Msgr. Antony Valumgal
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly

• What is your episcopal motto? Why was it chosen?

I have chosen Matthew 20:28: “Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.” The spirituality of the priesthood was my subject of research, and it was also taught at the Aluva Seminary. In this verse, I see Christ, the ultimate priest, who serves and sacrifices himself for others. All priests are called to minister and to give themselves as a ransom for all. I chose this motto to reflect the call to serve God’s people and lay down one’s life for them.

• Which all parishes have you served?

I have served in two parishes as assistant vicar: Kaloor Pottakkuzhi Church and Vadayil Church. I spent many years in minor seminaries. After that, I worked in Karthedom Parish for four years. While teaching at Aluva Seminary, I offered the Holy Mass on Sundays at Parappuram Church. Currently, I have been serving as the Rector of Vallarpadam Basilica for the last three years.

• Was this appointment expected?

This appointment was entirely unexpected. I do not believe anyone, including myself, anticipated it. Typically, such considerations do not cross my mind. It was not only surprising to me but also to those acquainted with me. What has transpired is perceived as God’s plan.

• What was your response when you came to know that you were appointed as bishop?

Initially, I was uncertain about accepting the appointment. I lack proficiency in foreign languages and have not been involved in significant public works of the diocese. During my tenure in the minor seminary and parishes, I focused exclusively on my responsibilities. I had not yet integrated into the mainstream of the Archdiocese, which instilled a sense of trepidation. However, I considered the longstanding need for an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese. I realized this need could not be met without someone stepping forward. It was known that a search was underway for suitable candidates, leading me to conclude that refusing the mission would be disobedient to God.

“I have experienced numerous instances
where God worked when I submitted to His will.
This faith in God’s guidance is why I accepted
the responsibility of becoming a bishop,
trusting that God will work through me.”

Having served as a spiritual director for many years, I had to deeply reflect on this. I believed that God would be with us when we accept His will. For example, when I was appointed Rector of Vallarpadam Basilica, I was initially hesitant. I had never worked in large parishes before, having spent many years in the seminary. I shared this concern with my Archbishop. However, after accepting the position at my Archbishop’s insistence, I realized something profound: when I submitted to God’s will, God worked through me.

Since 1994, efforts had been made to acquire land adjacent to the church, but various obstacles prevented success. However, after my appointment, I was able to complete the acquisition with God’s help. It was a long wish to purchase the house of Meenakshiyamma, who witnessed Mother Mary’s intercessory power. With God’s intervention, this too was accomplished. I have experienced numerous instances where God worked when I submitted to His will. This faith in God’s guidance is why I accepted the responsibility of becoming a bishop, trusting that God will work through me.

• Could you please share about your vocation to priesthood?

My parish is Eroor. During my childhood, Holy Mass was celebrated only on Sundays. In the early days, the faithful would bring the priest from Kakkanad by boat. Later, the priest traveled from Kakkanad by scooter; I remember Fr. David Vadassery. I perceived priests as divine persons. There was profound respect for priests even then, naturally kindling the desire to become one. Additionally, I have cherished the act of celebrating Mass since childhood.

• What were your dreams and goals after priestly ordination?

I always had a passion for teaching, even though I lacked formal teaching skills. In my childhood, the backward non-Christian women in our region often respected Christian priests as educators. Perhaps this influenced me. Later, I had the opportunity to teach in both minor and major seminaries. As a bishop, one of my key objectives is to strengthen catechetical education.

• Most memorable experiences in life as a priest?

As vicar at Vallarpadam Basilica, many people came to see me, and I felt a strong sense of the Holy Mother’s presence there. Having studied Mariology in the seminary and developed the habit of reciting the rosary since childhood, I was deeply affected when my mother died while I was a deacon. At her death, Archbishop Cornelius gave me a small medal of Mother Mary, saying, “Though your mother on earth is lost, I give you the heavenly Mother to be with you.” This touched me deeply. Whenever I looked at the medal, I saw my mother’s image. Since then, I have never ceased praying the rosary, although it was initially more of a habit. At Vallarpadam, it became a profound experience, and I consistently felt the Holy Mother’s active blessings.

A few days before I left Vallarpadam, a mother came with a baby in her arms. When the baby was three months in the womb, doctors suggested euthanasia due to the baby’s motionlessness. On that day, the baby’s grandparents prayed at Vallarpadam Basilica. Upon returning, the doctor, who was preparing for euthanasia, found that the baby had regained movement, calling it a miracle. This non-Christian doctor even participated in the baby’s baptism. The baby’s mother brought the child to me, and I felt God’s and the Holy Mother’s presence profoundly.

“It is imperative to provide seminarians with
opportunities to express themselves freely.
The objective is never to accuse, hurt,
or punish, but rather to heal their wounds with
the balm of Christ and guide them
on the path of discipleship. Our mission is to
draw them closer to Christ and prepare them
for the priestly ministry.”

Another significant experience involved the Holy Eucharist. When I was rector of the minor seminary, the archbishop asked me to serve as vicar at Karthedom parish. Friends suggested that, due to the workload, it would be better to avoid this position and take another church. However, I could not refuse the archbishop’s request. I had been asking for a parish for some time.

At Karthedom, a new church needed to be built, but there were obstacles. I had no prior experience in such matters and did not know where to start. First, I undertook a meditation retreat led by Fr Ambatkuzhiyil at the Divine Retreat Centre. By the end of the retreat, I received an insight: to do a year-long Eucharistic adoration. We organized daily adoration from morning to evening, with the parish community divided into groups participating throughout the day. By the end of the program, the parish community had united and came forward to build the church. The construction was completed beautifully, and I viewed this as a divine experience. I never felt that I built the church; it was God’s grace at work.

Building the parish community is more important than constructing the church itself.

• Your higher education/research is in spiritual theology. Could you please share about that study period and subject?

I pursued my studies at the Indian Institute of Spiritual Theology in Bangalore, run by MSFS priests. It had a homely atmosphere. I was 40 years old when I began my studies. While teaching in the seminary, my Archbishop advised that it was insufficient to merely teach; I must also continue learning. Thus, I chose Spiritual Theology as my subject, even thinking that as I aged, it would better prepare me for death. I was passionate about the topic and taught spirituality and theology at the seminary. After my studies, I joined the major seminary and became a spiritual director, starting with small subjects. Fr. Jacob Prasad, the rector of the major seminary, advised me to pursue a doctorate. Consequently, I returned to Bangalore to commence my doctoral studies, focusing on the mystical dimension of priestly formation.

• You were in the field of priestly formation for a long time. Do you feel that today’s priestly training needs to be updated? What can be done to improve priestly formation?

Pope Francis’ vision that every believer is a missionary disciple is critically important. Priests and their trainers must advance in this missionary discipleship. Formators should perceive clerical students as missionary disciples. Instructors are further along the path of discipleship, while students are just beginning their journey. The master-disciple relationship is pivotal in discipleship, marked by a spiritual union, as emphasized in papal teachings. Clerical students must develop an inner relationship with Christ. While we cannot expect relationships as profound as those of St. Teresa of Avila, we should aim to cultivate relationships appropriate for their age. If they can advance in this relationship, they will be better equipped to face life’s challenges and fulfill their duties as priests effectively.

• What are some practical suggestions for seminary formation in this regard?

The current state of seminary formation is quite commendable, with ongoing consultations to enhance its effectiveness. The seminary community is envisioned as a redeemed community—one that celebrates and participates in the salvific mission of Christ. Within this community, we strive to identify and heal the wounds of the seminarians, thus integrating them into the fellowship of the redeemed.

It is imperative to provide seminarians with opportunities to express themselves freely. The objective is never to accuse, hurt, or punish, but rather to heal their wounds with the balm of Christ and guide them on the path of discipleship. Our mission is to draw them closer to Christ and prepare them for the priestly ministry.

“By fostering a culture of persistent prayer and
cultivating supportive family environments,
we can significantly enhance the promotion of
God’s calling within our communities.”

Recognizing that priests often have shortcomings, we acknowledge that these deficiencies persist even in their ministerial work. However, what truly matters is not the presence of these shortcomings, but the level of commitment displayed. When priests act with dedication, the faithful focus on their devotion rather than their flaws. Therefore, it is crucial to instill an attitude of self-sacrifice in seminarians from an early stage. Both students and formators must embody a spirit of devotion, fostering a desire to overcome personal shortcomings.

In practical terms, this involves creating an environment where seminarians are supported and encouraged. Identifying their faults and applying the healing touch of Christ’s anointing is essential. By doing so, we can lead them by the hand towards salvation, nurturing their development into committed and dedicated priests.

• There is an assessment that vocations are decreasing. What can we do to promote vocations?

To effectively foster and encourage vocations, the foremost and most essential action is prayer. A vocation is not merely a personal matter; it is a divine gift bestowed upon the entire parish community. The spirituality of a parish is often gauged by the number of vocations it produces. Hence, the parish community must earnestly engage in prayer for vocations to arise from within its fold, as such supplications are indeed efficacious.

I have witnessed the power of prayer firsthand during my tenure as Diocesan Vocation Promoter. For instance, during a visit to Thevara Parish, which had not seen any new vocations for some time, the vicar began incorporating a specific prayer for vocations into every Mass. Remarkably, within a year, two individuals from that parish joined the seminary, underscoring the profound impact of dedicated prayer.

Beyond prayer, it is imperative to enhance the involvement and commitment of families. A vocation arising from a family is a profound blessing, and every family should recognize and cherish the great fortune of having a member devoted to religious life. Families should be encouraged to cultivate an environment that nurtures vocations, viewing it as a divine favour and preparing themselves accordingly.

By fostering a culture of persistent prayer and cultivating supportive family environments, we can significantly enhance the promotion of God’s calling within our communities. This dual approach ensures that we are both spiritually proactive and practically supportive, creating fertile ground for vocations to flourish.

• Have you noticed a decline in the number of nuns/ religious women?

In earlier times, Sisters enjoyed greater social respect compared to today. Contemporary societal values have shifted towards worldly achievements, which has somewhat diminished the esteem once accorded to religious vocations. There has been a noticeable estrangement from the Catholic traditions upheld by older generations, with many families now prioritizing secular pursuits. It is increasingly uncommon to hear aspirations towards priesthood or religious life within families; instead, the focus often leans towards opportunities abroad, such as in Germany or Italy. This trend underscores the need for a cultural shift.

• What are the aspirations of the Verapoly Archdiocese?

The Verapoly Archdiocese holds a distinguished status as the mother of dioceses in Kerala, owing to several reasons. Within the diocese, there remains a steadfast unity among priests and a respect to the paternal authority of the Archbishop, evident in every gathering. The community upholds traditions of faith, mutual respect, and reverence for elders—a hallmark of our Vedic heritage. Sustaining these values is paramount, as they constitute the foundation of our identity.

My principal responsibility lies in supporting the Archbishop, particularly in his advancing age and health challenges. The Archdiocese actively engages in six core ministries encompassing religious education, social services, and education initiatives, among others. My mission centers on bolstering these vital ministries, ensuring they thrive and continue to make meaningful contributions. Of particular importance to me is enhancing religious education, with aspirations to introduce innovative projects in this field.

By nurturing these ministries and fostering a culture that values spiritual growth and community service, we aim to enrich the spiritual life of our diocese and uphold its esteemed traditions.

• As a bishop, you assume leadership not only within the Church in India but also specifically within the Church in Kerala. The Church in India faces numerous challenges today, particularly in North India. How do you perceive these challenges?

While I may not have extensive firsthand experience in mission work, I am deeply empathetic towards the plight of marginalized communities. It is crucial that we stand in solidarity with them, offering prayers and extending practical support wherever possible. The Church in Kerala, known for its significant growth, should play a supportive role in addressing these challenges.

• Many express concerns about the rise of fascism and communalism in India. What is the future of Christianity in India, and how should we respond to the challenges?

The specters of fascism and communalism are indeed visible. However, Christianity has flourished on the very soil sanctified by the blood of saints. Therefore, I firmly believe we should not succumb to fear. When Pope Francis brought Muslim immigrants to Italy, despite criticism, he exemplified Christ’s teachings of compassion and acceptance. Love, not coercion, is the path to true conversion. We must continue our mission with integrity and beauty, even amidst suffering. The Church’s resilience in places like Kandhamal, Odisha, where it has endured communal violence, is testament to its sanctification through trials. Thus, while communalism may pose challenges, we should face it with courage, knowing it can ultimately purify and strengthen the Church. Our steadfast commitment should be to unite everyone in love.

• Do you perceive communal sentiments growing among Christians in Kerala?

Communal sentiments often arise from political maneuvers aimed at securing votes and power. As Christians, our calling is to proclaim Christ and offer His message to the world. It is crucial that we avoid internal divisions that may inadvertently foster similar divisions in others. Our focus should remain on our spiritual duties, trusting that by faithfully fulfilling them, we contribute positively to societal harmony.

• Have we fulfilled our responsibility to North Indian Christians? Have we provided them with the support they deserve? Could you please share your thoughts on this matter?

During gatherings of our priests, much of our discussions revolve around internal institutional matters and the progress of our dioceses. It raises a valid question about whether we are adequately addressing the needs of those outside our immediate communities. External concerns often do not receive the attention they deserve in our deliberations. It would be beneficial for us to place greater emphasis on addressing these external matters.

• What are your personal prayer habits? Do you have specific intentions in your prayers?

Prayer, for me, is a profound dialogue with God – an opportunity to unite with the Creator. While preparing to pray, various thoughts may cross my mind, but I firmly believe that prayer begins with God’s initiative and that He instills within us the desire to pray. Just as a child does not initiate being called “Daddy” or “Mamma” but responds to their parents’ call, God desires us to draw near to Him as His children. Even if our minds wander during prayer, Jesus understands our presence with Him, much like a mother recognizes her distracted child in her lap.

My personal prayer routine includes regular visits to the Blessed Sacrament for prayer. Amidst the many thoughts that may arise, I always center my prayers on Jesus, trusting in His understanding. Presently, my prayers are focused on seeking the grace to maintain unity within the Verapoly Archdiocese.