St Sebastian’s Forane Church, Nellickampoil belongs to the Archdiocese of Tellicherry. It is about 50 kms away from Tellicherry and close to Irittty. The Parish has one thousand families and three sub-stations. Among the three sub-stations, Infant Jesus Church, Ulikkal and St Jude Church, Vilamana have resident priests. I was in charge of St Jude Church, Vilamana which has 125 families as parishioners. Some of the Pious Associations like CML, Altar boys, KCYM, Mathruvedi, Vincent de Paul, Franciscan Almaya Sabha, Prayer Groups are the best units in the Archdiocese. Though I was
fully involved in all these, I gave special emphasis to catechism and the activities of B. C. C. Presiding over solemn festival Masses and administering various sacraments were very meaningful experiences. The pastoral year gave me an opportunity to reflect on Ignatian Spirituality when I was called upon to give two guided retreats to the junior sisters and postulants of CMC Congregation at Nelickampoil and two recollection talks to the priests of the Forane.

I am deeply grateful to Fr Mathew Pothanamala, the Forane Vicar, for his guidance and encouragement. The love and affection of the people of St Jude, Vilamana will ever remain in the depth of my heart. I am deeply grateful to the Lord for this wonderful opportunity to serve Him in my own diocese.

- Varkeychan