(28-09-1913 to 10-04-2005)
Rev. Fr. Berthold, born on 28th September 1913 at Neeranthanam, made his First Profession on 20th July 1937 and Solemn Profession on 20th July 1940. He was ordained on 14th April 1945.
Fr. Berthold was actively involving in the activities of the community. His life was an exquisite blending of humour and humility, laughter and love for others, deep prayer and mortification. He served our Province as the Superior of many of our Monasteries, Master, Spiritual Father in many of our formation houses, Parish Priest and all the more a zealous Carmelite by his own example. Even years before he undertook many an onerous Odyssey, especially in Malabar and High Range areas, evincing his unflagging missionary zeal. He willingly opted almost until his death to be a member of the team of vocation promoters. He also founded many of the Monasteries. His life and example were so inspiring that not only one religious, but many priests and other people from different strata of the society irrespective of caste and creed, received Spiritual Guidance from him even when he was bedridden.
He was seriously sick for a few months frequently being admitted in the hospitals. He was admitted in the San Joe Hospital, Perumbavoor for a few weeks. Even when suffering excruciating pain, he kept a smiling face fulfilling the time-tested dictum, Gay like Carmelites. From 4th April, his condition became very serious. On 10th April at 1.30 p.m. he breathed his last.
His joyful life and peaceful death bore witness to his sanctity and they left us a challenge and initiation for such a holy life.
May he interceded for us to be true to our Order of Discalced Carmelite Vocation.
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!