Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Holy Hermit of Tabor Hill - A Book Review

The Holy Hermit of Tabor Hill" ( A Biography of Pampady Thirumeni)
K.V. Mammen Kottackal. Translated by Prof. Babu Zachariah

(First edition: 1966. Fourth edition: April 2004)

The book is another offering in a vast series of books in our church
by the illuminous writer Mr. K.V. Mammen.

It provides a unique insight into the life and deeds of this Holy
father, whom many hundreds of people, Christians and non Christians alike,
already see as a saint. The English translation provides a great opportunity for
the growing generation to know and be inspired from the pious lives of our
Church fathers.

The book takes us on a journey of the birth, education, ordination
and life of Pampady Thirumeni. We get glimpses into the diary of Thirumeni. We
understand the deep love and respect shared between Thirumeni and his teacher
Madathil Asan. We get an insight into the unique relationship between Thirumeni
and his cook Thomas (Pottan).

The book outlines some of the simple, yet touching speeches and
sayings of Pampadi Thirumeni and how they worked wonders among the people. It
also details some of the admonishments and instructions of this Holy Father to
the faithful. We also get a little glimpse into Thirumeni's diary writing and
account of some daily events in Thirumeni's life. We learn about Thirumeni's
love and relationship with the entire creation, including birds and animals and
how these creatures responded to him.

In the book the dear disciple of Thirumeni, P.C. Yohannan Rambachen
remembers the days with Thirumeni. Also are accounts of people who came in touch
with Thirumeni and were touched by his life, Christians and non-Christians
alike.

There is an account of Thirumeni's witness, conviction and prayers
during the outbreak of the epidemic of plague in Kunnamkulam and how he went
fearlessly into the midst of the epidemic to "live and die with them". Several
incidents throw light on the innocent and pure
life of Pampadi Thirumeni. How a simple life in the Lord's service can affect a
powerful witness is seen.

We see how Vattaseril Thirumeni was his respected teacher and guide,
and how he yearned to follow in the footsteps of Parumala Thirumeni.

There are testimonies by several people blessed by his intercessions
which is converting Pampadi Dayara into a pilgrimage centre.

There are touching accounts of the "Kantheela" service, death and
burial of Thirumeni.

We also get a good idea about the institutions like the K.G. College, MGM Abhaya
Bhavan, Mar Gregorios Balabhavan, BMM Higher secondary school that have come up
near the Pampadi Dayara.

The book includes articles on Thirumeni by Rev.Dr. K.M. George, Rev.
Fr. T.J. Joshua, Rev. Fr. Dr. Baby Varghese, Rev. Fr. Jacob Kurien. Also there
is a paper presented by Dr. Ramakrishnan Nair. grandson of Madathil Asan. Also
our Rev. Fr. M.K.Kuriakose achen of Philadelphia writes in the book. There is a
very good account of a birthday well celebrated by young Sneha from Abu Dhabi.

The book has been sponsored by ICON, and ICON is proud to have been
part of this noble endeavor.

The front cover photo has a photo of Pampadi Thirumeni taken by Mr.
Thomas from Thomson Studio about 43 years back. It has 146 pages with 25+
chapters. Also it has several photos of the Puthenpuram complex. A very good
book for reading and collection.

Please contact the ICON Moderators (indianorthodox@ hotmail.com)for information
about buying the book.

Regards,
Mathew Samuel,
Albany, NY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/14347

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