(28-02-1919 to 26-12-2003)
Our dear father, Rev. Fr. Pius Periapuram OCD of the Sorrowful Virgin, expired on Friday, 26th December 2003 in the 60th year of his Profession and 44th year of his Priesthood, at Carmelaram Theology College, Bengaluru at the age 84.
Rev. Fr. Pius Periapuram OCD was born on 28th of February 1919 of Mulakkulam in Palai Diocese. His parents were Kuruvila Ulahannan and Lilly Ouseph, Periapuram. His parents had 9 children and our father was their second child. He was baptized on 7th March 1919, at St. Mary’s Church, Mulakkulam. After his elementary education, he joined the Order of the Discalced Carmelites on 15th October, 1940 and began his Postulancy at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram. He received the Habit of the Order on 4th June, 1942 and made his Simple Profession on 5th June, 1943 and Solemn Profession on 12th June, 1946. He was ordained priest on 23rd May, 1959 at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram.
Rev. Fr. Pius had been the member of St. Teresa’s Monastery, Ernakulam; St. Joseph’s Monastery, Varappuzha; St. Elias’ Monastery, Thuckalay; Carmel Ashram, Thanjavoor; Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram; Carmelaram Theology College, Bengaluru.
After his Ordination, he discharged the duties as – Director of Aspirants; Provincial Procurator; Bursar; Administrator; Professor; Vicar Coorporator; and Parish Priest, St. Anne’s Church, Kodathy. He did his duties perfectly. He was also the Spiritual Director of many Congregation.
Ever since 1979, the life of Rev. Fr. Pius was inextricably intertwined with Carmelaram, Bengaluru. The presence of Fr. Pius in Carmelaram was rich in a special way. He was the Parish Priest of Kodathy and for many years, he helped various parish priests. His knowledge and fluency in Kannada, Tamil and Telungu languages, he felt much free to render his services to many people. Fr. Pius greatly sought after Sacramental Confession and Spiritual Direction. Priests, religious and the laity found a man of God in Fr. Pius, as they approached him in the Confessional.
Fr. Pius took lot of time for personal prayer and Lèctio Divìna. He enjoyed going for evening walk almost every day. People who knew him testified that on his walk during evening time, none passed him without receiving a smile or an encouraging word, or a profound spiritual thought from him. Even in his old age he was young both in mind and heart. By wearing his Carmelite habit always, he lived a life of uncompromising Carmelite ideals. He loved both poor and children.
The end of his life was very unexpected one. From 15th December, 2003 Fr. Pius was bedridden with fever. On 20th December, he became worse and therefore, after receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Fr. Pius was taken to St. John’s Medical College. The doctors diagnosed that his lungs and blood was infected. Spending 3 days in the hospital his condition became critical and on 23rd December he was put on the ventilator and after that he did not regain his conscious and on 26th morning, at 7.40 a.m. Fr. Pius expired.
Funeral Service began at Lisieux Centre, Muvattupuzha at 10.30 a.m. The Funeral mass was officiated by Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Mootheril OCD, Vicar Provincial, where about 30 priests concelebrated for the Mass. Many laity, members from all our communities and relatives of Fr. Pius Periapuram also participated in the funeral Mass and funeral services after the Holy Mass. The funeral services was also officiated by our Vicar Provincial, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Mootheril OCD.
The mortal remains of Rev. Fr. Pius Periapuram OCD of the Sorrowful Virgin was interred in the crypt of Lisieux Centre, Muvattupuzha waiting for his Glorious resurrection.
Dead or Alive, they bring us great blessing!
While living with us they walked with us giving us life and light!
After leaving us all, they intercede for us in Heaven!!
May our dearest friar intercede for us!!!
+ May the Lord reward His faithful Carmelite Friar!!
REQUIEM IN PACEM!!