(22.03.1928 – 06.08.2020) 

 Br Sebastian Valiamattam departure happened in the same manner as if he had been doing one of his daily routines on 06 August 2020 by 3.30 p.m. his evening tiffine was brought to his room. He got up from the bed by himself, took his seat by the side of the table and finished his cup of milk with horlicks. Then he leaned on to the table shelf on his right side and began breathing in an unusual manner. Alarmed by his strange ‘behaviour’ we carried him to his bed. After about 10 minutes of gasping Br Sebastian breathed his last in peace.

During the past one year, several times Sebastian had reached critical stage, and at his request he had received the Sacrament of annoiuling the rich 3 times. Each time when he survived critical stage he used to say “The Lord has still a few more plans for me and I have to finish them soon”. Then he would keep himself busy reading and writing day and night.

Br Sebastian had been suffering from several serious health issues like; non alcoholic liver cerosis, cellutetis, chronic bleeding of his piles, arthritis, filarial swelling of his legs etc. Inspite of all pains and discomfort, Br Sebastian believed with deep conviction that the Lord had a plan for him and he lives to fulfill that and thereby proclaim and spread his kingdom. He served in almost all the institutions, of the province, taking care of the property, buildings, kitchen etc. He was known for his availability with humility, submissioner’s loyalty and devotion to his duties. Developments in the Ezhimala property ever stands as a credit to him. Living all alone in a humble abode with very limited living conveniences he slogged these for many years together.

Br Sebastian was not an erudite academician. Yet he had the audacity to print and publish his inspirations and to bring out several audio cassettes of his recitations.

For the past few years when he became unable to do active work on account of his ill health he spent much of his time in reading, praying and listening to his inner voice and bringing them out through his writings. It was his ardent desire to proclaim god’s love by publishing his booklets that kept him alive and kicking for the past few years.

(Enumerate his book)

Br Sebastian joined the Novitiate at Calicut in the year 1962 and I joined in 1963. Down through the year he has appeared to me as a man of prayer. Since he needed help to going to the toilets etc. there was need to check his rooms a few times during the night. Whenever I opened his rooms at any time of the night or day Br Sebastian was found sleeping or at prayer holding his rosary in hand.

 

Fr Jose Thaiparambil, SJ