Hello everyone,
We created this memorial to share memories on Pappa. We remember Joseph Amprayil (Pappa) as a man of faith who said "seek first the kingdom of God" A man of deep prayer and intercession, we remember a living saint. Please share any pictures, memoires, or videos that you have of Pappa.
I remember Papa lived a life in deep prayer and fervor. He always used to say "Seek first the kingdom of God". Papa was a true model of a Jesus Youth. From the early days in Kerala, Papa would joyfully open up his heart to welcome young people... moreI remember Papa lived a life in deep prayer and fervor. He always used to say "Seek first the kingdom of God". Papa was a true model of a Jesus Youth. From the early days in Kerala, Papa would joyfully open up his heart to welcome young people and exemplified the joy of keeping Jesus as the center of the family. Their home used to be a hub for many Jesus Youth in Kerala. As Papa moved to the United States he missionary fervor and deep commitment to prayer continued. From the time of arrival Papa spend hours in intercession praying for the mission of Jesus Youth in the United States. From his time in prayer he came up with many ideas such as beginning the Family Renewal Convention in Chicago, as a place where families come together and experience the vibrancy of the faith. A few weeks back Papa took the commitment at the Cathedral. As Jose Jacob chettan had stated in his Recommitment reflection "blessed are the poor, meek, and pure of heart." Papa at such an old age, weak, and ill came physically to the Cathedral and kneeled down to recommit himself to the life of the movement. As Jose chettan said " he had no expectations, or privilege's due to his state life life, but renewed his commitment! Here we saw a true Jesus Youth. Someone striving at such an old age with Parkinson's, multiple heart issues, stents, damaged kidneys, chronic asthma, and more going before the Lord to tell him that he wants to live this lifestyle to grow in holiness and live for the Lord. "
I remember Papa as a living saint. He would always approach me personally with a smile and ask me how my journey of faith was? He would always encourage me to go before the Eucharist and place all the desires of my heart before the Lord. He was a inspiration for me as often times I would spend time at his home and see him kneeling and praying before the Lord a 3am or 4am in the morning in the family prayer room. As he became more ill, I would see him sitting before the Lord more and more through either personal prayer or watching Qurbana on Shalom TV.
It is really fitting that he pass today, as today is the feast of the Sacred Heart. Today we remember Papa, a man who always stated "seek first the kingdom of God". Although sad, it is joyful to see Papa passing away on this feast day. We see a saint who taught us to always seek and place ourselves before the Sacred Heart. A man after the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today we see a man join an army of saints interceding for us! less