FIFA World Cup 2014: Kerala priest scores a ‘peace’ goal in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: When Father Thomas assumed charge as the head priest of Santa Cecilia church at Braz da Pina, one of the blighted areas of Rio de Janeiro, 25 years ago, street violence was rampant in the locality. Muggings, robberies, break-ins and killings related to drugs trade were common in and around Santa Cecilia. The church and its surroundings are peaceful these days even on ungodly hours.

“It would be stretching things too far if I say there is no violence here but it has come dome drastically,” said Fr. Thomas, who was born in Kottayam district in Kerala. “I have seen victims of shootouts just outside the church compound. I have lost a car to muggers. Despite many set-backs, my faith in innate goodness of human beings never wavered.”

Fr. Thomas is the go-to man for the needy in Braz da Pina. From rushing to the house of a dying man midnight to doing his bit for the educational requirements of favela children any time, the Catholic priest is always there. “Service has no barriers and those who need help have no religion. My Catholic beliefs have made me a better person and they haven’t taught me to look at everything through the prism of religion. My doors are always open for all the people of Braz da Pina,” he said.

“Before I joined Santa Cecilia, I had served in four churches in Brazil. I spent my early days in this beautiful country with a smattering of Portuguese and a lot of hope. Now I’m an out and out Brazilian with an Indian passport,” he laughed. The priest has set up a beautiful garden around the church and his office is functioning from a nearby building which had been used by rebels as a clandestine radio hub when Brazil was in the hands of military rulers 30 years ago.

Fr. Thomas said he has no regrets about becoming a priest. “I took the decision when I was in school. When my classmates came to know that I had religious inclinations, they started calling me achchan (Father in Malayalam). “Different people have different purposes in life. I’m happy doing my bit for the society,” he added. The presence of the indefatigable priest is a must in every social gathering in the locality. His ready smile and childlike enthusiasm can win over even sworn

atheists.