A systematic, simple and humble Jesuit
Our beloved Bro. Joe (Joseph) Karakattu SJ(Pune Province) returned to his heavenly abode on Wednesday 13th 2016 at 10.00pm at St. Luke’s Hospital, Shrirampur. He was 86 years of age and 62 years in the Society of Jesus. The funeral mass was on Thursday 14th2016 at 4:00pm at St. Mary’s Church, Sangamner.
Bro. Joe utilized the best part of his time and energy, his talents and strength. His concern and talents had been offered as a gift to the less privileged youth through technical education. Throughout the length and breadth of India one will meet grateful people who have been given the opportunity to develop their skills and serve the nation, living dignified and fulfilled lives because they encountered Bro. Karakattu either at St Joseph’s Technical Institute, Pune, or Xavier Technical Training Institute, Shrirampur.
His Jesuit companions and co-workers, with pride, speak highly of Bro. Karakattu for the way he systematised St. Joseph’s Technical Institute and poured into it every gift God had given him until it became what it is today, an Institute known for its excellence in solid professional training. Rural youth, some of whom had lost all hope of any future, have shown their proficiency and ability to compete with the best in the field because of the all-round formation they received. He made a great difference in the lives of countless families who had been otherwise condemned to live on the margins of society.
As a committed Jesuit, his generous availability and readiness to serve wherever he was sent proved when he was assigned to the Kerala Province where he helped in building up the Technical Institute in Edathua. Wherever he was assigned he worked consciously to achieve all-round viability and success of every institution. His contacts with the business world ensured that the institutes were made to serve the public profitably and that his students were welcome everywhere as efficient professionals. As a Jesuit Brother he bore witness to God’s love by drawing his strength from the Eucharist and prayer. He will always be remembered for the simplicity of his personal life and the enhanced services he rendered to the poor.
On 13 July Bro. Karakattu felt rather uneasy, but he showed unwillingness to go to the Hospital, though the community members requested him to do so. Towards the evening he vomited blood, and the community members immediately rushed him to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he found himself breathless for a few hours. Finally, towards 10.00pm he breathed his last and surrendered himself together with all his suffering and pain to the Lord. He has now returned to his Master and Lord and is waiting for his Master and Lord to resurrect him. May his soul rest in peace!
From Hitguj
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