By Tom Thomas –
“I stand before you today with a heavy heart, I did not want to deliver this homily,” our Parish Priest began, his voice carrying through the crowded Resurrection Church in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. The unusual sight of a packed sanctuary on a sweltering summer weekday afternoon was a testament to the solemnity of the moment. Why had thousands of people gathered, and why did the Parish Priest seem reluctant to deliver his homily?
Lying peacefully in the coffin, facing the altar, was the young 22-year-old Allen Jobi Menacherry. The altar held a special significance for him, as he had been intimately acquainted with it from a young age. Allen had served as an altar boy for Daily Mass since childhood, actively participating in youth group activities, reading scripture in church, and fervently sharing the Word of God in the Small Christian Community. His presence touched all of us who knew him in some capacity. In an era where worldly distractions often pull the younger generation away from faith, his unwavering devotion was truly remarkable. His serene and radiant demeanour reflected the depth of his faith, inspiring many other youngsters to follow his lead and become involved in church activities, starting with serving as altar servers.
Allen’s unwavering faith was a precious gift nurtured by his parents, Sheena and Jobi Thomas, who themselves were pillars of devotion within our Church community. They dedicated countless years to anchoring catechism classes for children, instilling the values of faith and spirituality in young hearts. The sight of the entire family attending Mass together every day was a familiar and reassuring presence for all of us who gathered regularly in the church.
A couple of years ago, young Allen was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Ironically, he was pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor at one of the country’s top medical colleges, St. John’s Medical College, driven by a passionate desire to serve and heal others in need. However, his condition took a devastating turn, leading his doctors and professors to deliver the grim reality in medical terminology. He underwent a surgical procedure and subsequent treatments in a bid to confront his challenging health journey.
Throughout this ordeal, the unwavering faith of both the young man and his parents and siblings Alisha and her husband Allen, and the younger son Alwin, remained steadfast. They were granted the grace of God to confront their challenges with unwavering positivity. His resilience not only fortified him but also served as a source of strength for his parents, helping them navigate the immense trials they faced. They acknowledged that God’s grace permeated every aspect of their situation, even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Despite his own suffering, the young man never once complained about his illness or the accompanying pain. Instead, his concerns centered on the anguish experienced by his beloved family. His prayers were selflessly directed towards others, particularly his friends, with minimal focus on his own healing. As his condition progressed, preventing him from attending his cherished daily Mass, a Nun kindly brought the sacrament of Jesus to him at home.
Through all these trials, the father attended daily Mass, silently shifting from one of the front pews to the back. Many prayers were offered for his son’s intentions. When I came across him, all I could ask, was how was his son, and in fact, a few weeks ago, I saw the son in Church and thought things were improving for him healthwise.
The father had spared no expense for his child, providing him with the finest education and medical care available. However, as his son’s condition deteriorated, the father made the difficult decision to temporarily step away from his job to provide round-the-clock care. Medical bills and intensive care treatment were supported in a great part by insurance, and the medical college extended gracious support in terms of student discounts.
Throughout it all, the boy remained remarkably composed, engaging in daily conversations with the Parish Priest. Each day, the Parish Priest fervently prayed for the boy’s healing, if it aligned with the divine will, or for his peaceful passage, if it was the Lord’s plan. However, he made one heartfelt plea to the heavens: that such an outcome wouldn’t occur during his tenure as Parish Priest. The thought of losing his “beautiful boy,” as he affectionately called him, was unbearable, and he couldn’t fathom facing the grief-stricken parents under such circumstances. Sadly, neither of his prayers was granted, a fact the Parish Priest acknowledged with a heavy heart during the homily, his emotions palpable as he struggled to maintain composure. Despite his inner turmoil, he knew he had a duty to fulfill, and thus, he proceeded with the solemn task at hand.
In the final Homily moments, the Parish Priest addressed the grieving parents, urging them to look behind and behold the sea of mourners who had gathered to pay their respects to their son. He spoke of the whispers among the congregation, some likening the boy to a saint, perhaps destined to follow in the footsteps of Blessed Carlos Acutis, a beatified Italian teenager who is on the way to being the first millennial saint.
With solemn reverence, the Parish Priest reminded the parents that, amidst their profound loss, they had bestowed upon their son the greatest gift of all: unwavering FAITH!
As the service drew to a close, there was a profound moment of awe when the boy’s father rose to deliver his eulogy with unwavering composure. He began by expressing gratitude to the Almighty and Mother Mary for granting them the resilience to endure their trials. With a steady voice, he extended heartfelt thanks to all those who had offered prayers and unwavering support during their time of need.
As we shuffled in the lengthy line to catch one final glimpse of the boy and extend condolences to the grieving parents, we found ourselves strangely uplifted by their unwavering strength. In the face of the most devastating tragedy a parent could endure—the loss of a child at the tender age of 22—their absolute faith served as a beacon of hope. Theirs was a true embodiment of Christian faith, one not dependent on material prosperity or immunity from life’s storms, but rather rooted in unwavering trust in the divine. Their ability to navigate through the tempest with steadfast faith was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of belief.
As we quietly depart the church, a sense of solemn wonder lingers in the air. We bear witness to an extraordinary funeral, one that defies conventional expectations. The young man, at only 22 years old, possessed a depth of faith that surpassed even those far older, as remarked by the Parish Priest.
In reflecting on the parents, I am reminded of the biblical story of Job. Despite enduring profound loss, they remain steadfastly faithful, drawing strength from their son’s legacy, the grace bestowed upon them through the Eucharist, and the unwavering support of the parish community—priests, sisters, and friends alike.
As for the young man himself, his life was a testament to what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. He embraced his faith wholeheartedly, trusting in the divine plan until the very end. In his unwavering commitment, Allen embodied the essence of a complete Christian.
Requiescat in pace, Allen.