22.05.1962-27.10.2021

Fr Sebastian Thengumpallil, yet another saintly Jesuit of our time, left for his eternal reward on 27 October 2021. During a 35-year long calvary experience, he lived a courageous life and transformed his suffering to expowering grace. Sebastian was my guardian angel and companion in the Jesuit Novitiate. I always felt that he remained a guardian angel and companion to the poor, the differently-abled, the underprivileged and all those who needed care.

Fr Sebastian was born on 22 May 1962 at Paippad in the Kottayam district. After his pre-degree, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1981. He had his pre-novitiate at St. Xavier's College, Thumba, Novitiate at Christ Hall, Kozhikode, and Juniorate at Beschi College, Dindigul. After degree studies at St. Joseph's College, Kozhikode, he went to Satya Nilayam, Chennai to do Philosophy. He was ordained a priest on 28 December 1997 at Christu Raja Church, Kozhikode afer Theology at JDV, Pune and the RTC, Kalady. After his Tertianship at XTTI, Patna, he pronounced his final vows on 15 August 2002. The major field of his apostolic activity was Snehabhavan Special School at Kottayam where he was Director from 2002-2018. Due to declining health, he moved to Kozhikode in 2018 where he remained until his final journey.

Fr Sebastian's life took a radical turn in 1985 while he was doing his college studies at Kozhikode. A severe attack of Guillain Barry Syndrome made 60% of his body paralysed and put him on wheelchair. It was a puzzling moment for him and the Society. He was allowed to pursue his priestly studies,and his companions rose to the occasion to assist him. Nothing could put an end to his passion for life and apostolic zeal. Soon after his ordination, Fr Sebastian Thengumpallil SJ joined Snehabhavan ( a Home of Love for the physically and intellectually challenged) as its assistant director. Governing body of Snehabhavan entrusted its directorship to Fr Sebastian from October 2002 till March 2018. It was the golden age for Snehabhavan. He was coordinator of the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Programme for nearly 800 differently-abled persons. There were many creative interventions by Snehabhavan related with the rights and reservations of PWDs both in state and local level by collaboration, networking and advocacy. Honouring his meritorious service for the underprivileged, he was given the 'Disability Award 2019' by the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) and the Lilliance Foundation.

Fr Sebastian was an exceptional missionary on a wheelchair. By his way of  life, he inspired numerous people. Fr Sebastian gave his life, particularly for the physically and mentally challenged children. With courage he lived his priesthood to the full - hearing confessions, offering the Eucharist, and bringing the message of mercy to one and all. He was gifted to be a compassionate listener and a source of peace and consolation,and this made him a good counsellor, spiritual father and retreat director. He always remained a man for others forgetting his own disabilities. Those who came to him included Jesuits, members of other religious congregations and collaborators, and he welcomed them all like an angel directing them to the Lord. He showed an exceptional capacity to manage physical weakness with plentiful grace, love and courage. This was the way for him, perhaps, to love and serve his Master. He treasured companionship with his fellow Jesuits and other friends even when he was confined to the infirmary. Some of his friends used to tell him that one day he would be revered as a patron saint of the differently-abled. May the Lord make this dream come true. Fr Sebastian's life is a real challenge and great inspiration for many. His smiling face amidst the sufferings helped the people around him to experience divine consolation-

Fr Sony Thazhathel, SJ