De la part du Supérieur Général Gérard Chabanon
From the Superior General,Gérard Chabanon

Nous avons le grand regret de vous annoncer le décès de notre Frère

With regret we inform you of the death of our Brother

Vinod Jose Panachiyil

17th July in Nairobi, Kenya
17 Juillet à Nairobi au Kenya
* * * * * * * * *

We are in terrible shock! We have lost our young brother Vinod Jose Panachiyil in a fatal car accident. The car caught fire and he was still inside. It was around 8.30 in the evening at the Mass Communication School not far from South B Parish. He had left our house at a quarter past seven for a meal with Fr. Binu (newly ordained in India). After the meal, he accompanied Fr. Binu to Balozi Formation House. It was on his way back, just at the turning going to the flyover, that he may have lost control of the car, hitting a speed-bump and then colliding with the wall of the Mass Communication School.
Vinod was born on the 10th October 1978. He had just finished the second year of Theology. After the departure of Fr. Paul, he took over as bursar of our Formation House. He left us in the course of his generous service.
He had studied in Bangalore, India, for the First Phase of Formation, 1999-2004, then the Spiritual Year at Kasama, Zambia, 2003-4, and the apostolic period in Zambia, 2004-6
We need your prayers at this very sorrowful time.
May Vinod rest in peace
Fr. BIGEZIKI Francois-Xavier M.Afr.
Responsable Small Formation Community South C

Saturday 19 July 2008, at 6pm we shall celebrate Mass in his memory at South C Formation House. You are welcome to be with us by your prayer or by your presense. Monday 21 July 2008 we shall celebrate the Mass of requiem for the repose of the late Br. Vinod Jose PANACHIYIL at Our Lady of Peace Parish,11am. The Eucharistic celebration shall be followed by the burial at St. Austin Cemetry where rest our confereres Missionaries of Africa and many other missionaries.
Thank you for you moral and spiritual support. May God bless you all

Sincerely
BIGGEZIKI François-Xavier
Rector

Nous venons de perdre notre Frère Vinod Jose Panachiyil dans un accident mortel de voiture. La voiture a pris feu et il a brulé dedans. Cela s'est passé dans la soirée autour de 20h30 à Mass Communication School non loin de la paroisse de South B. Il avait quitté notre maison à 19h15 avec le Père Binu (qui a été ordonné cette année en Inde) pour un repas. après le repas il a raccompagné le Père Binu à Balozi Maison de Formation. En revenant, juste au tournant allant vers le pont, il semble avoir perdu le controle de la voiture il a sauté sur un cassis puis a percuté le mur de l'école Mass communication.
Vinod est né en Inde le 10 Octobre 1978 et venait de terminer sa seconde année de théologie. Après le départ du Père Paul il avait pris en charge l'économat de notre maison de formation et le faisait avec générosité.
Il avait étudié à Bangalore (Inde) pour la première étape de formation 1999-2004, puis l'année spirituelle à Kasama en Zambie 2003-4, et le stage apostolique en Zambie 2004-6
Nous vous demandons de prier pour lui et pour nous qui vivons ce moment très douloureux
Que Vinod repose en paix!
Fr. BIGEZIKI Francois-Xavier M.Afr.
Responsable Small Formation Community South C

Samedi 19 Juillet 2008 à 18h00 nous célébrerons une messe à la mémoire de Vinod Jose Panachiyil à la maison de formation de South C. Vous êtes invités à être avec nous par la prière ou par votre présence. Lundi 21 Juillet 2008 nous célébrerons une messe de requiem pour le repos de Vinod Jose Panachiyil à 11h00 à la paroisse Notre-Dame de la Paix. L'enterrement se fera après la célébration eucharistique au cimetière St Austin où reposent nos confrères et beaucoup d'autres missionnaires.
merci de votre soutien moral et spirituel. Que le Seigneur vous bénisse.

Sincerely
BIGGEZIKI François-Xavier
Rector

* * * * * * * * *

21th July 2008

.
We have been close to our dear Vinod today. God has him even closer. He is still united with each and every one.
sent by Riny van Broekhoven

EULOGY OF VINOD JOSE PANACHYIL
1978-2008

Our brother and friend Vinod was born on 10th of March 1978.He was from the Southern Indian State of Kerala, Wayanad District. He was from the Syro Malabar Diocese of Mananthavaday. Vinod was the first born in the family of three children (sister, 25 and brother 23yrs). Both parents are Christians and very active members of their local Parish.

He was baptised at Padamala Parish on 29th March 1978 and received confirmation at the same parish on the 11th of December, 1988. Ever since childhood, he had a desire to become a priest. But after his tenth standard in school, that desire disappeared only to resurface again two years later.

Vinod obtained his secondary school leaving certificate in 1994. He decided to stay at home for two years helping his parents with farming. He later applied and was accepted into the junior seminary of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS). However, he had to leave after six months.

He came to learn about the Missionaries of Africa ( SOLA as they are known in India) from an advertisement in one of the Catholic magazines. Although he could have gone back to the MSFS, he decided to join the Missionaries of Africa having been attracted by their internationality, community life and service to the people of Africa. In June 1999, he was admitted into the SOLA formation programme and began the one year 'come and see' programme (he saw and stayed). He began the studies of philosophy which he successfully completed in three years.

He did his noviciate at Kasama in Zambia from 2003-2004 at the end of which he made the declaration of intent and received the ministry of Reader. Between 2004 and 2006, he did his stage (apostolic training) at Nyimba Parish in the Eastern province of Zambia. This undoubtedly was the best time of his formation training. He learned the language very well and the culture of the local people. The people loved him and he loved them. They gave him the local name Mbewe. He felt he belonged to them and they took him as one of them.

On 31st July, 2006, Vinod arrived in Nairobi after his holidays in India to start his theological studies at Tangaza College having been appointed to the Small Formation House of South C. Vinod did his 30 day retreat at Mwangaza retreat centre from 12th June to 13 July, and on 15th August 2007, he, together with Filianus, received the Ministry of Acolyte.

For his Pastoral experience here in Nairobi, Vinod worked at Mama Ngina Children's Home for orphans. He visited the orphans every Saturday His commitment and compassion for the children will be greatly missed.

Vinod was the bursar of the house following the departure of Fr. Paul to Sudan. He served in this responsibility with diligence, faithfulness and generosity. He was also the assistant dean of studies helping Fr Francois with all matters concerning Tangaza College.

On August 18th, Vinod was to start his third year of Theology but this will never come to pass. On the fateful evening of Thursday 17th July 2008, Vinod in his jovial usual self sat in the living room of our home with other community members Fr Francois, Joe, Pawel and Dieudonne together with our visitor that evening Fr. Binu (recently ordained). Other members Fr James, Radek and Leander were away for holidays and Fr Paul and Raphael had already left. At 7.15pm, he went out for a meal with Binu. After the meal, he accompanied Binu to Balozi formation House. It was around 8.30pm, on his way back to South C, near the gate of Kenya Institute of Mass Communication that our beloved brother Vinod met his untimely death through a fatal car accident. He may have lost control of the car hitting the a traffic island in the middle of the road at the turn to the flyover bridge then hitting again a speed hump before colliding with the wall of the Mass Communication College. Apparently, the car burst into flames and this worsened the situation. Vinod died on the spot.

I stand before you at this moment, a member of a community in grief, shock and sorrow. We are all united not only in our desire to pay our last respect to Vinod but also in our need to do so. We are united with the family and friends of Vinod in India, friends in Zambia, Mafr and MSOLA families, the Indian Community here in Kenya, Mama Ngina Children's Home, Tangaza College Community, the religious, our many neighbours and all friends whom the joy and life of Vinod touched.

Vinod was the very essence of Joy and simplicity, a man who willingly accepted responsibility, a man of prayer (always first in the chapel among the students), a man of compassion, and above all a man of relationships.

Vinod, today is our chance to say thank you for the way you brightened our lives. We still need you and need now more than ever. Now that you are gone from us we truly appreciate what you been to us, A brother and great friend. We feel cheated that you have been taken from us so young and yet we must learn to be grateful that you came among us and shared your life with us. You have left us asking why God granted you a short life. What really happened between South B formation House and South C formation House on that fateful evening?

You will greatly be missed by all of us and especially your family of South C Community
You made sure we had all we needed in the house
We teased you, we laughed together
You were always willing to escort any of us to watch a movie, visit a family, sports etc
You were always ready and willing to volunteer for any service
You greatly contributed to making our house a home where everyone felt at ease.

Yes we have lost a brother and a great friend here on earth but we have gained one more saint in Heaven.
Your missionary journey here on earth has ended but you continue it in Heaven. May you never cease to pray for us.

In the name of Nairobi South C SFC
Leander Chembe

* * *

Tuesday the 22nd of July, 2008
From Martin Grenier, M.Afr

Dear Confreres and Brothers of S.O.L.A.,

The tragic news of the death of Vinod came to us all like a bomb. Here in Bangalore, as soon as we received the terrible news via Fr Begiziki's and Leo's e-mail on Friday morning. We then managed to contact Vinod's Parish Priest who then went straight away to inform his parents personally. After many phone calls in Wayanad and Nairobi it then became clearer that Vinod's funeral would take place in Nairobi. Let me now relate to you our journey to Kerala and how the ceremony went.

We left SOLA soon after mass on Sunday the 20th of July. We were nine all together: Fr Biju MST, Sr Assompta SABS, Sr Elsina SABS, Br Anand, Erus, Sanosh, Salu, Taji our driver and me. Br George Athikalam joined us the following day. He traveled from his home in Allepey. Fr Jaya could not be with us due to the fact that he was undergoing an ayurvedic treatment in Kozhlikode. Due to a decision of mine we took what was meant to be a short cut, but ended up to be the longest way time wise. The road through the forest was in a very bad state for about 30 km. Hence we only reached Padamala (Vinod's village) very late and could not meet Vinod's family that evening. We were kindly welcomed by Fr George Mundakamattam, Vinod's P.P., and the Parish Sisters who looked after us all very well indeed.

The next day around 10h00 am we went with Parish Priest, Fr George, to present our condolences to Vinod's family. The whole atmosphere was of course emotionally charged. Vinod's father welcomed us but his mother was absent at that moment due to an acute pain in her back. She had gone to meet the local doctor for an injection. A photo of Vinod dressed in gandhoura was in the common hall of the house. It was nicely set on a small table surrounded with flowers, one candle and incense. I then prayed in English quoting John 14: 1- 6. Fr Biju then carried on with another prayer in Malayalam followed by Mother Assompta who also offered a prayer. We then went in the side room with Vinod's dad, his younger brother and some members of the family. We expressed our condolences. In my case I could only sit next to Vinod's dad holding his hand while Fr Biju and Mother Assompta offered consoling words. Meanwhile Sr Elsina spoke with Vinod's sister. Then Vinod's mother came back and we took time to be with her and share her pain. Br Erus and Anand who were dressed in their gandhoura as well as Sanosh and Salu, dressed in their juba, were with us too. Their presence conveyed to them our concern.

I then presented the condolences of our Superior General, Fr Gérard Chabanon, and told them how he wishes that some of the close members of the family will be able to come to Nairobi later on this year and see where Vinod had been put to rest. I also reminded them that at the very same time the ceremony was going on in Nairobi and that Fr Binu was present and doing part of the prayers according to the Syro Malabar rite. I informed them too that the event was filmed and that we would come back with the vcd as soon as we got it. Br Salu was then acting as my translator.

We then proceeded to the Parish Church. A large number of the Parish community had come. Fr Biju MST was the main celebrant. I was invited to deliver the homily, which Fr Biju translated simultaneously. I first expressed that we had come to offer our pain and grief to our Lord, to pray for Vinod so that he let himself being fully and eternally embraced by the love of God and also in order to pray for and express our support to the bereaved family. Then, mainly for the benefit of the whole parish community, I took time to relate how the tragic accident had taken place as related by the e-mail of our confrere François Xavier Bigeziki, Vinod's rector. I then read part of Fr Chabanon's letter where he explains the reasons why Vinod was buried in Kenya namely that we an inter-continental Missionary Society and a family wherever we are.

I then shared my personal experience of Vinod as a man who was open to all and eager to meet those who came across his way whatever their antecedents or nationalities. I then spoke about his stage experience in Nyimba - Zambia by quoting Fr Joe McMenamin M.Afr., his Parish Priest, who wrote: "He was loved by the people of Nyimba. In my opinion he had everything it takes to become a great missionary."

After the requiem mass, we went and shared lunch with the parents of Vinod at the Parish House. They told me that they wish that we remain in touch. All along the morning all the other members of SOLA were also sharing with family members. We left soon after lunch except for Fr Biju who had to remain in order to attend the funeral of the mother of a fellow MST confrere the following day. In the evening he went back to visit Vinod's family.

As for the rest of us we traveled back to SOLA in our newly purchased jeep, a TATA Sumo Victa. On the way we had supper at the SABS convent in Mysore and finally arrived in Bangalore around 11h00 pm. I then called Leo and Binu and we informed each other how the ceremony had been in Nairobi and Padamala.

Vinod's death has shaken our SOLA community and it leaves in me a great void. However Vinod had the dream to tell about Jesus and his love. A dream that he first received from his family. A dream that cannot die since this dream is from God himself who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. (1Tim 2:4)

Let us pray dear brothers that this time of trial be for us all the occasion to reassert our wish and will to serve Our Lord according to the Constitutions of the Society of Missionaries of Africa, placed under the protection of Mary Immaculate, Queen of Africa. (C.L. 51)

God bless you all

Martin M.Afr.

* * *

From Fr Piet Kramer M.Afr

Requiem Mass for Vinod at SOLA on 21st July 2008.

After Sunday Mass a SOLA delegation of students and sisters, accompanying frs. Martin and Biju and Mr Taji, left for Kerala. Then Fr Hans went around the religious communities in our neighbourhood. He informed them of Vinod's death, asked for their prayers and invited them to join us in the Solemn Eucharistic celebration at SOLA house on Monday evening ; on the day of Vinod's burial.

At six o'clock the chapel filled with people. In front of the altar Vinod's photo was flanked by the Easter candle. Around it; our "own" sisters of course (SABS) and their novices. The Sister of the H. Cross and Daughters of St. Francis of Sales. Also Salvatorian Sisters and Sisters of the Villamalaya hospital, Servants of the destitute and Assisi sisters.….Fr. Emmanuel, dean of studies of Suvidya , Fr. Ephrem, MSFS, Fr.Roy of la Salette and Frs Alex and Raja of the Sacred Hearts congregation and Marianist Brothers. Our former teacher, Mr. Kuruvilla and his son, Mr. and Mrs Chacko with their little boy. And of course Mr. Georges, our English teacher who lives with us in SOLA. Then Mr. and Mrs Roy, our cooks, Mrs David with Monisha and Churchill, our Nepalese friend and Steven's father..........

Fr. Hans presided. Other priests concelebrated. Fr. Hans started telling us about the time he knew Vinod personally. And informed the congregation about his death. We sang a song about Christ being the light of life in our darkness. And we prayed for Vinod. But also for his parents, who are so cruelly deprived of their son through this terrible accident. For his brother and sister and for the community of Nairobi who will miss him terribly. In his sermon Fr. Hans shared with us his own faith in the resurrection. And lit the pascal candle: symbol of the risen Christ and of His promise to raise us all to life eternal.

Then a soft rain started falling. And suddenly -after a power cut- ; Light. Then- after the blessing- we all went to the dining hall for a cup of tea and cake. And as happens all over the world after a burial or a commemorative service; people eat together. And the sad tension relaxes. They are glad to be together and talk to one another. Prayer deepens hope. Hope brings peace.

Fr Piet Kramer S.O.L.A.

* * *

Bangalore, 9th of August, 2008

From Martin Grenier M.Afr
Superior of S.O.L.A

Dear Confreres and S.O.L.A. Brothers,

Last Thursday Fr Biju (mst) and I went to Vinod's home to show the vcd of his funeral. We received it on Tuesday and first watched it with the whole S.O.L.A. and SABS (Adoration Sisters) communities. The vcd is very well made and conveyed clearly how much sadness and grief everyone felt and how much Vinod was loved and is now missed by everyone.

We reached his home around 8h30 pm. The whole family was gathered. For two and half hours we took time to view the main parts of the two vcds. Fr Biju also added comments and explanations in Malayalam.

In the first vcd we viewed all the messages of condolence and the whole office of the dead in the Syro Malabar rite and parts of the funeral mass. In the second vcd we listened to the words of Br Leander who recalled the main events of Vinod's life with the Missionaries of Africa and how the tragic accident took place. The condolences of Leo, Filiyanus and Binu were of special importance since the three of them are known to the family and expressed in their mother tongue (Malayalam) or in Hindi. The last part at the cemetery was always entirely watched. The SABS Sisters mentioned to me that the choice of the hymns in Malayalam was very appropriate. As you can easily guess, there was much sadness and tears among all family members. I then gave the vcd and video cassette to the family. The evening was concluded with a prayer in Malayalam led by Fr George the parish priest of Vinod.

The next day early morning the close family members came for mass at the parish. Fr Biju was the main celebrant. Afterwards, I met with the parents, sister and uncle of Vinod and discussed about their journey to Kenya. We are planning that Vinod's parents, his brother, sister and brother-in-law will come. I explained to them, through translation, that the Generalate will finance the journey for three people and that we, at S.O.L.A., are raising funds for financing the journey of the two other family members.

Since the younger brother of Vinod is now busy completing his studies in nursing in Shimoga and that his mark lists and other official identity papers have to remain in the college until he writes his final exams, the family decided to wait until he completes his exams in order to submit all together their passport application. This will be done in mid-september. The processing of the application will take at least a few weeks. Hence, I guess that in the month of October we will be able to tell you about a possible date and time of their visit. This will of course be fixed while communicating with our confreres François Xavier Bigeziki and Don Anderson.

From the parish we then went to Mananthavadi with Vinod's dad and met Fr Thomas Jose, the priest in charge of public relation in the diocese. By profession he is also a lawyer. We presented him the cancelled passport of Vinod and all the official papers of the Kenyan government and of the Indian High Commission in Nairobi confirming the death of Vinod. As recommended by the diocese, a photocopy of all these documents were handed over to the Parish Priest of Vinod while the original ones are kept here at S.O.L.A. in Vinod's file.

From there we went to the photo studio in order to get a copy Vinod's funeral photo in his gandhoura that was made by the family and displayed in their home. You will see a copy of it here below.

As you will all understand, there in no word to express the pain felt by the parents. They eagerly requested that we carry on praying for them. They also appreciated that we presented them the vcd of the funeral.

Let us carry on praying for them all,

Yours in Christ,

Martin Grenier
Superior of S.O.L.A.

Vinod Jose Panachiyil
1.03.1978 - 17.07.2008

Let us carry on remembering
Vinod and his family members
in our prayers.

 

"Il ne faut pas que vous vous attristiez comme les autres qui n'ont pas d'Espérance". Thess 4,13

Nous le recommandons instamment à votre prière.