who belong to Hindu religion. After the Holy Communion, Fr. Jose laid his hands in prayer and blessing on the Hindu teachers, which was a great sign of Communal Harmony in India.
2018 August 29 Polish Friends at Biblia
Two Polish friends of Fr. Jose, Kasia Polak, Elzbieth from Bialystok, reached Trivandrum airport on 29th morning, and reached Biblia that evening by car. Elzbieth offers a financial help to a poor family regularly. Kasia Polak is the translator of the retreats of Fr. Jose Maniparambil, of his books in Polish and the organizer of Fr. Jose’s retreats in Europe. photos
They visited St. Alphonsa’s Church, Bharananganam, St. Chavara’s Mannanam, Kumarakom (September 1-2), Kanyakumari (September 8-10) and Bangalore. They were happy to see the institutes in Bangalore (September 4-5) where Fr. Jose Maniparambil conducts Bible Courses. photos
With Fr. Jose, Kasia and Ela visited Mr. D’Cruz, Kochi International Airport Director, and he showed them the Air Traffic Control Tower, and its radar system. photos
2018 August 15-21 Kerala Floods
Due to the greatest flood Kerala has ever seen, Fr. Jose Maniparambil was held in Dubai for one day, and then he reached Trivandrum instead of Kochi since Kochi International airport was closed for two weeks. Since there were no flights available Fr. Jose cancelled the retreat in Kalwaria Paclawska, Poland, scheduled for 24 to 28.
As soon as Fr. Jose Maniparambil reached Biblia Academy on August 21st, he got involved in the Relief Camps.
With Nostalgia Social Vision group and Madonna sisters (Srs. Anjo, Glory and Ann Liya) Fr. Jose helped many families with money and provisions. Sr. Marykutty, one of the sisters of charity of St. Anne, sent 1,60,000 rupees as anurgent help for the flood victims, which were also distributed to the most deserving people. Nostalgia Social Vision distributed 1,64,637 rupees to the flood victims besides giving provisions in different relief camps. (photos)
2018 August 9-14 Corpus Paulinum at Pila, Poland
Fr. Jose Maniparambil took a flight from Kochi to Warsaw to conduct a conference of four days at Holy Family Church, Pila, Poland. It is organized by Nazareth Charismatic Prayer Group headed by the parish priest Fr. Zbiszeg, Fr. Piotr, Irena and Halina. This prayerful study of the Letters of Paul was translated by Marlena. Evening prayer services were led by Fr. Piotr.
2018 August 5 Nostalgia Social Vision
An ordinary meeting of the Nostalgia Social Vision was held at Biblia Academy in the presence of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Its president Seejo Chittekara, secretary Joykuttan Mangalan, treasurer Jaison Nayankara and other members participated in it. (photos)
2018 August 4 Release of Ephphatha
Today is the feast day of St. John Mary Vianney, the heavenly patron of diocesan priests. As is the custom in Irinjalakuda diocese, all diocesan priests gathered at PACS, Kallettumkara and celebrated the Holy Qurbana, Mar Pauly Kanookadan being the main celebrant. After lunch, Bishop released Ephphatha, a book on the Gospel of Mark, authored by Jose Maniparambil by giving away a copy of the book to Rev. Fr. Antony Pudussery, who celebrates sacerdotal golden jubilee. (Photos)
2018 July 30-31 UAE Friends at Biblia and Madonna
Mr. Biju, his wife Tina Bose, their children Joshua and Immanuel (all settled in Fujairah, UAE) visited Biblia Academy and also Madonna School and Residential Home. They played with Madonna children. They also studied different aspects of the chapel under construction. (photos)
2018 July 28 Ruby Jubilee Holy Mass
In connection with the Ruby Jubilee of the Catholic Diocese of Irinjalakuda, Fr. Jose Maniparambil celebrated Holy Qurbana at Pazhookara, Trissur Dt., Kerala, India. In the homily, Fr. Jose said: “I stand here at the altar not because I am better than yours. In fact, I am the most wretched sinner. Yet, Jesus chose me and anointed me as a priest to bring his real presencephysically among his people, and to make each one of us a mobile tabernacle carrying the Lord…With Isaiah I too pray at this Holy Mass: Woe to me! This is God’s House. I see God face to face. Woe to me! I am of unclean lips. I live among the people of unclean lips…And the Lord toches me with the Holy Communion,which is the burning bush of love that purifies me.” (photos)
2018 July 21 Tomorrow’s Bread Today
Fr. Jose Maniparambil presided over the liturgy of the First Holy Communion of Savio, son of Biju Antony, Perambra, Trissur, Kerala. In his homily, Fr. Jose explained that Jesus asked us to pray like this: Give us tomorrow’s bread today (Gk: epiousion). And he gives us tomorrow’s bread today in the Holy Communion. The Holy Communion is an anticipation of the bread that we eat in heaven at the Wedding Banquet of the Lamb (Rev 19).
2018 July 3-13 Corpus Paulinum at IIS Bangalore
As was the custom at Indian Institute of Spirituality, Bangalore, India, the MTh (Master of Theology) program started this year with the classes of Fr. Jose Maniparambil about Corpus Paulinum (Body of the Letters of Paul) and the Spirituality of St. Paul. The students formed an ecumenical gathering – students from Catholic Church, Orthodox Church and Neo-Pentecostal Church. One woman by name Tina Bose took a flight from Sharjah to Bangalore to attend the classes of Fr. Jose. Her interest and presence was a great source of inspiration for the entire campus of IIS. (photos).
Fr. Jose focused mainly on Rom 1:16-17, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation and in it God’s righteousness is revealed…” Paul is not speaking about our righteousness or justification, but God’s righteousness or God’s justice. How did God prove himself to be just – right? How did God forgive the guilty without doing injustice to the victims? Fr. Jose explained basing himself deeply on the word of God and taking arguments from other branches of science. His explanations could be used in dialaogue with Hindus and Muslims or any other religion.
Fr. Jose insisted that in interpreting an ancient text, the world of the author, the world of the text and the world of the reader are to be considered seriously.
2018 June 13-14 Madonna Website
Fr. Jose Maniparambil prepared the matter for the new website of Madonna Special School (www.madonna-potta.in) and took some photographs of some of their activities and send to Mr. John Paul, who designs the website.
2018 June 10-July 3 Madonna Chapel Construction
Madonna Special School cum Residential Home at Potta constructs a new edifice for their children and a prayer hall, of which the design is that of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. And Fr. Jose superwises the final touches of the chapel.
2018 June 9 Dinner with Mom
She is 90 years old, but goes to the Holy Mass everyday, reads newspaper, recite 10 rosaries, do household chores…and a lot more. Her name is Mariyam, the mother of Fr. Jose Maniparambil. And Fr. Jose had dinner with her and with his youngest brother Fr. Francis Maniparambil. photos
2018 June 8-9 Back to India
After three months teaching and preaching ministry Fr. Jose returned to India on June 8 from Sczecin-Warsaw-Doha and reached Kochi on June 9 by Qatar Airlines. Mr. Dcruz, the Kochi Airport Director was there to welcome and Fr. Jose and he had breakfast with Airport Director and his wife Jonia.
2018 June 5. Evening Healings
After the Eucharistic procession and Holy Mass, there was adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a healing ceremony.
Why Eucharistic Adoration after the Holy Mass in which we receive the Lord in the form of Holy Communion? Why do we expose the Lord? What do we do by this? We take the Lord and put him in the front. He stands before his Father for our sake. Then he tells us what he told Peter: I have prayed for you. I am praying for you. The Lord is praying to his Father for us. How does he pray? By his wounds. The wounds of perfect and irrevocable obedience. The wounds of love, a love that goes to any extreme to save us, to protect us. Yes, we keep him in our front in order to pray for us because he is the only mediator between heaven and earth. This is how Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained one of the meanings of the Eucharistic Adoration.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil related an experience during the homily. Recently, in the first week of May, a woman, who was demon possessed was brought to him. Twice she had been taken to the hospital because of wounds on her body believed to be the result of Satan’s attack. She was so week that she came leaning herself on a walking stick. Fr. Jose spoke to her with the help of a translator. A small group of community remained in prayer while Fr. Jose was speaking to the woman. He asked her two questions: Do you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Are you ready to suffer with Jesus’ sufferings (cf. Col 1:24) in order to cleanse her house of its past bondages? She said yes. After the laying of hands on her, she went forgetting to take the walking stick! She was healed. She forgot that she came using a walking stick!
At the end of the Adoration, Fr. Mariusz and Fr. Jose laid their hands on people and prayed for healing – to have an Ephphatha experience.
2018 June 4-6. Heaven on Earth: Bible School on Apocalypse
Fr. Mariusz, the Parish Priest, has been organizing Bible School all these years. This year the Bible School is on the Book of Apocalypse. As usual, Fr. Jose Maniparambil has been invited to conduct the course on the Word of God.
Usually the Book of Apocalypse is interpreted in four ways. (i), Praeterist coming from Latin praeter which means ‘past.’ According to this theory, all the visions and prophecies of the Book of Apocalypse have already taken place in the first century when the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed in the Jewish War. (ii), Futurist: all are prophecies of the Book will take place in the future. (iii), Idealist: the Book of Apocalypse is about the spiritual warfare that is going on in the mind of the believer. (iv), Historicist: the Book of Apocalypse is God’s master plan for history from beginning till end. Some protestants used this interpretation to attack the Church so as to present the Pope as Antichrist. None of these theories is perfect. When a particular detail seizes the imagination, it becomes the interpretative key for reading the entire book, and this often becomes one-sided interpretation. Yet let us remember that one explanation needs not exclude the other. The sacred text operates on all four levels. Within the Apocalypse emerges a pattern – of covenant, fall, judgment, and redemption. And this pattern does describe a particular period of history (praeterist), but it also describes every period of history (historicist), and all of history (futurist) as well as the course of life for each and every one of us (idealist).
But there is one more way to understand the Book of Apocalypse. First let us listen to the experience of a man. He was a Protestant pastor. Like so many of his fellow evangelicals, he was studying the Book of Apocalypse closely, intensely, and prayerfully. He immersed himself in the history of its interpretation. But it was precisely that led him to an unexpected place: the Roman Catholic Church. One day, he went to attend a Holy Mass in a Catholic Church, not as a participant, but as an observer. As an evangelical Calvinist he had been trained to believe that the Mass is the ultimate sacrilege a human could commit. He had been taught that the Mass was a ritual that purported to ‘re-sacrifice Jesus Christ.’ However, as the Mass moved on, something hit him. Though he had his Bible beside him, he saw the words in the Bible ‘catches’ life in the very act of the Mass. His Bible wasn’t just beside him. It was before him – in the words of the Mass! The words in the Bible began to be alive in the very act of the Liturgy. One line was from Isaiah, another from the Psalms, another from Paul. In his own words, “the experience was overwhelming. I wanted to stop everything and shout, ‘Hey can I explain what’s happening from Scripture? This is great!’ Still, maintained my observer status. I remained on the sidelines until I heard the priest pronounce the words of consecration: ‘This is My Body…This is the Cup of My Blood.’ Then I felt all my doubt drain away. As I saw the priest raise the white Host, I felt a prayer surge from my heart in a whisper: ‘My Lord and My God. That’s really You!’…The experience was intensified just a moment later, when I heard the congregation recite: ‘Lamb of God…Lamb of God…Lamb of God,’ and the priest respond ‘This is the Lamb of God…’ as he raised the host. In less than a minute, the phrase ‘Lamb of God’ had rung out four times. From long years of studying the Bible, I immediately knew where I was. I was in the Book of Revelation, where Jesus is called the Lamb no less than twenty-eight times in twenty-two chapters. I was at the marriage feast that John describes at the end of that very last book of the Bible. I was before the throne of heaven, where Jesus is hailed forever as the Lamb. I wasn’t ready for this, though – I was at Mass!” Yes, the Book of Apocalypse is a Book of Liturgy in heaven, not a manual that describes the rituals and rubrics of the liturgy, but a first-hand description of the Act of Liturgy which is going on in Heaven. This protestant pastor’s name is Scot Hahn. He became Catholic. He wrote many books such as Lamb’s Supper: Holy Mass as Heaven on Earth, Mother of God in the Word of God….Yes, the best way to explain the Book of Apocalypse is Liturgy. The Church is a replica of heaven with a throne (altar) in the middle… Liturgy binds us together with Christ. (photo)
And just the Liturgy has a spiral teleological structure, the Book of Apocalypse also has a spiral teleological structure as is shown in the picture (photo) and Fr. Jose explained each part, and gave insight into apocalyptic codes, apocalyptic colors, and apocalyptic numbers.
2018 June 3. Heaven and Earth Overlaps
Brother Stefan drove Fr. Jose Maniparambil from Lwowek Slaski to the Salesian Parish at Szczecin – a distance of five hours by car and reached the destination by evening of June 2nd Saturday. Fr. Jose preached seven homilies during seven Holy Mass (06.30, 08.00, 09.15, 10.30, 12.00, 13.15, 18.00). The reading was about the fourth conflict in Galilee. Jesus declares: the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath. What is the meaning of ‘son of man.’ First of all, this is the self-designation of Jesus. This title comes only from the mouth of Jesus. Hence its importance.
It has two meanings: son of man means ‘son of a man,’ that is, a human being. Jesus is a man. But, according to Daniel 7, the Son of Man lives in heaven. Jesus is a special person on whom heaven overlaps and earth overlaps. In his viswarupa (omni-form, all-encompassing form), Jesus reaches to both heaven and earth because he is God who became man, therefore he is the Lord of the Sabbath. He is God himself. He is God who is man. He is man who is God. In and through him, all on earth can reach to heaven. (photo)
2018 May 31-June 2. Retreat on the Holy Spirit
Fr. Piotr of Lwowek Franciskan parish organized a retreat on Holy Spirit in this year of Holy Spirit (in Poland). Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached the retreat. How did the Holy Spirit enter into Mary so that she could conceive God’s Son and give God’s Son to the world? How can this be? Mary herself asked angel Gabriel. And he explained that the Holy Spirit will upon her, the power of the Most High will overshadow her. This word ‘overshadow’ can also mean ‘incubate.’ Mary has to allow the Holy Spirit to ‘incubate’ her as a hen incubates eggs for 21 days so that the eggs hatch. In other words, Mary has to allow the Holy Spirit to cover her as clouds covers the Tent of the Meeting. How is it possible? It’s through the door of obedience to the word of God. So, the answer is this: It’s through the door of obedience that the Holy Spirit entered Mary so that she could conceive Jesus in her womb. It’s through the door of obedience to the word of God that she could give Jesus to the world. Are we Mary’s children who opens the door of obedience to the word of God? This was the focus of the Retreat on the Holy Spirit for three days at Lwowek Slaski, Poland preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. (photo)
2018 May 31-June 2. Laying of Priests’ Hands
Each day of the retreat, there was the laying of hands by priests in imitation of Jesus (cf. Mk 7:31-37). Jesus saved us by a touch – a touch of God, not by a decree. To touch the people of all generations physically, Jesus put his spirit of priesthood into the priests – he ordained them (Mk 3:14, KJV). When priests lay their hands (cf. 2 Tim 1:6) or touch people with their finger or hand in unison with the Holy Spirit, it is the risen Lord who touches them to heal them and to put his spirit in them. For Jesus said, “whoever receives you receives me…” (Mt 10:40). And finally there was a universal blessing – a blessing even for those who left the Church and left God. (photo)
2018 May 31. Corpus Christi
Fr. Jose Maniparambil reached Lwowek Slaski in Poland on 2018 May 30th Thursday evening. On 31st Thursday he preached five homilies during the Holy Mass on the feast day, which Polish people call Boze Cialo (pronounced Boshe Chyavo) which means ‘Body of God.’ This is the Feast of the Corpus Christi – the Body of Christ. Fr. Jose insisted on one main point: the Lord who resides in the Tabernacle comes to each believer in the form of Holy Communion with the result that each believer becomes a mobile and living tabernacle or moving monstrance. Just as Jesus remained in Mother Mary’s womb as the Son of God and God the Son (cf. Jn 1:18), he remains in all believers. Just as Mary became the Tent of the Meeting, we believers become a tent of the meeting. Let people meet God in us. We are true and living tabernacle of God. (photo)
2018 May 31. Jesus Riding on a Bread
During the Eucharistic Procession through the streets of the city of Lwowek, which started from the Cathedral, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a sermon at the last station, out of four stations. In this sermon Fr. Jose pointed out an important point. On Palm Sunday Jesus was riding on a donkey, an insignificant animal, to enter the city. Now the Lord entered this city riding on a bread. And this same Lord came to us in the form of Holy Communion making us ‘a donkey’ for him. For what? He asks us to take him to the people who are needy. He wants to ride on us to persons who are needy to become a good Samaritan for them, to wipe their wounds by the water and blood from his open side, which is the real first aid box, the real wine and oil of healing for the world. This is how love of God becomes love of neighbor and love of neighbor becomes love of God: Jesus is riding on us to the needy! (photo)
Many priests and hundreds of lay people participated in the beautiful, noble and sublime celebrations. Madam Mariola Szczesna, the Mayor of the City, who is a great friend of the Church, was also present. (photo)
2018 May 21. Mission Pentecost-3
The Second Day of the Feast of the Pentecost in Cwiklice Parish (Poland) was a special one. Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a conference, celebrated the Holy Mass, led the adoration of the Holy Eucharist and imposition of hands. Fr. Sylwek, the Parish priest organized it very wonderfully.
A brief excerpt from the homily of Fr. Jose: Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “If you knew who that is speaking to you, you would have asked him and he would have given you the living water” (Jn 4:10). When Jesus died on the Cross, he reclined backward to the breast of his Father, and committed his Spirit into hands of the Father (Lk 23:46), and then he bowed his head and breathed his last (Mk 15:37), by which he handed over the Spirit (Jn 19:30) to Jesus’ mother and the disciple whom Jesus loved (Jn 19:25-27). At that time, Jesus’ side was cut and water and blood flowed (Jn 19:34). This water is the living water. In this water only we are baptized when we receive the Sacrament of Baptism. We are not receiving baptism in the running waters (that is John’s baptism), but living water from the side of Jesus. We who are bathed in the living water from the side of Jesus have come now to this Church to receive his blood, his own life, in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It’s in this way that we receive his Spirit so that we step into the eternal life, a life which is not subject to death and decay. (photos)
2018 May 20. Mission Pentecost-2
The Feast of the Pentecost at St. Catherine Church at Nowy Targ (Poland) had a special privilege: Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached six homilies for six Holy Masses. He also preached two conferences, led two adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and two imposition of hands. And for each Holy Mass, the church was packed. It seems that more than 2500 people participated.
Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (Jn 20:21-23). Immediately we are reminded of the creation of man by God, who breathed into the nostrils to make him a living being. The breath of God made us human. That is to say, when logos of God stepped into an animal, that animal began to become human (cf. Jn 10:35). Scientifically, this is the start of human evolution? If so, what is the final stage of evolution? The logos has to step into us once again in order to lift us into the final phase of evolution, and that final phase is the resurrection. This is why Jesus breathed into the disciples and lifted them up into the final phase of life. We too stand in need of this breath of Jesus, which we receive in the Sacrament of baptism, which is nourished by the Holy Eucharist, through which the risen Lord comes to us as Spirit (cf. Jn 6:63). This is one of the aspects that Fr. Jose underlined. (photos)
After all spiritual programs, there was a get together of the Capernaum Charismatic Community members at a restaurant. Fr. Jose and the Parish Priest of Nowy Targ also participated in it. (photos)
2018 May 19. Mission Pentecost-1
Fr. Jose Maniparambil and the translator Kasia Polak took a flight from Gdansk to Krakow on 16th May, and after two days of stay in Krakow, they reached Slemien on 18th evening. On Saturday, Fr. Jose led the Pentecost Vigil at Jasna Gora Church in Slemien, Poland. It was organized by Renata and Marcin. There was a conference, Holy Mass with the homily of Fr. Jose Maniparambil, adoration of the Holy Eucharist, and Laying of Hands. Many other priests were also present.
Fr. Jose gave a very beautiful explanation about the Holy Spirit. Here is a brief summary. In the early Church, when a person was baptized three questions were asked: Do you believe in God? Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Do you believe in Holy Spirit? These questions were later developed into the Credo, which has three parts: first part dealing with God the Father, second part dealing with Jesus Christ and third part dealing with Holy Spirit. And we say: “I believe in Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church.”
There is a subtle difference between ‘the Holy Spirit’ (with definite article ‘the’), and Holy Spirit (without the definite article). The Holy Spirit denotes the third person in the Holy Trinity. Holy Spirit refers to the Spirit of Jesus, who is given to the believers in Jesus, at the time of Jesus’ glorification. This is why we read in Jn 7:39, “as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” And the Church is Holy Spirit given to the believers in Jesus. This is why we recite in the Credo: “I believe in Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church.” (photos)
May 15. Why did God become Man?
At a regular school in Slupsk (Poland), Fr. Jose Maniparambil addressed a gathering of boys and girls for about three hours and spoke about the mystery of human beings. How did we become human? Charles Darwin said that some 25 million years ago a being called pro-consul had two types of children: man and chimpansee. He mentioned three reasons for this evolution: mutations, environment and missing link. There is a link, but scientist cannot find this link. And Fr. Jose said that this link is provided by the Psalmist and Jesus approved it when he said ‘to whom logos of God came he called them gods’ (Jn 10:35). We began to become human being when logos stepped into us. This indicates two important things: 1. If logos of God can step into an animal and transform that animal into a man, the Logos itself can become man. 2. The Logos has to become man and enter into us in order to lift us into the final stage of evolution,which is called resurrection. This is what happened in the person of Jesus of Nazareth (cf. Jn 1:14). But, he needs our permission to enter into us and envelop us by his love, which is stronger than death. He is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Will you open the door for him?
During the zero hour for asking questions, one of the boys asked: what is the problem of Buddhism? Fr. Jose said: first of all, Buddhism is an attempt to reach Nirvana (heavenly bliss) without the help of God (there is no God in Buddhism). To lift youself to the heights of heaven! This is the religious version of Tower of Babel in the Bible. They want to build a ladder reaching heavens, but without God (God laughed at their foolishness)! Buddhism seems attractive in Europe because it is an atheistic philosophy and many in Europe were looking for such a philosopy: You want heaven, but you do not want God!
Secondly, Buddha said: desire is the cause of sorrow! If you have no desire you have no sorrow! Can there be any human being without desire? No. They say only one person attained this stage and that is Buddha! If so, Buddhism is meant for only one person – Buddha! Not for us! (photos)
May 12 Ustka: An Evening with the Holy Spirit
A good number of boys and girls assembled in the Catholic Church in Ustka to spend an evening with the Holy Spirit. They got immersed in praise and worship accompanied by music. There was testimonies by two pair of couples. And there was a sermon by Fr. Jose Maniparambil, who also led the Eucharistic adoration. There is a difference between ‘the’ Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit (without the definite article), Fr. Jose said. The Holy Spirit refers to the third person in the Holy Trinity. Holy Spirit (without the definite article) refers to the Spirit of Jesus given to the believers in Jesus (cf. Jn 7:37-39), and this Holy Spirit given to the believers in Jesus Christ is called the Church. He underlined it: The Church is Holy Spirit given to the believers in Jesus Christ. This is the ‘soul’ of the Church. The structure that we see (the Pope, the bishops, priests and so on) is the ‘body’ of the Church. The body without the soul is a corpse. You are the Church because Jesus has given you his Spirit. Let us grow in this Spirit of Jesus. (photos)
May 11-13 Duninowo Bible School: Good News of Victory in War
Matthew wrote a book of origins of Jesus (Mt 1:1). Luke wrote a historical story of salvation (Lk 1:1-4). John wrote about the Logos, who was God (Jn 1:1), and who became man (Jn 1:14). Only Mark wrote a gospel – evangelion (Mk 1:1). It’s the good news of victory in war – war against Satan (cf. Mk 1:12-13; 8:31-33). And this war was won on the Cross. Jesus descended to the Hell and bound the Satan and plundered his house (cf. Mk 3:22-30). He has the keys of death and hell. He opened up the gates of hell in such a way that those who belong to him cannot be confined to the realm of the dead. The beam of the Cross reaches up to the remotest point of death, so that those who belong to Jesus can go to heaven through the Cross, which is the ladder to heaven, on which angels ascend and descend (cf. Jn 1:51). All the exorcisms of Jesus are a sign of Jesus plundering the house of Satan. And in Mark’s gospel, the first miracle of Jesus is an exorcism (cf. Mk 1:21-27). This is the good news: God himself is fighting against the Satan, and we are invited to join his force. If we belong to him, we continue to defeat the Satan, and this becomes a perpetual good news of victory in war. This is how Fr. Jose began his Bible School on the Gospel of Mark at Duninowo, Poland. (photos)
On Sunday evening, there was a healing ministry, in which Fr. Thomak and Fr. Jose prayed over the people by the powerful word of Jesus: Ephphatha! (photos)
May 10 Re-incarnation, Yoga and the Cross
Addressing a gathering of young boys and girls at the School in Ustka, Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about the Hindu concept of Re-incarnation and Yoga and how they are different from the Cross. What is the basic thought behind the Hindu belief in re-incarnation? The soul is immortal, but impure. So it should undergo countless ‘re-incarnations’ in order to be purified and get back to heaven. If somebody kills a pig or dog or cat, they will be re-incarnated as pig or dog or cat! The soul has to save itself! This is the most selfish attitude. You want to save yourself only!
This is also the basic philosophy behind yoga: by your physical discipline and breath control, you have to lift your energy (Kundalini power) up! But, both these philosophies are against the basic nature of man. why do we say it?
Let me ask you a question: why do we love? Why do we long for love? By nature man wants to be in the company of others. We long to ‘go to others’ and love them. Love is the opposite of selfishness and egotism.
Secondly, no soul has power to lift itself to the heights of heaven. We do not have the wings to lift our soul to that heights. We need to be in the company of the One who can be with us always and who can lift our soul to that heights. That One is Jesus Christ, who is the only one risen from the dead, who can be with us even in and after our death, to lift us from death to life. This is the meaning of the Cross. Jesus clings on to his Father, and he reaches out to every human being, even in his remotest loneliness (icy solitude) called death. He descended to the hell (to the death) in order to lift us from there. Therefore, there is a rupture in his body! Two loves in him stretch him apart: love for God and love for human beings. That rupture of love is called the Cross. Jesus forgets himself and goes to any extreme to bring them back to God. This is just the opposite of yoga, which is self-centered. This is the opposite of re-incarnation, which is the most self-centered concept.
Yet, Christians have a ‘rebirth,’ that happens on earth when they receive the sacrament of baptism. They, who are born of human parents are ‘reborn’ into Jesus the Last Man, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they no longer belong the first man (Adam), but to the Last Adam (Jesus). (photos)
May 8. Sacrament of Confirmation, Ustka
Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of Mary (Lk 1:26-38; Mt 1:18-25). Yet, he when he was praying the Holy Spirit descended on him in the bodily form of a dove (Lk 3:21-22) in order to anoint him to preach good news to the poor (Lk 4:18). We were born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of the Church at the Sacrament of Baptism. But, when we remain in prayer the Holy Spirit descend on us to anoint us to preach the good news. This is the Sacrament of Confirmation.
When the Spirit descended on Jesus, he was driven by the Spirit to the wilderness to confront and fight against the Satan (Mk 1:12-13). We too are called to confront the Satan in order to crush his head. In this war, we have the assistance of the angels (Mk 1:13). So, let us not be afraid. This is how Fr. Jose Maniparambil prepared boys and girls in Ustka parish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
2018 May 6 Sunday, Love is Holy Trinity’s Life
Last Sunday, Jesus told us: ‘I am the true vine, and you are the branches.’ Jesus is the true man and by baptism, we are grafted to him, and so we are his branches. Today, he tells us: Remain in me as I remain in my Father. How? By loving one another as I have loved you.
How did he love us? He answers: I will not call you servants for servants do not know what the master is doing. I call you friends because I have given you everything that I have my Father. He has given us himself. He has entrusted himself with us. The Holy Eucharist is the best example. He has given himself into the hands of his priests. He trusts us.
But, this is to be related to Jn 5:19, 30 where Jesus says, I cannot do anything of my own. I do everthing as I see with my Father. St. Augustine stumbled upon these verses. How can Jesus say it? Is he not God? Then how can he say that I cannot do anything of my own? He began to reflect on this verse and got a glimpse into the mystery of Jesus. Who is Jesus? How can he be the true man? Jesus is the Being whose both sides are open: He is totally from the father, he is totally for others, nothing for himself. Two loves in him stretch him apart: love for God and love for human beings. This is why his body is split. There is rupture in his body. Even now. He told Thomas, come, put your finger into my wounds. Now we get the meaning of the verse: The Temple Veil was split into two – from top to bottom. This veil is Jesus’ flesh. It’s split into two, and through his open side God can come to us, we can go to him. He is both side open. He goes to any extreme to bridge the gap between God and human beings, even to the point of a rupture in his body.
He asks us to follow this example: to hold on to God and to go to any extreme to love our own, even if it splits our body. This rupture of love is the cross. Love is an exodus. It is painful, but joyful because love creates life.
This is the summary of four homilies of Fr. Jose Maniparambil in the Catholic Parish Church at Ustka, Poland. (photos attached)
2018 May 3 Mary, Queen of Poland
Jesus calls his mother ‘woman’ both at Cana (Jn 2:1-11) and Calvary (Jn 19:25-27). Very interestingly, Mary is presented as ‘woman’ in heaven, clothed with the sun, under her feet the moon, and twelve stars as her crown. Therefore, ‘woman’ in the Bible has the sense of a queen. This is evident even in the first reference to the ‘woman’ in the Bible (Gen 2), where God created the man and the woman as king and queen of the Garden of Eden. The man and the woman rule the garden, they give names to other beings….When ‘the woman’ gives birth to children only she is called Eve.
Mary is not only queen of Poland or India or any other country: she is the queen of heaven and earth. In 2 Kings there is a reference to ‘Queen Mother,’ the mother of Solomon, whose request is granted by the king. The mother of Jesus, who is greater than Solomon (cf. Mt 12), is the real Queen Mother, and her requests are granted by the Son, who is the King of the Jews , and the King of the World. And the Queen Mother’s command to us is: Do what Jesus tells you! This is her last words as is reported in the Gospels. This is how Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a homily of seven minutes in the Catholic Church in Ustka, Poland, on the Feast Day of Queen of Poland. (photos attached)
2018 April 29 Rszesow Sermons on ‘True Vine’
Jesus said, ‘I am the true vine.’ During seven Holy Masses Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave seven homilies on this verse (Jn 15:1), and each homily was different with new dimensions of the mystery of Jesus. A summary of his seven sermons: Let us begin with a question: How did we become human? The most scientific answer is given by Jesus: When the logos of God stepped into us, we became human beings (Jn 10:35). Logos means three things: reason, freedom and love. God is the supreme being with absolute reason, freedom and love. God shared these faculties with us so that we become his image, the human beings. This is the first stage in our evolution. What is the last stage? The resurrection.
To lift us into the last and final stage of evolution, the Logos itself became flesh (Jn 1:14). God became man. This is repeated by Jesus today in the gospel: I am the true vine. In the Bible vine is a symbol of man (cf. Ps 80). Jesus is the true man.
St. Paul develops this theology in 1 Cor 15. He speaks of two men, who are criterion for all other human beings: first man and the last man. First man, adam, is from below- a man of the flesh. The last man – Jesus, is from above – a man of the Spirit. Therefore he is the perfect man, the true man, the man of the Spirit.
When we are born of our human parents, we are born in the genealogy of Adam – a man of the flesh. But, by baptism, our genealogy gets a break. We are reborn as Jesus was born. We are born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of the Church exactly as Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit in the virgin womb of Mary. Therefore, by baptism we are grafted to Jesus, the true man, the perfect man, the last man. This is why Jesus says, I am the vine, you are the branches.
This explains two more mysteries. What is the fruit of the vine? Grapes, and then wine. Jesus produced the best wine at Cana, and then he transforms this best wine into his blood in the Holy Eucharist so that we live by his sap, by his blood.
Secondly, Jesus said, the grain of wheat has to fall to the ground, die and decay in order to have a new plant. Many seed parables indicate it – seed fell on the wayside, rocky ground, thistles and thorns, good soil, seed growing secretly, mustard seed – the grain/seed is very tiny, but it contains the dynamism of life. Jesus is the grain of wheat, and in his love – a love that goes to any extreme to save his own – became the bread of life in order to feed those who are grafted to him. Grain of wheat became the bread of life.
We are fed by Jesus’ own life: he is the vine and we are the branches. It’s a huge privilege for us, also a huge responsibility to bid farewell to the man of flesh and continue to remain in the man of spirit – the true vine.
In one Holy Mass, Fr. Jose Maniparambil gave a catechesis for children. Among them were children preparing for the First Holy Communion. And Fr. Jose spoke the language of children, asking them questions, commenting on their answers, and explaining the meaning of the Holy Eucharist in its relation to the true vine. (photos attached)
2018 April 27 Rszesow Ephphata Healing Ministry
Hundeds of people attended one day Healing Ministry by name Ephphata (Be Opened) retreat. It was led by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Priests Grszegosz, Lukasz, Michael, and Alexis were there with wings on their legs to help people encounter the Lord’s healing touch. (photos attached)
Fr. Jose explained how Jesus put his finger into the deaf-mute man’s ears, and touched his tongue, and looked up to heaven, groaning in his heart said, Ephphata (Mk 7:32-37). This ‘finger of God’ refers to the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:20). Ephphata has, then, three meaning: Jesus looked to heaven and said, ‘be opened.’ It’s a prayer for the ‘tearing of the heavens’ (Isa 64:1). Then he put his finger into the sick man’s ears and tongue and pronounced the words of healing: be opened! And he was healed. Then the cured man ‘opened up’ Jesus’ mission to the gentiles (cf. Mk 7-8).
After the preaching, there was adoration, prayer of exorcism and laying of hands. Many testified that they esperienced the Lord’s touch. (photos attached)
Many were in queue to get the autograph from Fr. Jose – a signature of the author himself on his different books in Polish language. (photos attached)
2018 April 26,28 Rszesow Retreat on ‘Dove of the Holy Spirit’
On 25th April Fr. Jose Maniparambil reached Rzeszow, the largest city in southeastern Poland with over 189,000 population, and he was welcomed by Ks. Grszegosz, the Parish Priest of the Church dedicated to the Holy Family and vicar Fr. Lukasz. Fr. Jose preached a retreat for two days on the theme: ‘I am filled by the Holy Spirit.’ This is relevant in Poland, which has declared this year as the ‘Year of the Holy Spirit.’
Fr. Jose explained how Mary remained ‘in the cloud of the Holy Spirit,’ and ‘in the incubation of the Holy Spirit’ by ‘opening the door of obedience’ in order that she conceive God’s Son in her virgin womb and that she could give God to the world.
He also explained that Jesus, who was born of the Holy Spirit, continued his intimacy with the Spirit by constant prayer. And during the prayer after his baptism, the Dove of the Holy Spirit descended on him, and ‘threw him out’ into the wilderness to confront Satan and bind him, and plunder his house. We have to continue this war against Satan by the power of the Holy Spirit until Parousia for salvation is a process. (photos attached)
2018 April 12-15 Retreat at Kalwaria on “Dove of the Holy Spirit”
We drove from Katowice to Kalwaria Paclawska monastery in mountains nearing Ukraine border – five hours journey. We stopped at Rszesow to meet Fr. Lukasz and the Parish Priest to have lunch. And the retreat started by evening on 13th Friday. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus, and its application in everybody’s life. Fr. Jose focused on a particular point: Jesus put his ‘finger’ into the ears of the deaf-mute man (Mk 7:3-37). And Fr. Jose explained that this ‘finger’ denotes ‘finger of God,’ which is a reference to the Holy Spirit (cf. Lk 12), therefore, it is a sign that God’s rule has come on earth in the person of Jesus. Therefore, Jesus looking to heaven prays, Ephphata, and it is opened, and he prononuces Ephphata to the sick man, and he is healed, and the man does an Ephphata, that is, opening up the mission to the Gentiles. (Gallery Link)
2018 April 15 Homily on ‘Jesus’ Eating Salt’
During the homily of the Holy Mass at Kalwaria Paclawska Monastery, attended by a big multitude of pilgrims, Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained Acts 1:3, “For forty days, the risen Lord presented himself by appearing to them, teaching them about the Kingdom of God and eating salt with them while at table.” In many translations, the last part is not evident. The Greek word synalizomenos literally means to ‘eat salt.’ And ‘eating salt’ is a symbol of establishing permanent covenant, in which Jesus gives his own life to us, the real bread that we need in order that we enter into the life of the resurrection with him. Fr. Jose explained very well, ‘what happens to us when we die’ basing himself on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (Gallery Link)
2018 April 1 Baptism on Easter
On Easter day morning, Fr. Jose Maniparambil and Kasia Polak took a train to Warsaw. Fr. Jose concelebrated the Holy Mass at Warsaw in which Kinga Barbra, daughter of Dariusz and Ela was baptized. After the Baptism, Fr. Jose enjoyed a lunch with the family members of Dariusz and Ela.(gallery link)
2018 March 30-31 Paschal Triduum
Young people from the surrounding parishes of Bialystok gathered in the Parish hall to attend the Paschal Triduum retreat preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. He spoke about two verses in the Bible: He will not leave me in Sheol and Jesus ‘ate salt’ with the disciples after his passion (Acts 1:3-4). He explained how the empty tomb is related to Jesus’ resurrection and our resurrection from the dead. According to the Parish Priest, “It was a stunning retreat with new revelations of the word of God.” (gallery link)
2018 March 29 Maundy Thursday
Along with the priests of the archdiocese of Bialystok, Fr. Jose Maniparambil participated in the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral. Fr. Zbigniew, the Paris Priest of Bialystok parish introduced Fr. Jose to the Archbishop Tadaeusz.
2018 March 26-28 Retreat for Kairos Charismatic Community
Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached a three day retreat for Kairos Charismatic Community in Bialystok, Poland from March 26 to 28. The theme of the retreat was: Seven Words from the Cross. According to Mrs. Anna Andreas, “Fr. Jose brings heaven closer to us.” (gallery link)
2018 March 23-25 Parish Retreat at Bialystok, Poland
After the Spiritual Workshop on Mark’s Gospel at Vienna, Austria, Fr. Pawel drove Fr. Jose and Kasia Polak, the translator cum organizer, back to Poland. Fr. Jose and Kasia took a train from Katowice to Warsaw and from there Fr. Lukasz drove them to Bialystok. There Fr. Jose preached three days Parish Retreat on the theme: They shall look upon him whom they have pierced (Jn 19:37). Fr. Jose presented Jesus as the perfect man, whose both sides are open: He is totally from the Father and totally for others and nothing for himself. And by following him with faith and love, we become more and more human (gallery link)
2018 March – Vienna Spiritual Workshop
2018 February 21-23 English Annual Retreat, Fujairah, UAE
The Lenten Mission in English at Fujairah Catholic Church was preached by Fr. Jose Maniparambil. It was a three day retreat. It was well appreciated that some people asked the Parish Priest Sagayaraj for more conferences of Fr. Jose next year.
Fr. Jose Maniparambil spoke about ‘the bread of life’ and the ‘bread without God.’ The place where Melchizadek offered bread and wine first time in history is the place where Jesus, the High Priest after the order of Melchizaek, instituted the Holy Eucharist, using bread and wine. Theologically, the Church is that place, where we celebrate the Holy Mass.
There was also a follow up program for different Charismatic communities in Malayalam. Fr. Jose Maniparambil addressed the questions raised by the believers. He stopped the class at 8.30 p.m. and set to Sharjah airport at 9 p.m. This was arranged by Fr. Joy, who is in charge of Malayalee communities.
2018 February 19-20 Two Days Lenten Mission in English, Dibba, UAE
The small Catholic community in Dibba, UAE had the privilege of listening to Fr. Jose Maniparambil. The Retreat was in English, which was highly appreciated by Philippinos, Africans and Indians and people from other countries.
2018 February 18 Birthday Celebration
It’s big day for Fr. Jose Maniparambil. Usually every year it goes without noticing. But, this year it was different and rare. He had special birthday celebration in three places: Musaffah, Jabel Ali and Fujairah.
At Jabel Ali, parish priest Fr. Reynolds and Fr. Biju took the initiative to celebrate the birthday of Fr. Jose Maniparambil.Fr. Jose’s friends Romy, Kishu and others also joined the celebration.
2018 February 16-17 Follow Up Preachers’ Training Program, Musaffah, UAE
In 2017 Fr. Jose Maniparambil had given training for preachers in Jabel Ali, Dubai, Ras-el-Khaima and Musaffah. A follow up of that program was arranged at Musaffah Church and Fr. Jose Maniparambil taught them the Gospel of Mark.
2018 February 11-15 Malayalam Annual Retreat at Catholic Church, Musaffah, UAE
On Sunday, Feb 11, Fr. Jose began the Annual Retreat in Malayalam at Musaffah Church. The risen Lord appeared to Mother Mary and the apostles for forty days and forty nights and taught them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). They spent 10 days in prayer and they received a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit – the eschatological gift of the Spirit was given. John the Baptizer had prophesied about this experience: I baptize you with water. He will baptize you the Spirit and Fire. It happened on the Pentecost day.
When we allow ourselves to be taught by the risen Lord and spent time in prayer we too will receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Evangelical churches insist on water baptism (that is, the baptism of John the Baptizer). But, we are told not to receive the water baptism, but baptism by spirit and fire.
Retreat ends each day with adoration.
On Feb 12, the Retreat started with the ceremonies of Ash Monday according to Syro-Malabar Church. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the meaning of palm leaves mixing with ashes. The Greek word of palm is phoenix: a mythical bird resurrected from its own ashes. Jesus is the phoenix: He died and rose again.
On Feb 14, the retreat started with the ceremonies of Ash Wednesday according to Latin rite. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the richness of the tradition of different churches. The Church is one faith community, which has many Eucharistic communities.
2018 February 4-9 Malayalam Annual Retreat at Catholic Church, Jabel Ali, UAE
Every evening the retreat begins with the Holy Mass, alternating between Latin Rite and Syro-Malabar Rite. Fr. Jose Maniparambil preaches the homily and the retreat. Who is God? Who is Man? Why did God become man? Why did he die on a cross? What is the Cross? How can the death of a person become salvation for all human beings? What does Jesus do during adoration?
2018 February 6 Priests’ Gathering at Ras-el-Khaima, UAE
All Catholic Priests serving the Lord in UAE gathered in Ras-el-Khaima. Bishop Paul Hinder presided over the meeting. Fr. Jose Maniparambil also participated in this priests’ meeting.
2018 February 3 One Day Lenten Mission, Bede Zayed, UAE
Fr. Varghese Kozhippadan introduced Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the Catholic Community at Bede Zayed, Unite Arab Emirates. Fr. Jose explained the mystery of Jesus as contained in the Word of God, especially the Mercy of God: the lightning of mercy hit on him and his heart was split open and compassion flowed out (esplachnizomai), Fr. Jose said, while explaining the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
The Confessional is not a washing machine. Citing the words of Pope Francis, Fr. Jose explained that the heavenly put on the penitent the first robe of supernatural grace, that one who confesses his sins is elevated to the original dignity of humans, that he is reborn: One who is in Christ is a new creation.
2018 February 2 One Day Lenten Mission, Ruwais, UAE
City of Ruwais is on the border of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. There is a very good Catholic community. They assemble for prayer, praise and worship and Holy Mass in a hall. The UAE government has given permission to build a Church there.
The hall was full. They had to bring extra chairs because the crowd was more than expected. Fr. Jose Maniparambil explained the word of God, the mystery of Jesus. He celebrated the Holy Mass. He conducted the adoration, and prayed over the people.
He spent two more hours answering the questions of the believers. He rested in the house of Mr. Sheen. His wife is involved in Nurses Preaching Ministry, led by Rev. Fr. Varghese Chemboly, Sharjah.
2018 January 26 Release of the Book
The Biography of Pope Francis in Malayalam authored by Fr. Jose Maniparambil was released in a simple ceremony at Biblia. Fr. Maniparambil’s friends known as “Black Cats of Josachan” assembled at Biblia for an annual gathering. They are forty men who took turn to provide security for Fr. Jose when he had a threat against his life from the fundamentalists.
The latest book of Biblia, Biography of Pope Francis, was released in this function.
2018 February 1 Preaching for Charisma Community, Musaffah, UAE
Capuchin priest Varghese Kozhippadan and Joby from Musaffah welcomed Fr. Jose Maniparambil at Abu Dhabi Airport.
In the evening, Musaffah parish priest Rev. Fr. Ani Xavier introduced Fr. Jose Maniparambil to the believers and Fr. Jose celebrated the Holy Mass. He gave a short homily. After the Holy Mass, there was the prayer gathering of Charisma Community. Fr. Jose Maniparambil broke the word of God for them, answered their questions, and it was concluded by a short praise and worship.
2018 January 19 With Madonna Children
Fr. Jose spent the day with the Madonna children – Madonna Special School cum Residential Home for the Differently Abled.
2018 January 13 Requiem Holy Mass at Parappukara, India
On the fourth death anniversary of M. P. Antony, the beloved father of Jose Maniparambil, there was a requiem holy Mass at St. John’s Forane Church, Parappukkara, the former mother parish. Rev. Fr. Francis Maniparambil celebrated the Holy Mass. Fr. Jose, who concelebrated with him, gave a message during the homily. All the family members were also present for the Mass.
The same day, Fr. Jose Maniparambil participated in the betrothal of his cousin – daughter of Kochulonappan.
2018 January 5-7 Epiphany Retreat at Tychy, Poland
The Church in Tychy (Poland) looks like a Crib. A big Crib. Fitting to the meaning of Bethlehem (House of Bread), the altar is built as the manger, where Jesus the Bread of Life, is born. There were living animals – goats, donkey, rabbits and so on – some inside the Church, some outside the Church. The Church is being built by the priest himself – he is the mason. Fr. Jose Maniparambil preached three-day Epiphany retreat in the Church. The Bethlehem community here takes care of the homeless people. Fr. Jose prayed over many people.
2018 January 2 Radio eM, Katowice, Poland
The official Radio of Katowice diocese in Poland, Radio eM, invited Fr. Jose Maniparambil for an interview. It lasted for about an hour. Various topics including the problems and prospective of Church in India were discussed.
2018 January 1 Biography of Pope Francis
A demand from Kerala book market. A Biography of Pope Francis. And Fr. Jose Maniparambil completed a 300 page Malayalam volume of the Biography of Pope Francis, the most famous man of our times. The matter was sent to the printing press today.