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We Will Miss a Legend... Fr C. Thomas breathes his last
By Fr Therampil Jose sdb  - 5 Comments
Hyderabad, Apr. 6. The Salesian Province of Hyderabad, lost another of its stalwarts in the person of Fr Chinnappa Thomas on April 5, 2015 (Easter Sunday) at 1 pm while undergoing treatment at CMC, Vellore.  He was 78 years old when he breathed his last. He would be eternally remembered for his deep spirituality, love for the poor and simple lifestyle.  He had a theologian's mind, a musician's soul and a pastor's heart. The funeral is scheduled for April 8, 2015 at 4 pm at Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram.
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Fr C. Thomas, or Acharya as he was fondly called, was born in Madras on December 18, 1937.  He made his first and perpetual profession at Yecaud in 1960 and 1966 respectively. He was ordained on his birthday in the year 1969 at Madras.  He spent the last 46 years in the Province of Hyderabad as a missionary during which he pioneered the Salesian mission in three places: Mangalagiri, Punganur and Sodum.  Don Bosco Prem Nivas, Mangalagiri was the first of its kind in the whole Salesian congregation to cater to the needs of physically challenged children. Towards the latter part of his life, the ashram he painstakingly built up was his heart and soul. Though it was taken back by the diocese, he still remained attached to all those who were associated with it, till his last breath.  

As a person he was soft-spoken and unassuming. He was a person who was able to integrate theology with compassion. Among his admirers are hundreds of men who once were orphans or semi-orphans and were brought up by him and are now well placed in society. Everyone who knew Fr C. Thomas would vouch for the fact that the person is all that mattered for him.  Nothing else, neither religion nor caste, mattered.  

He had unflinching faith in God and connectivity to the people around him. He immersed himself in the problems of the people.  Life's blows slowed him down but could not break him because his spirit was warmed at the fire of prayer and enthusiasm. He was one of the spiritual icons of the Province of Hyderabad.  

Given his gentle frame, even a slight breeze would move his body, but his heart was always tender and moved at the slightest difficulty faced by those with him.  Though his own family was well placed in society, he lived a life of utter poverty: his personal belongings could hardly fill two small size travel bags (of which half would be plastic bags, wiping cloth pieces, and some souvenirs for distribution).   His work breathed nothing but love. The very fabric of his life was woven with God's infinite goodness and compassion.  He exuded unadulterated love and concern.

For the last three years prior to being in Punganur, he was the confessor in the Philosophate at Kondadaba (for one year) and at Don Bosco Philsophate, Karunapuram (2012-2014). It was ardent love for ashram life that pulled him to Punganur and that's where he breathed his last.  

Comments


John Andrew United States Pasadena
says:
October 12, 2016

External rest grant unto him o LORD, may the soul of the faithful depurated REST IN PEACE. I was a the only student with him in sodum in years 2007 - 2009 . All For One One For All BSA ( BOSCO SAMIYAKA ASARAM) I learned this from him. REQUIEM IN PACHA John Andrew


Alberto Montaldo Italy Moncalieri
says:
April 10, 2015

With deep sadness we came to know of the sudden passing away of Fr. Thomas Chinnappa on the day of Easter. We met Fr. Thomas in the year 1983 when he was director of the Don Bosco Premnivas of Mangalagiri, during one of our trips to India (we are an adoptive family of three Indian children) and we immediately appreciated the enormous qualities of humanity and total dedication to his handicapped boys. Then we met him in Marlapalli, Punganur where he had started the Don Bosco Nav Jeevan and even here we could see how his great charisma did hold on his people. As in the meantime we had founded the New Life – Nuova Vita association in Italy, we had given, very modestly, our small contribution to help Fr. Thomas, especially in the beginning of these works. And even on these occasions his generous spirit appeared in all its grandeur: despite having great need of help he did not hesitate to step aside to show us other situations where we could direct our aid. It was undoubtedly a phenomenal person with an immense charisma, we were very lucky to have met him in the journey of our lives and now we also feel poorer even if we are sure that Fr. Thomas from heaven will bless us with all the people who loved. We will pray for you, Acharya Alberto and Elena Montaldo


BELLAMKONDA Anthony Sudhakar India Secunderabad
says:
April 09, 2015

Thank you Fr T.V Jose for the meaningful article on Rev. Fr. Chinnappa Thomas. We certainly miss him. He is the MOTIVATOR for many Senior and Young Salesians in the present and past. He is the founder of starting home for the homeless and differently abled children by an Indian Salesian in whole of India. MAY THE SOUL OF FR. CHINNAPPA THOMAS REST IN PEACE.


ijerome4 India Bangalore
says:
April 08, 2015

We thank the Salesian Community for its love and understanding. It is indeed a great loss to every member of the family.


THARAKAN John India Hyderabad
says:
April 06, 2015

Jose, you have expressed beautifully what we have seen, heard and experienced. I hope we will have the courage to follow in his footsteps.





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